2026 Mazda3 · Sedan & Hatchback  ·  Beaverton, OR

The 2026 Mazda3,
Answered.A Beaverton & Portland Buyer's Guide

Sedan or hatchback? Do I need AWD or the Turbo? Is there still a manual? How big is the back seat? Straight answers to the questions Portland-area drivers ask us every day, from the Herzog-Meier Mazda team on TV Highway.

2026 Mazda3 Hatchback in white, front three-quarter view
$24,650Starting MSRP* (sedan) 30 MPGEPA combined, 2.5 S sedan
SEDAN & HATCHTwo body styles TOP SAFETY PICK+IIHS 2026 award
The short answer
The 2026 Mazda3 is Mazda's compact car, sold as a sedan or hatchback with the same engines, interior and safety features. The standard 2.5-liter makes 186 horsepower and returns up to 30 mpg combined; the 2.5 Turbo makes up to 250 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive. AWD is also standard on the Carbon Edition, and the hatchback offers a six-speed manual. Both earned the IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+. Prices range from $24,650 (sedan) to $38,090 (Turbo hatchback) MSRP.

Updated  ·  By the Herzog-Meier Mazda sales & service team, Beaverton, OR  ·  Specs from Mazda North American Operations, IIHS and EPA (see sources)

2026 Mazda3 at a glance

Spec 2026 Mazda3
Price (MSRP) Sedan $24,650–$36,940 · Hatchback $25,650–$38,090; $1,315 destination
Body styles 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback
Engines 2.5L four-cylinder (186 hp, 186 lb-ft) · 2.5 Turbo (227 hp regular / 250 hp premium)
Transmission 6-speed automatic; 6-speed manual on 2.5 S Premium Hatchback
Drivetrain FWD; i-Activ AWD standard on Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus
EPA mpg, 2.5 S FWD Sedan 27 / 36 / 30 · Hatchback 26 / 34 / 29
Cargo Sedan 13.2 cu ft · Hatchback 20.1 cu ft behind rear seat
Seating 5 passengers
Rear legroom About 35 in
Length Sedan 183.5 in · Hatchback 175.6 in
Ground clearance About 5.5 in
Infotainment 8.8-in display (10.25-in on Turbo), Apple CarPlay & Android Auto; Alexa Built-in from Select Sport
Safety IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (sedan and hatchback)
Warranty 3-yr/36,000-mi basic; 5-yr/60,000-mi powertrain
Jump to what you need
01Help Me Choose → 02Will It Fit My Life? →
03Show Me How → 04What To Expect →
05What Ownership Is Like → 06Answer My Question →
01  /  Help Me Choose
 

Sedan or hatchback: which Mazda3 is right for me?

Short answer
Same engines, same interior, same safety. Haul bikes, dogs or sports gear? Get the Hatchback (20.1 cu ft and a big rear opening; the only manual). Want the lower price and better rear visibility? Get the Sedan. Then pick a trim; we recommend the 2.5 S Preferred, or the Carbon Edition if you want AWD.
  Mazda3 Sedan Mazda3 Hatchback
Starting MSRP* $24,650 $25,650
Cargo 13.2 cu ft trunk 20.1 cu ft behind rear seat, hatch opening
Length 183.5 in 175.6 in (easier to park)
EPA mpg, 2.5 S FWD 27 / 36 / 30 26 / 34 / 29
Manual transmission Not offered 2.5 S Premium, 6-speed
Rear visibility Good Wide rear pillars limit the over-the-shoulder view; blind spot monitoring is standard
Trims 5 6 (adds 2.5 S Premium manual)
IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ TOP SAFETY PICK+

2.5 S or Turbo? FWD or AWD?

  2.5 S (FWD) 2.5 S Carbon Edition (AWD) 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus (AWD)
Starting MSRP* $24,650 sedan $29,615 sedan $36,940 sedan
Power 186 hp / 186 lb-ft 186 hp / 186 lb-ft 227 hp regular / 250 hp premium
EPA mpg (city/hwy) 27 / 36 sedan About 26 / 33–34 About 23 / 31
Best for Commuting and value Rain, snow and ski trips Driving enthusiasts
Our honest take
The standard 2.5 is refined and plenty for commuting on US-26 and I-5. AWD is worth it if you head up to Mount Hood or face icy hills in the West Hills; the Carbon Edition is the most affordable way to get it. The Turbo is quick and fun, but at about $7,300 more than the Carbon Edition, it's for people who'll enjoy the extra power every day.

Which 2026 Mazda3 trim do I need?

