Verified vehicle record
2026 Mazda 3
Car and Driver says Mazda simplified the Mazda 3's lineup somewhat, cutting the Carbon Turbo trim; otherwise it's unchanged for 2026, with the base 2.5-liter non-turbo four-cylinder making 191 hp and 186 lb-ft. MSRP runs $25,885-$38,175. MotorTrend says most come with a six-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is available on the FWD S Premium hatchback), sprinting to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, but says the rear torsion beam suspension can feel stiff, the non-turbo AWD hatch suffers low-speed transmission roughness, rear-seat space trails the competition, fuel economy is middling, and pricing skews higher than most compact sedans and hatches; for those chasing everyday comfort with a dash of luxury the Mazda 3 shines, but MotorTrend says the Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra might be a better fit for pure practicality or budget-friendly performance, and lists top-ranked competitors as the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Honda Civic.
Current archiveChecked Sep. 20, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G), 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo)
Output186–227 hp
DrivetrainFWD / AWD
Seating5
Decision answers12Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Mazda simplified the Mazda 3's lineup somewhat, cutting the Carbon Turbo trim. Otherwise, it's unchanged for 2026.
Pricing and powertrain for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $25,885-$38,175.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the base powertrain features a 2.5-liter non-turbocharged four-cylinder producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Most come with a six-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual is also available, though only with the FWD S Premium hatchback; in MotorTrend testing, this model sprinted to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the rear torsion beam suspension can feel stiff, the non-turbo AWD hatch suffers from low-speed transmission roughness, rear-seat space trails the competition, fuel economy is middling, and pricing skews higher than most compact sedans and hatches. For those chasing everyday comfort with a dash of luxury, the Mazda 3 shines, but for pure practicality or budget-friendly performance the Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra might be a better fit. MotorTrend lists top-ranked competitors as the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Honda Civic.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Mazda 3?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Mazda cut the Carbon Turbo trim; otherwise the lineup is unchanged.
How much does the 2026 Mazda 3 cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $25,885 to $38,175.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
The 2026 Mazda 3 is a compact sedan that Kelley Blue Book lists in 5 trims, from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Its engine choices are 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo). Power runs from 186 to 227 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 3,111 to 3,413 lb and its combined fuel economy 27 to 28 mpg.
Model-year note
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 Carbon Turbo are no longer listed; the best combined fuel economy moves from 30 to 28 mpg.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | Entry trim | See full equipment map |
| 2.5 S Select Sport | Trim 2 of 5 | See full equipment map |
| 2.5 S Preferred | Trim 3 of 5 | See full equipment map |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | Trim 4 of 5 | See full equipment map |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | Top trim | See full equipment map |
01
Entry trim
2.5 S
02
Trim 2 of 5
2.5 S Select Sport
03
Trim 3 of 5
2.5 S Preferred
04
Trim 4 of 5
2.5 S Carbon Edition
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Mazda 3: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | FWD | 186 | 186 | 27 / 36 / 28 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| 2.5 S Select Sport | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | FWD | 186 | 186 | 27 / 36 / 28 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | FWD | 186 | 186 | 27 / 36 / 28 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | AWD | 186 | 186 | 26 / 34 / 28 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | AWD | 227 | 310 | 134 mph | 23 / 32 / 27 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | 3,111 lb | 183.5 in | 56.9 in | 107.3 in | 5.5 in | 37.4 ft | 13.2 gal | 38 in | 42.3 in | P205/60R16 |
| 2.5 S Select Sport | 3,111 lb | 183.5 in | 56.9 in | 107.3 in | 5.5 in | 37.4 ft | 13.2 gal | 38 in | 42.3 in | P215/45R18 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | 3,111 lb | 183.5 in | 56.9 in | 107.3 in | 5.5 in | 37.4 ft | 13.2 gal | 37.6 in | 42.3 in | P215/45R18 |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | 3,283 lb | 183.5 in | 56.9 in | 107.3 in | 5.5 in | 37.4 ft | 12.7 gal | 37.6 in | 42.3 in | P215/45R18 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | 3,413 lb | 183.5 in | 56.9 in | 107.3 in | 5.5 in | 37.4 ft | 12.7 gal | 37.6 in | 42.3 in | P215/45R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Mazda 3 trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | 2.5 S | 2.5 S Select Sport | 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5 S Carbon Edition | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
7 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 492563 4-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 27 | 36 | 30 | N/A |
| 492573 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 26 | 34 | 29 | N/A |
| 492583 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 23 | 32 | 27 | N/A |
| 492903 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Regular | 25 | 34 | 28 | N/A |
| 492913 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 26 | 34 | 29 | N/A |
| 492923 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 25 | 34 | 28 | N/A |
| 492933 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 | N/A |
Direct answers
12 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 3 come in?
Kelley Blue Book lists 5 trims for the 2026 Mazda 3 (compact sedan): 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q02What are the 2026 3 trims?
Kelley Blue Book lists these 5 trims for the 2026 Mazda 3, in this order: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 3 use?
The 2026 Mazda 3 is built around 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G), 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo), rated at 186–227 horsepower across its compact sedan body style.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 3?
The 2026 Mazda 3 is offered with FWD / AWD.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 3?
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 Carbon Turbo are no longer listed; the best combined fuel economy moves from 30 to 28 mpg.
Source: Kelley Blue Book model-year information
Q06How much cargo space does the 2026 Mazda 3 have, per EPA measurement?
The EPA lists 13 to 20 cubic feet of measured luggage or cargo volume for the 2026 Mazda 3.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q07Did the 2026 Mazda 3 earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
IIHS lists the 2026 Mazda 3 (3 4-door hatchback) as a Top Safety Pick+ and IIHS lists the 2026 Mazda 3 (3 4-door sedan) as a Top Safety Pick+. IIHS states the rating applies to 2019-26, 2023-26 and 2024-26 models, based on a test of the 2019 Mazda 3 4-door.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q08How did the 2026 Mazda 3 do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Mazda 3: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test (3 4-door hatchback and 3 4-door sedan). IIHS states the rating applies to 2019-26, 2023-26 and 2024-26 models, based on a test of the 2019 Mazda 3 4-door. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q09What is the 2026 Mazda 3's top speed?
The 2026 Mazda 3's top speed is 134 mph on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q10What size wheels does the 2026 Mazda 3 have?
The 2026 Mazda 3's wheel diameter is 16 inches on the 2.5 S and 18 inches on the 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q11How do the 2026 Mazda 3 trims differ from one another?
The 2.5 S Select Sport has heated mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment over the 2.5 S. The 2.5 S Preferred has heated front seats and a power driver's seat as standard equipment over the 2.5 S Select Sport. The 2.5 S Carbon Edition has AWD instead of FWD and leather seats as standard equipment over the 2.5 S Preferred. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has 227 hp against 186 and front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system and 6 more as standard equipment over the 2.5 S Carbon Edition.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q12What does the 2026 Mazda 3 cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Mazda 3 run from $25,885 for the 2.5 S to $39,325 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, across 6 trims. Those figures include the destination charge.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Mazda 3.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Mazda 3 across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Kelley Blue Book 2026 Mazda 3 specificationsPer-trim specifications and standard and optional equipment
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.