The MAZDA3 carries over with minimal changes from the previous year's models for 2026.

For 2026, the MAZDA3 lineup gets a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and seamless gear changes. An optional all-wheel drive trim paired with the automatic transmission is also available. A manual 6-speed gearbox is also optional but can only be paired with the Premium hatchback trim.

There is also a 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Package trim, which is exclusively all-wheel drive, and is available in both body styles. It includes a 2.5L turbocharged engine that produces up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft of torque.

The base model comes with keyless entry, push-button start, an 8.8-inch multimedia center display, an 8-speaker audio system, two USB ports, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, and adaptive cruise control with traffic stop and go technology.

The Sport trim package adds heated rearview mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, an armrest for the rear seats, leatherette seats, a leather wrapped gear shifter, an overhead storage console, automatic air conditioning, dual zone climate control for the front seats and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

The Preferred trim package adds a sunroof, heated front seats, an 8-way adjustable power driver seat, driver seat memory, and door mirror memory.

The Carbon trim package introduces leather seats, HD radio capabilities, and a wireless device charger for the driver/passenger.

The next trim level, the Premium trim is unique in the MAZDA3 lineup for 2026 as it is the only trim to have a manual transmission. It introduces headlights which level automatically and are directionally adaptive, a 12-speaker premium sound system, an integrated navigation system, satellite radio capabilities and a head-up display.

The Turbo Premium Plus Package trim sits at the top of the lineup and adds steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, auto-dimming driver side and rear-view mirrors, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a heated steering wheel and a variety of safety features including steering assist.

Standard safety systems for the MAZDA3 lineup include anti-lock brakes, traction/stability control, a rearview camera, blind spot warnings, pedestrian detection and forward collision mitigation. Also front, seat side, curtain, and driver's knee air bags are standard across all trim levels.

The MAZDA3 represents excellent value in both its hatchback and sedan iterations, which both feature multiple drivetrain configurations. Competitors include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza. The MAZDA3 separates itself from its rivals with its impressive driving characteristics and premium interior quality without sacrificing on space inside the vehicle.

The 2026 MAZDA3 offers one of the most upscale interiors in its segment, brimming with features. It could be considered to compete not only with offerings from Honda, Toyota and Subaru, but also with some from European manufacturers such as BMW and Audi.

Good balance between luxury and sportiness; agile handling; excellent fuel economy; premium interior materials; supportive safety systems