Each trim adds to the one before it. Sedan and hatchback prices are shown together:

Trim & MSRP* What it adds Best for
2.5 S
Sedan $24,650 · Hatch $25,650		 186-hp 2.5L, FWD, 6-speed automatic, 8.8-in display, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 8-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio, radar cruise with Stop & Go, blind spot monitoring, keyless push-button start, LED lights, 16-in alloys. Lowest price. Full safety suite already standard.
2.5 S Select Sport
Sedan $25,540 · Hatch $26,840		 Adds leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate, Alexa Built-in, rain-sensing wipers, advanced keyless entry, heated mirrors, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter, rear armrest, 18-in black alloys. The look and comfort upgrades most people want.
2.5 S Preferred
Sedan $27,290 · Hatch $28,640		 Adds heated front seats, power sliding moonroof, 8-way power driver's seat with memory. Greige leatherette available on the sedan. Our pick for most drivers. Heated seats for Oregon winters.
2.5 S Carbon Edition
Sedan $29,615 · Hatch $30,765		 Preferred features plus standard all-wheel drive, red leather, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, wireless charging, gloss-black mirrors and 18-in black wheels. Pacific Northwest drivers who want AWD.
2.5 S Premium (hatch only)
Hatch $31,650		 Six-speed manual, FWD. Adds 12-speaker Bose, Active Driving Display, adaptive headlights, Traffic Sign Recognition, Mazda Online Navigation, black or red leather. Enthusiasts who want a stick shift.
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Sedan $36,940 · Hatch $38,090		 227 hp on regular / 250 hp on premium, standard AWD, paddle shifters, 10.25-in screen (touch with CarPlay/Android Auto), 360 View Monitor, Cruising & Traffic Support, rear automatic braking, heated steering wheel, Bose, gloss-black aero accents. Performance and every feature.

*Starting MSRP excludes $1,315 destination and handling, taxes, title, license and dealer fees. Premium paint (Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Ceramic) adds $595. Dealer sets actual price.

Quick decision guide: if you…

If you… Look at
Want the most car for the least money 2.5 S Sedan: the full safety suite and radar cruise are standard.
Want heated seats and a moonroof 2.5 S Preferred, sedan or hatchback.
Need all-wheel drive 2.5 S Carbon Edition, the lowest-priced AWD Mazda3.
Want a stick shift 2.5 S Premium Hatchback, the only manual Mazda3.
Want power and every feature 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, with a 360 View Monitor and Cruising & Traffic Support.

Mazda3 or CX-30?

The CX-30 is the Mazda3's crossover sibling: the same engines in a taller body. Here's how to decide.

  2026 Mazda3 2026 CX-30
Starting MSRP* $24,650 sedan / $25,650 hatch $26,375
All-wheel drive Carbon Edition and Turbo Standard on every trim
Ground clearance About 5.5 in Higher, crossover ride height
Body styles Sedan or hatchback; manual available Crossover only, automatic only
Driving feel Lower, sportier, more fuel-efficient Higher seating, easier entry and exit
Our honest take
If you value fuel economy, a sporty drive or a sedan, the Mazda3 is the better car. If you want an easier step-in height, more clearance for snowy roads and AWD on every trim, test-drive the CX-30 too.
02  /  Will It Fit My Life?
 

Real-world fit: back seat, cargo, snow & parking

A compact car has to fit your life, not just your budget. Here are straight answers to the questions we hear most.

Vehicle fit
Is the back seat big enough?
For kids, teens on short trips and occasional adults, yes. Rear legroom is about 35 inches, tighter than a Honda Civic or the CX-30, and there are no rear air vents. If adults ride in back every day, sit back there yourself before you buy.
Families
Does it fit car seats?
Two car seats fit, and rear-facing seats work best behind a taller passenger who doesn't need the front seat all the way back. The sedan's rear doors and the hatchback's are the same size. Bring your car seats and install them on our lot.
Vehicle fit
What fits in the trunk or hatch?
The sedan's 13.2-cubic-foot trunk fits a couple of carry-ons and groceries. The hatchback's 20.1 cubic feet and tall opening make bikes (with the seats folded), dog crates and camping gear much easier. Both have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Pacific Northwest
Can it handle Oregon winters?
Choose a Carbon Edition or Turbo for all-wheel drive and add good all-season or winter tires, and it handles rain, sleet and plowed mountain roads well. With about 5.5 inches of ground clearance, deep unplowed snow isn't its strength. Check ODOT TripCheck and carry chains when signs require them.
City driving
Is it easy to park in the city?
Very. The hatchback is 175.6 inches long and the sedan 183.5 inches, so Pearl District and downtown parking is easy. Parking sensors and a 360 View Monitor come on the Turbo Premium Plus.
Comfort
Is it comfortable on long drives?
The seats are supportive and the ride is composed, and reviewers praise its handling on winding roads like OR-6 to the coast. Some road noise comes through at highway speeds. The Bose audio on Premium and Turbo trims helps on road trips.
03  /  Show Me How
 

How the Mazda3's key features work

These are the features new owners ask us to demonstrate most, and how to use them.

