Top Safety Pick +

2017 Mazda 3

small car / 4-door hatchback

Award applies only to vehicles with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights

2017 Mazda 3 4-door hatchback — 2014 Mazda 3 4-door hatchback shown

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Optional system	Superior
Optional system	Advanced

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use

Other available safety features

Optional blind spot detection
Optional lane departure warning
Optional lane departure prevention

Key

G
Good
A
Acceptable
M
Marginal
P
Poor

Superior
Advanced
Basic

Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Others range from Basic to Superior.

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2014-18 models built after October 2013

Tested vehicle: 2014 Mazda 3 i-Touring 4-door

The Mazda 3 was redesigned for the 2014 model year. Beginning with 2014 models built after October 2013, the front suspension was modified to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.) The small overlap frontal ratings apply to both the hatchback and sedan versions of the Mazda 3.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

Forces on the right lower leg were just high enough to indicate a moderate risk of injury.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1346
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	12
Footrest (cm)	8
Left toepan (cm)	3
Brake pedal (cm)	5
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	4
Upper dash (cm)	7
Lower instrument panel (cm)	9

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1346
Head
HIC-15	210
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.5
Extension bending moment (Nm)	5
Maximum Nij	0.25
Chest maximum compression (mm)	24
Femur (kN)
Left	0.5
Right	0.2
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.46
Right	0.86
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	1.2
Right	1.5
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	50
Right	54

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2014-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2014 Mazda 3 i-Touring 4-door

The Mazda 3 was redesigned for the 2014 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Mazda. These ratings apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda 3.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1315
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	3
Left (cm)	7
Center (cm)	8
Right (cm)	2
Brake pedal (cm)	2
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	0
Right (cm)	-1
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-4
Rearward (cm)	-5
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1315
Head
HIC-15	124
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.2
Extension bending moment (Nm)	14
Maximum Nij	0.24
Chest maximum compression (mm)	35
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.5
Femur force - right (kN)	0.3
Knee displacement - left (mm)	0
Knee displacement - right (mm)	0
Maximum tibia index - left	0.41
Maximum tibia index - right	0.53
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	2.0
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	2.1
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	44
Right	64

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2014-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2014 Mazda 3 i-Touring 4-door with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags

The Mazda 3 was redesigned for the 2014 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Mazda. These ratings apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda 3.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1310
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-14.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1310
Head HIC-15	408
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.9
Compression (kN)	0.4
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	32
Lateral force (kN)	1.5
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	32
Average deflection (mm)	29
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.76
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.42
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	1.5
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.3
Combined force (kN)	2.6
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.9
L-M moment (Nm)	114
A-P moment (Nm)	138

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1310
Head HIC-15	113
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.3
Compression (kN)	0.5
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	48
Lateral force (kN)	1.8
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	42
Average deflection (mm)	32
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.61
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.58
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.1
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.6
Combined force (kN)	1.6
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.1
L-M moment (Nm)	49
A-P moment (Nm)	158

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2014-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2014 Mazda 3 i Touring 4-door

Rating applies to both the Mazda 3 hatchback (tested) and the structurally similar Mazda 3 sedan.

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	2,866 lbs
Peak force	18,217 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	6.36

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Manual cloth seat

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Manual cloth seat
Geometry
Backset (mm)	14
Distance below top of head (mm)	4
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	11.1
Head contact time (ms)	61
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	0
Max neck tension (N)	396

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 3 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

Grand Touring trim equipped with Premium Equipment and i-ACTIVSENSE Safety packages

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves, fair on the sharp left curve and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams created some glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair in all 4 tests.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and on both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	Grand Touring trim equipped with Premium Equipment and i-ACTIVSENSE Safety packages
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2017-18 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	109.3 m	None
Straightaway left edge	47.3 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	78.3 m	1.7%
250m radius left curve, left edge	46.6 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	65.1 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	46.8 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	150.7 m
Straightaway left edge	132.2 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	70.1 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	68.6 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	58.6 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	58.3 m

Trim level(s)

Grand Touring trim equipped with Premium Equipment package

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

The low beams created some glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	Grand Touring trim equipped with Premium Equipment package
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2017 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	109.3 m	None
Straightaway left edge	47.3 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	78.3 m	1.7%
250m radius left curve, left edge	46.6 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	65.1 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	46.8 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	150.7 m
Straightaway left edge	132.2 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	70.1 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	68.6 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	58.6 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	58.3 m

Trim level(s)

Sport trim
Touring trim
Grand Touring trim
Touring 2.5 trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right curve and inadequate on the sharp right and both left curves.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right and gradual left curves and inadequate on the sharp right and sharp left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	Sport trim Touring trim Grand Touring trim Touring 2.5 trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2017-18 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	81.5 m	None
Straightaway left edge	53.1 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	56.2 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	45.0 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	44.9 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	38.1 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	146.0 m
Straightaway left edge	126.1 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	73.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	68.9 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	53.4 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	51.8 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

Ratings are given for 2 different trim variations available on this vehicle.

System details

Optional Smart Brake Support
optional Smart City Brake Support

Package name

Optional i-ActivSense Safety Package

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2017 models

Superior

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

System details

Optional Smart City Brake Support

Package name

Optional Touring or Grand Touring Trim

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2017 models

Advanced

with optional equipment

This system does not meet the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle failed to slow.

About the original front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2015-18 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	i Touring
Seat type	cloth

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors from the other seating positions.

Note: When anchors are borrowed, they aren't available to use in their designated positions.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	i Touring
Seat type	cloth

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	Can be borrowed from 1 and 3
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	17
Clearance angle (degrees)	62
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	16
Clearance angle (degrees)	60
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Lower anchor B
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	39
Clearance angle (degrees)	58
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	22
Clearance angle (degrees)	58
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation