The 2026 Mazda Mazda3 brings unique looks, a fun-to-drive personality, and an upscale cabin to the compact car segment. It’s also one of the few that’s available with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive. But interior space and fuel economy lag behind some rivals.
Base Price: $37,890
As Tested: $40,775
Horsepower: 227
Mileage: 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined
The 2026 Mazda3 was last redesigned in 2019. For 2026, the Carbon Turbo trim is cut from the lineup but there are no other changes.
There’s something for everyone in the 2026 Mazda3 lineup. It’s available as a sedan and a hatchback, with two engine choices, a manual or automatic transmission, and front- or all-wheel drive. Not every choice is available in each body style. For example, if you want a stick shift, it’s only offered on the S Premium trim, which is only available as a hatchback.
The Mazda3 stands out with its Kodo “Soul of Motion” design with a sleek silhouette, long hood, and sporty stance. The hatchback looks more aggressive with a rear spoiler and front air dam.
The 2026 Mazda3 comes in six trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Starting prices range from $24,550 to $37,890. While the higher trims end up around 40-grand, they are good value for the money with many features.
There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating, although the second row is tight and best suited for kids or smaller adults.
All-wheel drive is available on several trims, and standard on the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus trims.
Most trims are powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes between 186 and 191 horsepower, depending on trim adjustments, and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. The available engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, that makes 227 to 250 horses, depending on fuel grade, and 310 to 320 pound-feet.
The Mazda3 is one of the most engaging compact cars to drive with its nimble handling. Acceleration is brisk, especially in the turbo trims, Steering feel is communicative, brakes are responsive, and the Mazda3 feels planted when cornering. While the ride is firm, it doesn’t compromise everyday comfort. Visibility to the rear is limited, especially in the hatchback, due to the thick rear pillars. Overall, the Mazda3 is super fun – its athletic prowess can feel like the performance of a European compact but without the high price tag.
Fuel economy is slightly reduced for 2026, partly due to Mazda discontinuing its cylinder deactivation technology. EPA ratings for my Mazda3 Hatch 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD tester are 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. I got 26.5 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. The base 2.5 S trim with front-wheel drive is rated at 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Some rivals are more efficient.
The cabin is upscale with the materials, craftmanship and ergonomics approaching what you’d find in luxury brands, especially in the higher Mazda3 trims. Soft-touch materials abound, without the hard plastics that are common in other compact cars. Gauges are a mix of analog and digital displays. Front seats are supportive and comfortable. Space is tight in the second row so it’s best suited for kids.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera,
cloth upholstery, 8.8-inch infotainment display, eight-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio system, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, two USB-C ports, LED lighting, automatic high-beam headlights, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Available features include advanced keyless entry, surround-view camera system, head-up display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, genuine leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, paddle shifters, rear-seat armrest with cup holders, 10.25-inch infotainment display, navigation, 12-speaker Bose sound system, satellite radio, HD Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, Amazon Alexa, universal garage door opener, adaptive headlights, moonroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitoring, vehicle exit warning, and rear-seat alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include lane-trace assist, traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, reverse collision warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors.
The infotainment system isn’t as user friendly as what you’ll find in rivals. It’s controlled by a knob located between the two front seats and is less straightforward to use than a touchscreen. The lower trims get an 8.8-inch display with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upper trims get a 10.25-inch display with more touch functionality and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The good:
Looks that stand out
Engaging driving dynamics
Two good engine choices
Available with a manual transmission
Available with AWD
Many standard and available features and tech
The not-so-good:
Tight second row
Infotainment system not as user-friendly as rivals
Rear visibility is limited, especially in the hatchback
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $37,890. Illuminated door sill trim plates are $575. The 4AP Appearance Package is $1,075 and includes black side sill extensions and black rear bumper skirt. The delivery fee is $1,235, bringing the grand total to $40,775.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Mazda Mazda3 is a top offering among compact cars. It comes as a sedan and hatchback, has two peppy engine choices, and is more upscale than its price would suggest. While fuel economy, second row space, and less intuitive infotainment system controls are drawbacks, many will find those minor inconveniences for the chance to have a fun and spirited daily driver.
