Used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 14.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 138 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of choice in the market.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 10/10 across Look and feel, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its sporty design, high-quality interior, and fun driving experience. They also highlight its stylish appearance and fuel efficiency, while the overview points to a compact car that feels more engaging than merely practical. For you, that means this Mazda3 makes the most sense if you want a small car with more character and refinement than the average commuter.

With 28.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to find value.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with praise for its fun driving experience, high-quality interior, and overall satisfaction. The expert drive notes that the powertrain and chassis tuning are smooth, predictable, and consistent, and that the car is one you can come to know and trust over time. Mazda also positions the car as a strong value proposition, which helps support confidence in day-to-day ownership.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic dependability and more about whether the specific car has the equipment and condition you want.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The 2.5 Turbo comes in sedan and hatchback body styles, with the Premium Package and 100th Anniversary special edition adding more upscale equipment. The base specification is more limited, while higher trims bring a more premium cabin and additional convenience features.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD. It delivers strong performance and smooth, predictable response, but fuel use can climb if you drive it hard.
• Safety package: Mazda’s ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and the GT trim adds an Adaptive Front Lighting System. With the Premium Package, you also get a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect uses an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. It is not touch-sensitive, and the Premium Package adds an Active Driving Display.
• Fuel efficiency: During testing, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo averaged 11.5 L/100 km, compared with a Natural Resources Canada estimate of 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving.

Which 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 is offered in 3 trim levels: 2.5 Turbo, GT, and 100th Anniversary.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5 Turbo: This is the core choice if you want the turbocharged engine, AWD, and the strongest performance story. It delivers the biggest jump in power and driving enjoyment, making it the best-value pick for shoppers who care most about the Mazda3’s dynamic character.
• GT: This trim makes the Mazda3 feel more complete if you want a more upscale cabin and added convenience. It is the better fit if you value a richer interior and more premium-feeling equipment over simply getting the quickest version.
• 100th Anniversary: Choose this if you want the most distinctive appearance and the most special-edition feel. It suits you best if exclusivity matters as much as equipment.

The GT trim’s safety upgrades are especially worth noting because they add Adaptive Front Lighting System capability, while the Premium Package brings several GT-exclusive safety features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some patience and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 138 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.31% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $20,980 CAD, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's resale value?

The current average of $20,980 CAD sits slightly below last year's $24,482 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become more favourable for buyers, but it also means future sellers may need to price carefully to stay competitive. If you buy well now, you may have less downside risk than someone who purchased when prices were higher. The Mazda3’s strong appeal in style, interior quality, and driving enjoyment should help support demand, especially for well-kept examples with desirable equipment.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 safe?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition from IIHS and five-star ratings in every NHTSA assessment, including rollover resistance.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Mazda’s driver-assistance suite is designed to support the driver rather than replace them. Standard features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and the system can be configured for different warning types and sensitivity levels through the infotainment settings. The GT trim adds an Adaptive Front Lighting System, while the Premium Package adds a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Traffic Jam Assist is not a Level 2 system, so you remain in control of steering at all times. Even so, the overall safety package is broad and sophisticated, and the car’s crash-test results are a major strength.

Should I buy a 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.31% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The turbocharged powertrain makes the car feel especially rewarding to drive.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $22,893 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $20,980 CAD average.
• It adds a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint colour.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the better buy if you want the strongest mix of value, performance, and owner satisfaction. If you are shopping on a tighter budget, the 2021 is the smarter path; if you want a newer model year and do not mind paying more, the 2022 is the alternative to compare.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.