2026 Mazda 3 Sedan: The Best Small Sedan?

The Mazda lineup has been quickly growing more premium as the years pass, including even their most affordable products, like the Mazda 3 Sedan. But, the Mazda 3 has more competition than ever, with options like the Kia K4 and Honda Civic with it in their sights. So, with some updates for 2026, is this Mazda 3 still the one to buy?? This article will cover the spec breakdowns of the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan but be sure to watch the video below for an in-depth design review!

What’s New for 2026?

Carbon Turbo model gone
8-speakers standard

Trims and Pricing

MSRP for FWD models unless noted

2.5 S: $24,550

Select Sport: $25,440

Preferred: $27,090

Carbon AWD: $30,210

2.5T Premium Plus AWD: $36,740

Prices are up across the lineup this year, with top models giving luxury competitors a run for their money.

Air Ball and Slam Dunk

Slam Dunk: Even as this model ages, it still can stand up to luxury small sedans which is quite a feat

Air Ball: The Mazda 3 is in need of some repackaging for more space and tech

Design and Features

As mentioned above, please watch the video linked below for a full in-depth exploration of the exterior design and differences. The 3 doesn’t gain any huge design elements for this year. It retains its very sporty, yet refined, exterior design that many have always loved. Do note that the Turbo models will add some nicer finishes. Additionally, Mazda still offers the 3 Hatch if you’d like to further increase your practicality or get a manual transmission.

Here is the full breakdown of what we currently know about the feature availability:

Feature	Availability
Exterior
LED Headlights	Standard with LEDs \| Turbo Models: Upgraded Unit
Fog Lights	Not Available
Wheels	16-18-inch alloys depending on trim
Mirrors	Standard BSM \| Select+: Heating \| Gloss Black on Carbon/Turbo Models
LED Taillights	Standard
Dual-Exhaust Outlets	Standard
Forward Emergency Braking	Standard on all 3 Sedan Models
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Auto High Beams
Traffic Sign Recognition	Turbo Premium Plus

When it comes to the Interior, the 3 Sedan will also be well-equipped on all trims.

Interior
Smart Entry	Select+
Seat Materials	Cloth, Leatherette, or Leather Available
Seat Adjustment	S/Select: Manual \| Preferred+: 8-way Power with memory
Push Button Start	Standard
Gauge Cluster	Standard: 7-in digital display
Steering Wheel	Select+: Leather Wrapped \| Turbo Models: Heating
Head-Up Display	Standard on Premium+ Models
Wireless Charging	Preferred+
360 Degree Camera	Turbo Premium Plus Exclusive
2-Zone Climate Controls	All but Base S Model
Seat Climate	Heated Seats: Preferred+ \| Ventilated Seats: None
Audio System	Standard: 8-Speakers \| Turbo Premium Plus: 12-Speaker Bose Audio
Screen	Standard: 8.8-inch non-touchscreen Turbo Models: 10.25-inch display with limited touchscreen capability for Android Auto and CarPlay New Alexa Integration added on Select Sport+
Moonroof	Preferred+

The rear of the 3 Sedan will be comfortable and still plush despite its price point.

Rear Amenities
Rear Vents and USBs	Only on upper trim levels
Heated Rear Seats	None

For in depth details on the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan, watch our full first look review linked at the bottom of this article.

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What’s Under the Hood?

There are still two distinct engine options for the 3 Sedan, depending on your need for speed:

2.5S:

2.5L I-4: 191 hp | 186 lb.ft
Paired with 6-Speed Automatic

2.5 Turbo:

2.5L Turbo I-4: 250 hp | 320 lb.ft
Paired with 6-Speed automatic
Power figures with 93 Octane fuel

FWD or AWD is available on most Mazda 3 Sedan models. The fuel economy for each model is listed below, as rated by the EPA:

2.5 FWD: 27/36/30

2.5 AWD: 26/34/29

2.5T AWD: 23/32/27

We hope you have found this overview of the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan helpful! For a more detailed first look of the 3 Sedan, please watch our video below! What do you think of the 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan? Let us know in the comments!