We have written about Mazda time and time again and have accumulated a great deal of information on its capabilities and features. Today we uncover whether Mazda is a luxury brand or not. Let’s have a look:
Mazda offers some premium options, such as the Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-9, and has an arsenal of modern features, but calling it a luxury brand wouldn’t be completely accurate. Mazda caters to consumers who want a step up from your everyday economy cars, something more premium. It offers this at an incredible price range of $20,000 to $40,000. Again a range not associated with luxury that lacks the high-quality materials and performance options found in luxury cars.
That was the answer in a nutshell. However, we’ve got a lot more information from our in-depth research on Mazda and what it offers, along with its biggest pro and cons when seen through a luxury lens. Thus, read on.
Why Are Mazda Considered To Be Luxury Cars?
Mazda can be thought of as a premium car brand making its way into luxury. In the sections below, we’ll explore what it presents and where it lacks. Mazda offers eight vehicles in its lineup with 3 SUVs, a sedan, a hatchback, and two of its signature Miatas (Mazda MX-5 Miata and Miata RF).
The available SUVs are the Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-5, and the Mazda CX-9. The CX-9 is Mazda’s most premium vehicle. Mazda also offers the Mazda MX-30 and electric vehicle only available in California. The Mazda 3 is available in a sedan and hatchback configuration.
Mazda offers its lineup with two unique trims, among others. The Black Edition trim is a bold black-themed trim, and the Signature trim which is the most premium trim available.
Luxury Features
Interior
A premium or luxury vehicle without a breathtaking interior is incomplete. The first thing that comes to mind in a superior interior is comfort. Mazda delivers ventilated front seats and heated first and second-row captain’s seats (CX-9 Model) with a center console and special perks for the driver such as an 8-way power-adjustable seat and power lumbar support, two-position memory, and a heated steering wheel.
You can’t have a luxurious interior without incredible craftsmanship. Mazda offers Nappa leather-trimmed seats with quilting and piping seat accents. A refreshing ambiance is created with the help of an Aluminum interior trim with Santos Rosewood inlays, and a geometric pattern paired with LED accent lighting and Bose surround sound system.
Carbon Edition
The Carbon Edition offers a bolder interior with red leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.
Exterior
Mazda’s design philosophy Kodo: “Soul Of Motion”, instills a sense of movement, even at a standstill, making for a captivating stance. Mazda establishes a unique look with striking curves and angles that command your attention. All made possible by their talented artisans and their commitment to clay. The same can be said for the painting process; the master painter and color designer work together to bring you Mazda’s Soul Red color, a true expression of Mazda’s passion and dedication to creating cars.
Signature Trim
Mazda’s most prestigious trim. As expected, the signature trim offers a stunning exterior: front grille in Gunmetal finish or Titanium Gray Metallic finish (CX-9 Model) with LED grille accent lighting, chrome lower body molding, and the signature trim badge. This ensures that the Signature model stands out from the other trims and commands respect wherever you go.
Carbon Edition
Mazda’s own Dark Knight has a striking yet elegant Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior complete with black alloy wheels, gloss black front grille, and black heated power side mirrors. A beautiful and graceful creature that disappears into the night.
Capabilities
Vehicle performance is a crucial factor whenever a car is being purchased. We’ve seen that Mazda has quite a bit to offer in terms of comfort, features, and style, but what about its performance? Below is a table that summarizes the performance capabilities of the Mazda lineup.
*Horsepower and Torque values are based on the recommended regular unleaded fuel.
| Model | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (City/HWY) |
| Mazda CX-30 | 186 | 186 | 24 / 31 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 187 | 186 | 24 / 30 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 227 | 310 | 20 / 26 |
| Mazda MX-30 EV | 143 | 200 | – |
| Mazda 3 Sedan (Turbo) | 227 | 310 | 23 / 32 |
| Mazda 3 Hatchback (Turbo) | 227 | 310 | 23 / 31 |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata ST | 181 | 151 | 26 / 34 |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata RF | 181 | 151 | 26 / 34 |
Mazda offers its premium lineup at a great price point, one that’s hard to beat. Considering this, we can say that the performance options available are pretty justifiable, and most people would walk away content with the performance, comfort, and refinement they get.
However, similar luxury brands such as Acura and Buick have higher performance options; both brands have at least one model with over 300 hp. Thus, higher performance capabilities can be obtained at other brands but at a much higher price.
