DecodedCars2026 Mazda 3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Mazda 3 is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 36 highway), 3% better than the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 4-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +3% | $2,250 | 294 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | -1% | $2,300 | 306 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | -7% | $2,300 | 302 |
| 3 5-Door 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | -10% | $2,400 | 314 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | -10% | $2,400 | 317 |
| 3 4-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 27 | -8% | $2,500 | 334 |
| 3 5-Door 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -17% | $2,600 | 337 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Mazda 3.
Similar 2026 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda 3 (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Volkswagen GLI | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Mirai | – | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mazda 3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Mazda 3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Mazda 3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other 3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →