The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan comes in four trims at Mazda of Orange in Orange County, with a price tag from $24,650* to $36,940*. For a difference of $12,290* you can have two quite different cars. There is the 2.5 S which is the entry level and has a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L four-cylinder delivering 186 hp and a 30 mpg combined on its front-wheel drive. Then you have the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus with all-wheel drive as standard and 250 hp along with 320 lb-ft of torque. Any of the trims will put five in their seats and provide 13.2 cu ft of space in the trunk. They are also all fitted with Mazda’s i-Activsense for driver assistance. Those in Orange who want to make an assessment of a compact sedan will find the relevant numbers on this page, including cost by trim and the EPA data for the engine and drivetrain as well as dimensions.
2026 Mazda3 Sedan at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Powertrain options | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L, SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Turbo |
| Horsepower | 186 hp (2.5L), 250 hp (2.5L Turbo) |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft (2.5L), 320 lb-ft (2.5L Turbo) |
| EPA MPG | 30 combined (FWD 2.5L), 29 combined (AWD trims) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Trunk volume | 13.2 cu ft |
| Drivetrain options | FWD, AWD |
| Standard driver-assist safety suite | i-Activsense (the manufacturer does not publish a version designation) |
| Starting MSRP | $24,650* |
*MSRP excludes the manufacturer’s destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Contact dealer for total price.
Quick Take: 2026 Mazda3 Sedan
- The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus makes 250 hp and 320 lb-ft, well ahead of the Corolla’s 169-hp gas ceiling and the Elantra N Line’s 201 hp.
- All-wheel drive is available on the Carbon Edition and standard on the Turbo Premium Plus. The Elantra offers no AWD on any trim.
- The Corolla starts at $23,125* against the Mazda3 Sedan’s $24,650* and offers hybrid trims the Mazda3 doesn’t match for combined mpg, but the Mazda3 answers back with the 250-hp turbo and its standard AWD.
What is the Mazda3 Sedan?
As the entry level of Mazda’s range, the compact four-door Mazda3 Sedan is found in the showroom under the CX-30 and CX-5 crossovers. Platform and powertrain are common with the Mazda3 Hatchback, but there is a distinction in the way the rear is put together. Where the hatch has a liftgate, the sedan presents a more staid roofline and a trunk of 13.2 cubic feet. They are offered as two body styles with an identical trim structure.
Up against such as the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra in this segment, the Mazda3 makes its case. The Corolla is built around hybrid efficiency, and the Elantra leads with price. For performance, there is no rival to the turbocharged engine on the top end of the Mazda3 line, an option that also comes with standard AWD, and even the mid-level Carbon Edition can be had with it. Every trim pairs a six-speed automatic with room for five.
2026 Mazda3 Sedan Trims and Pricing
| Trim | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L, 186 hp | FWD | $24,650* | If you want the lowest entry price and 30 mpg combined |
| 2.5 S Select Sport | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L, 186 hp | FWD | $25,540* | If you want more standard equipment for $890 more |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L, 186 hp | AWD | $29,815* | If you want all-wheel drive without stepping to the turbo |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Turbo, 250 hp | AWD | $36,940* | If you’re prioritizing output, torque, and top-tier equipment |
*MSRP excludes the manufacturer’s destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Contact dealer for total price.
Take a look at our current new inventory to see which of these four trims we have on the ground right now.
Powertrain Specifications
Two engines cover the 2026 lineup. Both are 2.5-liter four-cylinders, but the turbocharged version is a substantially different proposition, and the drivetrain pairing changes with it. Figures come from Official Mazda Specifications.
SKYACTIV-G 2.5L: 186 hp, 186 lb-ft
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter powers three of the four trims: the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, and 2.5 S Carbon Edition. Output is 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The two entry-level trims pair it with front-wheel drive. The Carbon Edition pairs it with all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy splits along that drivetrain line. The front-drive pair rates 27 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The all-wheel-drive Carbon Edition rates 26 city, 34 highway, and 29 combined, per EPA Fuel-Economy Ratings. The standout figure here is 36 mpg highway on front-drive trims.
SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Turbo: 250 hp, 320 lb-ft
Only the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is fitted with the 2.5-liter turbo and its standard all-wheel drive. It puts out 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, well above the segment norm for a naturally aspirated compact sedan engine.
As for fuel economy, the EPA has the turbo at 29 mpg combined (23 in the city and 34 on the highway). In terms of the combined rating it is on a par with the Carbon Edition’s all-wheel drive model even with the extra output, but it gives up three mpg in the city and carries a $7,125 higher price than the Carbon Edition.
Dimensions and Capacities
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Trunk (cargo) volume | 13.2 cu ft |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Seating rows | 2 |
Fuel Economy by Configuration
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport (FWD) | 27 | 36 | 30 |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition (AWD) | 26 | 34 | 29 |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus (AWD) | 23 | 34 | 29 |
How the Mazda3 Sedan Compares
A look at how the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan measures up to a couple of the segment’s better sellers.
- Peak output: The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus makes 250 hp. The 2026 Toyota Corolla tops out at 169 hp in its gas trims.
- All-wheel drive: The Mazda3 Sedan offers AWD on the 2.5 S Carbon Edition and standard on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel drive offered on any trim. If a slick on-ramp or a rainy canyon drive is a real concern for you, the Elantra doesn’t give you that option at any price.
- Entry price and efficiency: The 2026 Corolla starts at $23,125* against the Mazda3 Sedan’s $24,650*. Toyota’s Corolla lineup spans 34-50 mpg across its gas and hybrid trims, where the Mazda3 peaks at 30 combined. If efficiency is your priority, cross-shop it. What the Mazda3 gives you for the difference is the 320 lb-ft turbo engine and all-wheel drive, neither of which the Corolla offers at any price.
Mazda puts its i-Activsense on all 2026 Mazda3 Sedans, a collection of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems that are standard across the board. This applies to any trim from the 2.5 S at $24,650* up to the $36,940* 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Safety: the IIHS has given the Mazda3 Sedan its Top Safety Pick+ in the small car category, the institute’s more prestigious of the two honors it bestows. You should check the particular configuration under consideration for an IIHS award, as they are doled out over the model year and can be a function of the trim or how the headlights are put together.
Driving the Mazda3 Sedan in Orange
We sit at 1360 W Katella Ave in Orange, right by the Katella Avenue exit off the 57, which puts the Mazda3 Sedan in its element the moment you leave the lot. Orange County commuting is freeway-heavy and stop-and-go by turns, and the 36 mpg highway rating on front-drive trims does real work if you’re on a long daily run. Around town, the 13.2-cubic-foot trunk swallows a Costco run or a weekend’s luggage without needing a crossover’s footprint, and the compact dimensions make structured parking straightforward for you. From Claremont and its college campuses, the trip down to us runs 30 miles on the 57 S, about 35 minutes, and the 36 mpg highway rating on front-drive trims suits that kind of regular round trip.
What you drive on weekends is where the trim you’ve selected comes into play. A Mazda3 will get you to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, or Knott’s Berry Farm on very little fuel given the short distance. Put the turbo’s 320 lb-ft to work merging with a car full of people on a long day at Huntington Beach Pier or Mission San Juan Capistrano, and you’ll see the difference. If your time off is spent in the canyons or along the coast, the all-wheel-drive versions are well worth the extra cost. If it’s more a case of running errands and the freeway, the 2.5 S is sufficient for you. Stop by the showroom, or check hours and directions first.
Why Buy Your Mazda3 Sedan from Us
- We stock the Mazda3 Sedan lineup across trim levels, so you can compare the front-drive 2.5 S against the all-wheel-drive Carbon Edition in the same visit instead of guessing from a spec sheet.
- Our location off the 57 at Katella Avenue puts us within easy reach of Orange, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and the surrounding cities.
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We carry pre-owned inventory alongside new, which gives you a real comparison if a lightly used Mazda3 fits your budget better than a new one.
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We will appraise your current car when you value your trade, so you know where you stand before you commit to a trim.
