2026 Mazda 3: Price, Safety & Specifications
— IIHS, NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Mazda 3 scores well for reliability among budget Hatchbacks. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $24,550 - $37,890
- EPA Combined MPG
- 29-30 MPG
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,000 - $2,050 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $750 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $996 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.56
- Brand Origin
- Japan
The 2026 Mazda 3 is a Hatchback priced from $24,550 to $37,890 with 11 trims. For a daily driver, fuel cost and reliability matter most. Both are covered below.
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- Avg repair cost $156 per year below Hatchback average
- Zero recalls on file (Hatchback average: 0.8)
2026 Mazda 3 at a Glance
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 Mazda 3. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are an above-average RepairPal reliability rating and lower estimated ownership costs for its vehicle class.
- reliability
- ownership cost
Strengths in the data
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal.
- AAA estimates $9,956 per year in non-fuel ownership costs for the Small Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Cautions in the data
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA data is not available for this model yet.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $2,410 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Fuel cost lands in the middle of its comparison group rather than standing out.
Similar vehicles to compare
The five-star NHTSA scale gives you the broad picture. The IIHS breakdown below shows how the 2026 Mazda 3 performed in specific test categories, which can highlight strengths or gaps the star rating does not capture.
How Did the 2026 Mazda 3 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS recognized the 2026 Mazda 3 with a TSP+ award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Small cars
Lab testing and real-world performance do not always match. The recall section below covers any defects NHTSA or Mazda have identified since the 2026 3 went on sale.
Does the 2026 Mazda 3 Have Any Recalls?
No recalls are on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mazda 3. Among Hatchbacks, the average recall count is 0.8. Recalls may be issued at any time. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Mazda 3 Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Mazda 3. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle driven daily, fuel cost compounds fast. The difference between 30 and 40 MPG is roughly $400 per year at average gas prices and 15,000 miles.
What Is the 2026 Mazda 3 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Mazda 3 achieves up to 30 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000. That is $150 more per year than the $1,850 average for budget Hatchbacks. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 29 to 30 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Sedan AT | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 S Select Sport Sedan AT | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 S Hatchback AT | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 S Select Sport Hatchbac... | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 S Preferred Sedan AT | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 S Preferred Hatchback AT | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition Sedan AT | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2,050 per year |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition Hatchb... | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2,050 per year |
| 2.5 S Premium FWD GAS | 30 MPG | 27 | 36 | $2,000 per year |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Seda... | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2,050 per year |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Hatc... | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2,050 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $10,000 to $10,250 depending on trim.
For a daily driver, fuel is the cost you see. Insurance, depreciation, and maintenance are the costs you feel at tax time. AAA estimates all of them for the Small Sedan class.
What Does the 2026 Mazda 3 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Mazda 3 ranges from $65,900 to $96,170 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Small Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.56 per mile |
For a daily commute, the most fuel-efficient trim often delivers the best long-term value. The comparison below shows fuel economy, price, and estimated cost for all 11 options.
How Do the 2026 Mazda 3 Trims Compare?
11 trims are available for the 2026 Mazda 3, spanning $24,550 to $37,890. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Sedan AT | $24,550 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 186 hp | 3,111 lbs | $65,900 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Select Sport Sedan AT | $25,440 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 186 hp | 3,111 lbs | $66,790 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Hatchback AT | $25,550 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 186 hp | 3,117 lbs | $82,830 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Select Sport Hatchbac... | $26,740 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 186 hp | 3,117 lbs | $84,020 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Preferred Sedan AT | $27,090 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 186 hp | 3,111 lbs | $68,440 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Preferred Hatchback AT | $28,440 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 186 hp | 3,117 lbs | $85,720 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition Sedan AT | $30,210 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 186 hp | 3,283 lbs | $87,490 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition Hatchb... | $30,765 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 186 hp | 3,274 lbs | $88,295 | ||||||||
