Exterior Design
The 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan boasts a redesigned exterior that exudes sophistication and athleticism. The front fascia features a bold new grille with a honeycomb pattern, flanked by sleek LED headlights that incorporate daytime running lights. The taillights have been redesigned with a more angular shape, giving the rear of the vehicle a more aggressive appearance. Aerodynamic enhancements have been implemented throughout the exterior, including a revised front bumper and rear diffuser, which contribute to improved fuel efficiency and stability at higher speeds.
Interior Design
The 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan’s interior has been completely redesigned with a focus on comfort, convenience, and style. The cabin is now more spacious and airy, with a new dashboard layout that is both modern and functional. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, and the fit and finish is excellent.
Infotainment System
The new infotainment system is one of the most impressive features of the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan. It is easy to use, with a large touchscreen that is responsive and intuitive. The system includes a variety of features, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bose sound system.
Comfort and Convenience
The 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan has been designed with a focus on comfort and convenience. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and there is plenty of legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The cabin is also very quiet, thanks to the use of sound-deadening materials.
Powertrain and Performance
The new 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan has received a significant powertrain upgrade, offering drivers a more powerful and efficient driving experience.
The base engine is now a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This represents an increase of 11 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque over the previous model. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which has been retuned for smoother shifts and improved fuel economy.
For those seeking even more performance, the Mazda 3 Sedan is also available with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines in its class. The turbocharged engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Both engines feature Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system, which uses the engine and brakes to improve handling and stability. The system helps to reduce body roll and understeer, making the Mazda 3 Sedan more fun to drive.
Pricing and Availability
The new 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan is expected to hit showrooms in the fall of 2025. Pricing is yet to be announced, but it is likely to start around $24,000 for the base model and top out at around $35,000 for the top-of-the-line trim. There will be a variety of trim levels available, including the base model, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Turbo. The Turbo trim will be the most expensive and will come with a more powerful engine and upgraded features.
Special Editions
In addition to the standard trim levels, there will also be a few special editions of the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan. These special editions will likely include the Carbon Edition, which will feature a carbon fiber rear spoiler and other sporty upgrades, and the Anniversary Edition, which will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mazda 3.
Comparison with Competitors
The New 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan is a compact sedan that competes with several other models in its class. Some of its main competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra.
Specifications and Features
The following table compares the key specifications and features of the New 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan with its main competitors:
| Feature | Mazda 3 Sedan | Honda Civic | Toyota Corolla | Hyundai Elantra |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Engine | 2.5L inline-4 | 2.0L inline-4 | 2.0L inline-4 | 2.0L inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 158 hp | 169 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 138 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 28/36 mpg | 30/38 mpg | 30/38 mpg | 33/43 mpg |
| Standard Features | LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control | LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, heated front seats, single-zone climate control | LED headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, heated front seats, single-zone climate control | LED headlights, 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, heated front seats, single-zone climate control |
Pricing
The New 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan has a starting price of $24,250. The Honda Civic has a starting price of $24,650, the Toyota Corolla has a starting price of $20,425, and the Hyundai Elantra has a starting price of $19,850.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The New 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan has several strengths, including its stylish design, powerful engine, and comfortable interior. However, it also has some weaknesses, such as its relatively high price and lack of standard safety features.
The Honda Civic is another strong competitor in the compact sedan segment. It offers a spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and a variety of standard features. However, it is not as powerful as the Mazda 3 Sedan and has a less engaging driving experience.
The Toyota Corolla is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient car. It has a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a low starting price. However, it is not as powerful as the Mazda 3 Sedan or the Honda Civic and has a less upscale interior.
The Hyundai Elantra is a value-oriented compact sedan that offers a lot of features for a low price. It has a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a good fuel economy. However, it is not as powerful as the Mazda 3 Sedan or the Honda Civic and has a less upscale interior.
FAQ Section
What are the key exterior design changes of the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan?
The 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan features a bold new grille, sleek headlights, and distinctive taillights. The overall design is more aerodynamic than the previous model, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
What are the interior highlights of the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan?
The 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan boasts a redesigned cabin with premium materials and an updated infotainment system. The new system offers a larger touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a host of other features.
What engine options are available in the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan?
The 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan is available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What safety features are included in the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan?
The 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The car has also earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).