Used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 9.79% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 167 listings available, which suggests a reasonable amount of inventory for shoppers to compare.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.3/10 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 fuel efficiency, which fits the car’s polished, more distinctive take on the compact-car formula. If you want a compact car that feels more premium and engaging than the norm, this year’s MAZDA3 lines up well with that use case. With 35.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s also a decent share of attractive market opportunities.

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 centred on its fun driving experience, high-quality interior, and overall appeal. The expert road test also describes the powertrain and dynamic tuning as smooth, consistent, and predictable, and says the car is one you come to know and trust. That kind of behaviour can be reassuring for used buyers because it suggests fewer surprises over time.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The turbo model comes in both body styles, and the Premium Package adds features such as the head-up display. The GT trim also brings 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.
• 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 it is not offered with a manual transmission.
• 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. The Premium Package adds 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. The screen is not touch-sensitive, and the system relies on a centre-console control knob.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo model is estimated at 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving, though the road test returned 11.5 L/100 km.

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 performance choice, pairing the turbocharged engine with AWD and a 6-speed automatic. It suits you if you want the strongest driving character and the most distinctive version of the car without chasing special-edition extras.
• GT: This trim adds meaningful equipment, including the Adaptive Front Lighting System, and it is the one to focus on if you want a better-balanced mix of features and value.
• 100th Anniversary: This is the special-edition pick, and it is the one to choose if you want the most exclusive presentation and the richest trim treatment.

The GT trim is the one that picks up the key safety-package upgrade, while the Premium Package adds several of the most desirable convenience and safety features.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 167 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.79% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $20,915 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 $21,270 CAD sits slightly below last year's $23,579 CAD.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favourable point, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. For a seller, the current trend suggests you may need to price competitively to stand out. Strong owner satisfaction can still help support demand when it is time to sell.

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 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 safety suite is built around driver-assistance systems that support rather than replace the driver. Standard features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and the system can be configured for different warning types and sensitivity levels. 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. The GT trim adds an Adaptive Front Lighting System.

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:

• 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.79% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The turbocharged engine gives this year a more performance-focused character than earlier versions.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $22,529 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,270 CAD average.
• It adds a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint colour.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the better pick if you want the strongest value and the most compelling pricing right now. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model year and a fresh paint option, the 2022 is the alternative to keep on your shortlist.

How does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 compare to the 2021 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 8.3/10 and the 2021 Honda Civic 7.2/10. The Mazda stands out for its stronger style, more premium interior feel, and more engaging driving character. The Civic counters with slightly better fuel economy figures and a much larger pool of listings, so it may be easier to shop if selection matters most.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.