- Our service department handles Mazda maintenance in-house, and you can schedule service online whenever it suits you.
- We run rotating service specials and stock genuine parts and accessories if you prefer factory components.
Schedule Your Mazda3 Sedan Test Drive
Book a test drive when you contact us and we will have the trim you want ready. Browse our current new inventory to see what is on the ground, or start your finance application online before you visit to save time in the showroom.
You can also view our certified pre-owned models, schedule service, value your trade, check our service specials, start a finance application, order genuine parts and accessories, or contact our team online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2026 Mazda3 Sedan cost?
The 2.5 S has an MSRP of $24,650* to begin with. You will find the 2.5 S Select Sport at $25,540* and the all-wheel drive 2.5 S Carbon Edition at $29,815*. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus comes in at $36,940* and is the top of the range. In all, you are looking at a $12,290* difference from the entry level to the turbo model that is fully loaded.
What trims does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan come in?
There are four trims in the 2026 lineup: the 2.5 S, the 2.5 S Select Sport, the 2.5 S Carbon Edition, and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. A 186-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter is what powers the first three of these. The 250-hp turbocharged variant is reserved for the top model. As for drivetrain, you will find front-wheel drive on the 2.5 S and 2.5 S Select Sport, while the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus are all-wheel drive.
What is the gas mileage on a 2026 Mazda3 Sedan?
The EPA figures are a matter of drivetrain. A 27/36/30 (city/highway/combined) is what you will see for the front-wheel-drive 2.5 S and its Select Sport variant. The 2.5 S Carbon Edition with all-wheel drive puts in 26 city, 34 on the highway and 29 combined. As for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, its turbo power yields 23 in the city, 34 highway and 29 combined. In any configuration of the lineup, however, the car makes for good economy on the highway.
How much horsepower does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan have?
You will find 186 or 250 hp at work, it is a matter of the engine. In the case of the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport and 2.5 S Carbon Edition, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L is good for 186 horsepower with an equal amount of torque in lb-ft. Put in the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus and the turbocharged version of that same 2.5L SKYACTIV-G puts out 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. That torque figure especially is where the turbo sets itself apart from the naturally aspirated model.
Does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan come with all-wheel drive?
Two of the four trims will have it. Case in point, the $29,815* 2.5 S Carbon Edition is fitted with a 186-hp engine and all-wheel drive. You find the same on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus ($36,940*), there with a 250-hp turbo. The 2.5 S and the Select Sport are front-wheel drive models. In effect, for an all-wheel-drive Mazda3 Sedan there are two ways in.
How much trunk space does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan have?
From the 2.5 S at $24,650* to the $36,940* 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at the top of the line, every trim comes with a 13.2 cu ft trunk. It is a figure that does not change with your choice of drivetrain or engine. An all-wheel-drive Carbon Edition has as much room in its hold as any front-drive you might take off the lot. You can easily accommodate a run to the grocer for the week, put together a weekend’s worth of things for two or wave a small family on their way at the airport.
How many people does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan seat?
The whole lineup has seating for five, put in place with a bucket-seat arrangement up front and a three-position bench in back. That is the setup you will find on all trims, from a 2.5 S through to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, so there is no need for you to consider moving up a tier for the sake of extra room. And as for cargo, you get 13.2 cubic feet come what may.
What safety features come standard on the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan?
All 2026 Mazda3 Sedan trims come with i-Activsense as standard, be it the $24,650* 2.5 S or the top end 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at $36,940*. You should verify the particular build in question however, since IIHS ratings are put in place over the course of a model year and are subject to the headlight setup and trim.
Which 2026 Mazda3 Sedan trim has the best fuel economy?
With a combined 30 mpg the front-wheel-drive trims are in the lead. The base 2.5 S and the Select Sport put in 27 in the city and 36 on the highway for a 30 combined, which is as good as it gets in this lineup. As for the all-wheel-drive 2.5 S Carbon Edition and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus with its turbocharger, they come in at 29 combined. You go to front-wheel drive for an extra two mpg on the highway and one more in combined driving.
