Skip to main content

2019 Mazda3 Hindered by Headlights, Still Shines in Crash Tests

19 Mazda Mazda3 IIHS Crash Test jpg 2019 Mazda3 | IIHS image

If you want a 2019 Mazda3 sedan with top safety scores, you’ll have to pony up extra money for it. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the redesigned sedan and hatchback its Top Safety Pick designation, but only sedan models equipped with the optional automatic braking system qualify (the system is standard on hatchbacks).

Related: 2019 Mazda3 Gets Sharp New Look and Steep New Price to Boot

Shop the 2019 Mazda Mazda3 near you

Used
2019 Mazda Mazda3 FWD w/Select Package
49,518 mi.
$14,150
Used
2019 Mazda Mazda3 Preferred
42,932 mi.
$19,998

Both body styles earned the requisite scores of good in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as the tough new passenger-side small overlap front test.

The cars also earned a superior rating in front crash prevention. In IIHS testing, the agency said the cars’ front crash-prevention system automatically avoided collisions in 12-mph and 25-mph track tests.

More From Cars.com:

Both vehicles earned only an acceptable headlight rating, however, precluding them from the higher Top Safety Pick Plus status. The 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback, a main Mazda3 competitor, also received the Top Safety Pick designation and also received an acceptable score for headlights. The redesigned 2020 Corolla sedan has not yet been tested, but both Corolla body styles offer standard front crash prevention.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

News Editor
Jennifer Geiger

News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.

Featured stories

hyundai venue 2025 exterior oem 02 jpg
disappearance new vehicles under  20K jpg
lincoln navigator 2025 01 exterior front angle grey scaled jpg