Price And Cost
Mazda has an incredible value for money, with all of its models starting with a price below the $40,000 mark. The $40,000 mark is crossed when opting for more premium trim levels such as the Signature trim or Carbon Edition.
Nevertheless, Mazda presents an attractive price range. This pricing strategy is a reason why Mazda may be seen as a premium brand making its way into a luxury instead of a high-end luxury brand.
The starting prices for Mazda’s lineup are presented in the table below.
| Model | Price |
| Mazda CX-30 | $22,200 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $25,900 |
| Mazda CX-9 | $35,280 |
| Mazda MX-30 EV | $33,470 |
| Mazda 3 Sedan (Turbo) | $20,800 |
| Mazda 3 Hatchback (Turbo) | $22,750 |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata ST | $27,300 |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata RF | $35,000 |
Safety
Safety is an essential part of vehicles manufactured today. Some of the most critical safety features offered by Mazda are summarized below.
- Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection helps detect vehicles and pedestrians in your path. In case of an impact, it can alert the driver and apply the brakes if necessary.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert detects a vehicle approaching from the side and alerts you.
- Adaptive Front Lighting System, which helps you see around corners as the headlights pivot in the direction of your turn.
- Lane Departure Warning System and Lane Keep Assist help you stay in your lane with the help of alerts and minor steering corrections.
- Driver Attention Alert displays an alert when decreased attentiveness or driver fatigue is recognized in driving behavior.
What Mazda Is Top Of The Line And Why?
The Mazda CX-9 Signature is Mazda’s top-of-the-line luxury car. It starts at $47,210, giving you 227hp and 310 lb-ft of torque (250hp and 320 lb-ft with 93 Octane Premium Unleaded Fuel); the highest performance capabilities that Mazda has to offer.
Titanium Gray Metallic finish front grille, Aluminum roof rails in Satin Chrome finish, Chrome lower body molding, and unique body curves all come together to give you the elegant Mazda CX-9 Signature.
The CX-9 Signature doesn’t lack exterior features either. It has an array of LED capabilities to give you the best lighting in any driving scenario and an Adaptive Front Lighting System that helps you see around corners. It has heated automatic power-folding side mirrors as well as a hands-free power liftgate.
Within this enchanting exterior is Mazda’s Signature cabin equipped with an Aluminum trim, Genuine Santos Rosewood inlays, first and second row Parchment, or Deep Chestnut Nappa leather-trimmed captain’s chairs. It creates the perfect atmosphere with the 12 speakers of Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System.
The Mazda CX-9 Signature is the most expensive model and trim available at Mazda. Despite being Mazda’s most expensive offering, its still a steal when compared to similarly equipped models of other brands. This is the perfect car for those who want a stunning SUV equipped with countless features and spectacular comfort at a very reasonable price.
Where Does Mazda Rank Amongst Other Luxury Car Brands?
Mazda ranks on the lower spectrum of the luxury category. Although it places above brands like Chrysler due to its better vehicle options, performance, and unique style, it doesn’t clearly define itself as a luxury brand and appeals to consumers between luxury and economy cars. Its price point further reinforces this strategy as most of its models are available in the $20,000 to $40,000 range.
Brands like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz offer higher quality materials in their interiors and greater performance options than Mazda. Mazda’s highest horsepower offering is 227 whereas the above-mentioned brands offer many options within the 300-500 range and the BMW M performance series even offers vehicles with horsepower exceeding 600.
It’s best to consider Mazda as a great premium brand with some vehicle options that could be considered entry-level luxury cars.
Should You Get A Mazda?
The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a luxury car with the latest technology and the highest quality interior or great performance options then you should look above Mazda and into the leading luxury brands like Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
If you are looking for a premium vehicle with a similar luxury appeal within an affordable budget, Mazda is an excellent option. Mazda is a reliable vehicle with a price range of $20,000 to $40,000 for most of its lineup and that’s not all.
Mazda offers a unique design that sets it apart from most vehicles on the road and a Carbon edition for an even bolder expression. It offers a premium interior that looks incredible and offers many premium features that can be found in luxury vehicles. Mazda’s CX-9 is an unbelievable vehicle at this price point and one we would suggest from Mazda’s lineup.
Sources
- https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-9/compare-vehicle-specs-and-trims
- https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-30/compare-vehicle-specs-and-trims
- https://www.motorbiscuit.com/mazda-luxury-car-brand/
- https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2019/03/is-mazda-a-luxury-brand-.html
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.