How does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan compare to the Toyota Corolla?
Peak output is the clearest separator, at 250 hp versus 169 hp. The Mazda3 Sedan reaches 250 hp in the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The 2026 Corolla tops out at 169 hp across its gas trims. The Corolla counters with a lower $23,125* starting price and hybrid trims reaching 50 mpg, where the Mazda3 peaks at 30 combined. The Mazda3 also offers all-wheel drive on two trims.
How does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan compare to the Hyundai Elantra?
Where the two are most at odds structurally is in the drivetrain. There is no all-wheel drive to be had on any of the 2026 Elantra’s five trims, it being a front-wheel drive car. If you buy a Mazda3 Sedan, you have that option with the 2.5 S Carbon Edition and as standard equipment on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. In terms of output, the Elantra puts out between 147 and 201 hp, while the Mazda3 is in the 186-250 hp range.
What is the difference between the Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback?
What sets them apart is the body configuration. You will find a traditional three-box roofline and 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space in the sedan. In the hatchback there is a liftgate and the rear tapers off. They are built on an identical platform with the same drivetrain and engine options as well, so it is a matter of styling and how you wish to put away cargo as much as anything mechanical when making a selection. We have both at the Orange showroom.
Which 2026 Mazda3 Sedan trim should I buy?
The drivetrain is where to begin. For the most economical option, a $24,650* 2.5 S with front-wheel drive will put 186 hp and 30 mpg combined at your disposal. An extra $890 on the 2.5 S Select Sport ($25,540*) gets you more in the way of content. Should you be inclined towards all-wheel drive, the 2.5 S Carbon Edition at $29,815* is how you get into it.
Is there a manual transmission available on the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan?
No, every 2026 Mazda3 Sedan trim, from the $24,650* 2.5 S to the $36,940* 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. Every 2026 Mazda3 Sedan trim comes with an automatic transmission. If you want the 250-hp turbocharged engine, it comes paired only with that six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, not a stick shift.
What is the difference between the 2.5 S and 2.5 S Select Sport trims?
The base 2.5 S and the 2.5 S Select Sport share the same 186-hp SKYACTIV-G 2.5L engine, front-wheel drive, and identical EPA ratings of 27 city, 36 highway, and 30 combined mpg. The difference is $890 in starting price, $24,650* versus $25,540*, with the Select Sport adding more standard equipment. Neither trim offers all-wheel drive, for that you need to step up to the Carbon Edition or Turbo Premium Plus.
Where can I test drive a 2026 Mazda3 Sedan in Orange?
From our Orange location at 1360 W Katella Ave, a short way from the 57’s Katella Avenue exit, we are here to put you in the car of your choice. Call us on (714) 633-6731 or make use of the contact page to schedule a drive, by the time you get here the trim will be waiting. Browse our current Mazda3 Sedan inventory to see which trims we have on hand, from a front-drive 2.5 S to an all-wheel-drive Carbon Edition.
What’s new for 2026 on the Mazda3 Sedan?
The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan gets small packaging upgrades with improved standard equipment, headlined by a standard eight-speaker stereo system. Bose premium audio is still available.
Is the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan the same as the 2025 model?
Largely, yes. The changes for 2026 are small packaging upgrades that improve the standard equipment, with an eight-speaker stereo system now standard and Bose premium audio still available.
Sources: EPA Fuel-Economy Ratings · Official Mazda Specifications
*All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and are provided for informational purposes only. MSRP excludes the manufacturer’s destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Actual purchase price is determined at the dealership. Contact Mazda of Orange for complete pricing.
Information accuracy: Details on this page are provided for general information and are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Vehicle images are for illustration only and may depict a different trim or optional equipment. Any pricing shown applies only to the trim and configuration specifically identified and may not apply to the vehicle pictured. Specifications, features, and pricing are set by the manufacturer and the EPA and may change or be corrected after publication; we aren’t responsible for changes made on their end. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage varies. Please confirm specs, pricing, and availability with Mazda of Orange before purchase; the window sticker and signed purchase agreement are the controlling documents.