What Sets the 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring Sedan Apart? A Full Review

The 2017 Mazda 3 Grand Touring sedan lands somewhere between sporty flair and everyday practicality. With a sleek exterior, a well‑tuned 2.5‑liter four‑cylinder, and a cabin that feels more upscale than its price suggests, this model aims to prove that compact cars don’t have to sacrifice comfort for agility. Below we break down the design cues, performance numbers, technology suite, and the specs that define the Grand Touring trim.

Design and Interior: Subtle Sophistication

At first glance the Grand Touring carries Mazda’s “Kodo” design language—smooth, flowing lines that give the sedan a poised stance. The front fascia features a wider grille flanked by sleek headlights, while the rear sports a modest spoiler that hints at the car’s sporty ambitions without looking ostentatious.

Inside, the Grand Touring upgrades the base cabin with leather‑trimmed seats, a wood‑grain dashboard insert, and a dual‑zone climate system. The seats themselves are noteworthy: bolstered enough for spirited driving yet padded for longer commutes. Ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance, and the driver‑centered layout keeps essential controls within easy reach.

Space is generous for a compact sedan. Front occupants enjoy ample headroom, and rear passengers receive respectable legroom, making the car suitable for small families or rideshare duties. The trunk offers about 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for a weekend bag or a modest grocery haul.

Performance and Fuel Economy: Balanced Power

The Grand Touring is powered by Mazda’s 2.5‑liter Skyactiv‑G engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 185 lb‑ft of torque. Paired with either a six‑speed manual or a six‑speed automatic, the powertrain feels linear, providing confident acceleration without any harsh surge.

In everyday driving, the sedan feels lively enough to merge onto highways without hesitation, yet it remains composed during city traffic. The steering is precise, offering a good amount of feedback that makes cornering enjoyable without being twitchy.

On the efficiency front, EPA estimates place the automatic version at roughly 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while the manual trails slightly lower. Those numbers position the Grand Touring competitively among its rivals, especially considering the added power of the larger engine.

Tech and Safety Features: Modern Convenience

Technology in the Grand Touring leans toward both driver assistance and infotainment. A 7‑inch touchscreen anchors the center console, running Mazda’s Connect system with Bluetooth, USB, and optional navigation. The interface is intuitive, though some may miss Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which were not standard on the 2017 model.

Safety credentials are solid. The sedan earned a respectable rating from the IIHS, thanks in part to features like blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, and Mazda’s i‑Activesense suite that includes adaptive cruise control and lane‑keep assist. Standard equipment also includes a rear‑view camera and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Trim‑Level Specs at a Glance

• Engine: 2.5 L SKYACTIV‑G I4, 184 hp
• Transmission: 6‑speed manual or 6‑speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: ~27 mpg city / 36 mpg highway (auto)
• Seating: Leather‑trimmed front seats, 60/40 split‑fold rear bench
• Infotainment: 7‑inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, optional navigation
• Safety: Blind‑spot monitor, rear cross‑traffic alert, adaptive cruise control
• Dimensions: Wheelbase 106.3 in, overall length 185.9 in
• Price (when new): Approximately $22,500

Driving Impressions: What Real‑World Owners Notice

Owners often praise the Grand Touring’s refined ride quality. The suspension strikes a middle ground—firm enough to keep body roll in check during spirited driving, yet soft enough to absorb potholes on uneven roads. Noise insulation is surprisingly good; wind and road chatter stay mostly out of the cabin, allowing the premium audio system to shine.

Maintenance costs align with the broader Mazda lineup: routine services like oil changes and brake pad replacements fall within average ranges for compact sedans. Reliability scores from major agencies place the 2017 Mazda 3 among the more dependable choices in its class, which adds confidence for used‑car shoppers.

Is the Grand Touring Worth Buying Used?

For those hunting a compact sedan that feels a cut above the rest, the Grand Touring remains a compelling option. Its combination of a lively engine, upscale interior appointments, and a solid safety suite offers value that many newer rivals struggle to match at similar price points. Prospective buyers should verify service history, ensure any optional navigation or premium audio upgrades are functional, and consider a pre‑purchase inspection to catch potential wear on suspension components.

FAQ

How does the Grand Touring differ from the Premium trim?

The Grand Touring adds leather upholstery, a wood‑grain interior accent, dual‑zone climate control, and a larger 7‑inch infotainment screen. The Premium trim typically offers cloth seats, a simpler dash layout, and fewer driver‑assist features.

Can I get a manual transmission in the Grand Touring?

Yes, Mazda offered a six‑speed manual as an option alongside the automatic. The manual provides a more engaging driving experience but may be harder to find on the used market.

What are the most common complaints about this model?

Some owners note that the infotainment system can feel dated compared to newer platforms, and a few report that the rear seat headroom is tight for taller passengers. Overall, complaints are relatively minor compared to the model’s strengths.

Is the 2017 Mazda 3 still covered by a warranty?

The original powertrain warranty ran for 5 years/60,000 miles, so many used examples still have coverage left, especially if they were purchased near the end of the model year. Verify the VIN with Mazda to confirm remaining warranty benefits.