Mazda continues to update Mazda3, a car that has always punched above its weight in style, handling, and cabin quality. For 2026, the 3 returns largely familiar, but with incremental improvements in tech, safety, and equipment that keep it competitive—and in some ways, class-leading.
Available again as a sedan or a hatchback, the 2026 Mazda3 offers a mix of powertrains, driveline configurations, and trim levels that range from sensible commuter to mini luxury car. The lineup also still caters to driving enthusiasts with the rare gift of a manual transmission.
Powertrains and Drivetrains
Mazda keeps things simple with one engine family but two personalities. Most trims are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four making 191 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available starting with the Carbon Edition trim.
At the top, the Turbo Premium Plus swaps in a turbocharged version of the same engine. With premium fuel, output jumps to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque (227 hp on regular). Power is routed through a six-speed automatic and standard AWD.
And then there’s the enthusiast’s pick: the hatchback-only 2.5 S Premium with a six-speed manual. With 191 hp and front-wheel drive, it’s not the fastest model, but the manual gearbox keeps Mazda3 loyalists happy.
Tech and Safety
Every 2026 Mazda3 comes with a broad suite of active safety tech under the i-Activsense umbrella. That means radar cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Vehicle Exit Warning, Rear Seat Alert, and Driver Attention Alert are also standard.
Infotainment begins with an 8.8-inch center display, controlled by a rotary knob, and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting with the Carbon Edition. Higher trims add a larger 10.25-inch screen with touchscreen capability when paired to CarPlay or Android Auto. Mazda Connected Services is included for a year, allowing owners to check vehicle status, lock/unlock, or start the car remotely via the MyMazda app. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also standard with a short trial period.
Higher trims layer on goodies like a 12-speaker Bose audio system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera system, and Alexa Built-In voice control.
Trims
Mazda3 2.5 S
- Price: $24,550 (sedan), $25,550 (hatchback)
- Standard features: 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, pushbutton start, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, LED headlights/taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, new eight-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio, and full suite of i-Activsense safety features.
Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport
- Price: $25,440 (sedan), $26,740 (hatchback)
- Adds: dual-zone climate control, leatherette seats, rain-sensing wipers, black 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, rear armrest with cupholders, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.
- Tech: Alexa Built-In for voice commands on climate, audio, and connected-home devices.
Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred
- Price: $27,090 (sedan), $28,440 (hatchback)
- Adds: moonroof, heated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory, silver or gray metallic 18-inch wheels, tilt-down side mirrors in reverse, optional Greige interior for sedans.
Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition
- Price: $30,210 (sedan), $31,450 (hatchback)
- Distinctive look: Polymetal Gray paint, red-leather interior, gloss black mirrors, black 18-inch wheels.
- Tech: wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, HD radio.
- Drivetrain: AWD standard.
Mazda3 2.5 S Premium (manual-only)
- Price: $31,360 (hatchback only)
- Enthusiast spec: six-speed manual with FWD.
- Features: 12-speaker Bose audio, head-up display, adaptive headlights, navigation with OTA updates, SiriusXM, choice of black or red leather.
Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
- Price: $36,740 (sedan), $37,890 (hatchback)
- Power: 250-hp turbo-four with AWD.
- Features: 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera, traffic-jam assist, frameless rearview mirror with Homelink, gloss black aero add-ons, leather options in black, red, or white.
Full Pricing Table: 2026 Mazda3
| Model | Drivetrain | Sedan | Hatchback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda3 2.5 S | FWD | $24,550 | $25,550 |
| Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport | FWD | $25,440 | $26,740 |
| Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred | FWD | $27,090 | $28,440 |
| Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition | AWD | $30,210 | $31,450 |
| Mazda3 2.5 S Premium (6MT) | FWD | – | $31,360 |
| Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | AWD | $36,740 | $37,890 |
Premium Paint (Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Ceramic Metallic): $595
The 2026 Mazda3 doesn’t reinvent the formula—it doesn’t need to. This is still one of the sharpest-driving compact cars on sale, and one of the few that manages to feel genuinely upscale without a luxury badge. T