Auto Guide
2026 Mazda 3
New Expert recommended

Review and specifications

2026 Mazda 3

The redesigned Mazda3 is offered in sedan or hatchback forms. The sole engine is a carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is now available. The interior is nicely furnished and features a new infotainment system that drivers interact with by using a screen exclusively through a rotary knob. Handling is still nimble but less sporty than in the previous 3. Mazda has improved the ride; it’s firm, but absorbs impacts well. The cabin is relatively quiet and nicely finished. There is an available Driver Monitoring System that watches the driver's face and sounds an alert to warn of fatigue. For 2021 a new 2.0-liter became the base engine, and a much more powerful 2.5-liter turbo is optional. The latter is coupled to all-wheel-drive. The 2.0-liter engine was dropped in 2023. ACC is standard for 2025.

Market value
$24,400
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 4/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door hatchback
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 6-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2019

Pricing

Current retail median
$24,400
Retail value range
$21,350 - $31,350
Original MSRP range
$24,550 - $37,890
Trade-in range
$19,185 - $29,660

Ratings

Road test score
75/100
Reliability
4/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
27 MPG
EPA highway
37 MPG
EPA combined
31 MPG
Tested city
20 MPG
Tested highway
44 MPG
Tested overall
30 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,290
Cruising range
400 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3 sec
0-60 mph
7.7 sec
60-0 mph braking
125 ft
Avoidance speed
54 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
184 in
Width
71 in
Height
57 in
Wheelbase
107 in
Weight
3,025 lb
Maximum load
860 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
4 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
2 in
Rear leg room
27 in
Luggage
3+1+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
6/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Mazda

Most Mazdas are affordable, fun to drive, and look good inside and out. Many of its crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an affordable pre-owned car. Mazda’s two- and three-row SUVs, identified by CX in the name, are consistently near the top of our ratings. Some Mazdas are available as plug-in hybrids that are capable of useful amounts of electric-only driving range. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades before, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.

Vehicle ID: 37983 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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