The 2010 Mazda3 uses a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim and configuration.
In the 2010 model year, Mazda offered the Mazda3 with two main transmission choices: a traditional manual and a traditional automatic. No continuously variable transmission (CVT) was used in the 2010 Mazda3 lineup, and gearboxes varied by trim and market.
Transmission options in the 2010 Mazda3
Overview of the two transmission types and how they appeared across the lineup.
- 5-speed manual transmission: available on most trims, favored by drivers who want greater control and engagement.
- 4-speed automatic transmission: offered on many trims as the simpler, more convenient option for daily driving.
In practice, buyers could choose between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, with availability depending on the chosen trim and package. The automatic was more common on mid- to high-level trims, while the manual was more common on base models and sport-oriented configurations.
Notes and caveats
Transmission availability can differ by market and model year within the same generation, so checking the specific vehicle's build sheet or owner's manual is advisable for a given car.
Summary
The 2010 Mazda3 offered two main transmission types: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic, with which one you could pair depending on the trim and market. There was no CVT in the 2010 lineup.