| 2.5 S Premium FWD GAS | $31,450 | 30 MPG | $2,000 per year | FWD | 186 hp | 3,058 lbs | $88,980 | ||||||||
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Seda... | $36,740 | 29 MPG | $2,050 per year | AWD | 227 hp | 3,413 lbs | $94,520 | ||||||||
Show 1 more trim(s)
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The Mazda 3 lineup has contracted from 12 trims in 2024 to 11 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $380 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2025
- 2.5 S Sedan AT
- 2.5 S Hatchback AT
Trims no longer available
- 2.5 S FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- 2.5 Carbon Turbo Sedan AT (last available 2025)
- 2.5 Carbon Turbo Hatchback AT (last available 2025)
Price changes since 2024
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Seda... $35,450 (2024) → $36,740 (2026) +$1,290
- 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Hatc... $36,650 (2024) → $37,890 (2026) +$1,240
- 2.5 S Carbon Edition Sedan AT $29,060 (2024) → $30,210 (2026) +$1,150
- 2.5 S Premium FWD GAS $30,350 (2024) → $31,450 (2026) +$1,100
- 2.5 S Select Sport Hatchbac... $25,690 (2024) → $26,740 (2026) +$1,050
- 2.5 S Preferred Hatchback AT $27,390 (2024) → $28,440 (2026) +$1,050
- 2.5 S Preferred Sedan AT $26,190 (2024) → $27,090 (2026) +$900
- 2.5 S Select Sport Sedan AT $24,690 (2024) → $25,440 (2026) +$750
- 2.5 S Carbon Edition Hatchb... $30,260 (2024) → $30,765 (2026) +$505
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S FWD GAS | $24,170 31 MPG | — | — |
| 2.5 S Select Sport Sedan AT | $24,690 31 MPG | $24,890 31 MPG | $25,440 30 MPG |
| 2.5 S Select Sport Hatchbac... | $25,690 31 MPG | $26,190 31 MPG | $26,740 30 MPG |
| 2.5 S Preferred Sedan AT | $26,190 31 MPG | $26,540 31 MPG | $27,090 30 MPG |
| 2.5 S Preferred Hatchback AT | $27,390 31 MPG | $27,890 31 MPG | $28,440 30 MPG |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition Sedan AT | $29,060 30 MPG | $29,610 30 MPG | $30,210 29 MPG |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition Hatchb... | $30,260 30 MPG | $30,760 30 MPG | $30,765 29 MPG |
| 2.5 S Premium FWD GAS | $30,350 31 MPG | $30,850 31 MPG | $31,450 30 MPG |
| 2.5 Carbon Turbo Sedan AT | $31,750 30 MPG | $32,300 30 MPG | — |
| 2.5 Carbon Turbo Hatchback AT | $32,950 30 MPG | $33,450 30 MPG | — |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Seda... | $35,450 30 MPG | $36,000 30 MPG | $36,740 29 MPG |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Hatc... | $36,650 30 MPG | $37,150 30 MPG | $37,890 29 MPG |
| 2.5 S Sedan AT | — | $24,150 31 MPG | $24,550 30 MPG |
| 2.5 S Hatchback AT | — | $25,150 31 MPG | $25,550 30 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
The trim comparison above covers what you pay at purchase. The reliability data below covers what you pay to maintain it over time.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Mazda 3?
The 2026 Mazda 3 scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for budget Hatchbacks. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Mazda backs the 2026 3 with the warranty terms shown below. Coverage begins from the original purchase date and varies by component.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Mazda 3 Come With?
Here is what Mazda covers at no cost for the 2026 3. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Mazda 3 Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Mazda 3. These figures are published by Mazda and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Compact car
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 186 - 227 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 113.3 - 133.0 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $132 - $169 |
| Torque | 186 - 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 12.7 - 13.2 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 396 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 175.6 - 183.5 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.7 in |
| Height | 56.7 - 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,058 - 3,417 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Mazda 3?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Mazda 3. For a daily commuter, fuel cost and reliability are usually the deciding factors, and both are covered above. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Mazda 3: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
Verify this data
2026 Mazda 3 FAQ
Which 2026 Mazda 3 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 11 available trims, the 2.5 S Sedan AT has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $65,900, starting at $24,550 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $96,170. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Mazda 3?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Mazda 3 in price and segment include 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, 2026 Hyundai Venue, and 2026 Toyota Prius. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback is the closest in price (starting at $24,380, 5-star NHTSA, 35 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2026 Hatchbacks.
What changed on the 2026 Mazda 3 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $380 for the Mazda 3 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Mazda 3 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Mazda 3 include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $167 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $997 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Mazda based?
Mazda's headquarters are in Japan. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Mazda models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Mazda model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Mazda models page for the full lineup.
What does the 2026 Mazda 3 cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Mazda 3 costs approximately 55.9 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.