Getting comfortable with Mazda Connect

01
Use the console knob
The display is controlled with the knob and buttons behind the shifter, so you can make selections without reaching for the screen. Most owners get comfortable with it within a week.
02
Connect your phone
Plug into the front USB-C port for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or connect wirelessly on the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus.
03
Talk to Alexa
From the Select Sport up, Alexa Built-in handles directions, music and smart-home controls by voice. We'll help you link your Amazon account on delivery day.
04
Set radar cruise
On automatic models, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go keeps a set gap to the car ahead, even in Highway 217 traffic.

More features we demo every day

2.5 S Premium hatch
Six-speed manual
The 2.5 S Premium hatchback's manual has a light clutch and short, precise shifts. Reviewers call it one of the best in the class.
Premium, Turbo Premium Plus
Active Driving Display
A head-up display projects speed, navigation and blind-spot alerts onto the windshield in your line of sight.
Turbo Premium Plus
Cruising & Traffic Support
Adds steering assistance to radar cruise in slow highway traffic, easing the stop-and-go stretch of I-5.
Turbo Premium Plus
360 View Monitor
A bird's-eye camera view plus front and rear parking sensors for tight spaces and parallel parking.
Turbo Premium Plus
Paddle shifters
Change gears yourself with the automatic when you want more control on mountain roads.
Carbon Edition, Turbo
Wireless charging
Set your phone in the console tray to charge without a cable.
04  /  What To Expect
 

What to expect at Herzog-Meier Mazda

Buying a car shouldn't feel like a mystery. Here is how each step works at our Beaverton store on SW Tualatin Valley Highway, serving Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and Portland since 1966. Our team is bilingual: hablamos español.

Test drive
What happens on a test drive?
We start by asking how you'll use the car, then match you to a trim. We'll set up your seat and pair your phone, and you'll drive a route that mixes TV Highway traffic with highway merging. Can't decide? Sit in the sedan and hatchback back to back, or compare the Mazda3 with the CX-30, in the same visit. Bring your driver's license, plus car seats or gear if you want to test the fit.
Trade-in
How long does a trade-in take?
An in-person appraisal usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a walkaround and a short drive. Bring your title or loan payoff information, both keys and any service records to speed things up.
Delivery day
What should I expect at delivery?
After paperwork, a team member walks you through your Mazda3: phone pairing, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Alexa Built-in where equipped, the MyMazda app, the Mazda Connect control knob and how the safety systems work. Bring your license, proof of insurance and any financing or trade-in documents.
Service
What are service visits like?
Our factory-trained Mazda technicians use genuine Mazda parts, offer online scheduling and send updates through Mazda Digital Service, so you can see what your car needs before you approve it.
05  /  What Ownership Is Like
 

Living with a 2026 Mazda3

Question Answer
Do I need premium gas? No. The 2.5 S uses regular. The Turbo runs on regular too (227 hp); premium unlocks its full 250 hp.
What mileage will I get? EPA estimates for the 2.5 S FWD: sedan 27 / 36 / 30 mpg, hatchback 26 / 34 / 29 mpg (city / highway / combined). AWD and Turbo models are lower.
How far can I go on a tank? The 13.2-gallon tank gives FWD models well over 400 miles on the highway.
How often do I need maintenance? Follow Mazda's schedule in the owner's manual. The maintenance monitor reminds you when oil, filter and tire rotation are due, with inspections added at higher mileage.
What does service cost? It depends on the mileage interval. Call our service team at (888) 295-0640 for an exact quote, and check our service specials before you book.
What warranty do I get? 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranties from Mazda.
Are connected features free? Mazda Connected Services include a one-year trial; a subscription applies after that.

Ownership tips from our service drive

Mind the ground clearance
With about 5.5 inches of clearance, take steep driveways and parking curbs at an angle to protect the front lip.
Think about tires before November
All-wheel drive helps you go; tires help you stop and turn. Winter or all-weather tires transform a FWD Mazda3 in snow and ice.
Check your 18-inch wheels
Low-profile tires on Select Sport and up look great but are more vulnerable to Portland potholes. Keep them properly inflated.
Keep a service record
Servicing at a Mazda dealer keeps a documented history, which supports warranty coverage and resale value.
06  /  Answer My Question
 

Common misconceptions

What people assume What's actually true
“The hatchback costs a lot more.” It's only about $1,000 to $1,350 more than the same sedan trim.
“Mazda stopped offering a manual.” The 2.5 S Premium Hatchback still comes with a six-speed manual.
“Every Mazda3 has all-wheel drive.” AWD is standard on the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus only; other trims are front-wheel drive.
“The Turbo requires premium gas.” It runs on regular at 227 hp. Premium raises output to 250 hp, but it's optional.
“Small cars aren't as safe.” The 2026 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback earned the IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+, the highest award.
“There's a Mazda3 hybrid.” Not for 2026. For a Mazda hybrid, look at the CX-50 Hybrid.

2026 Mazda3 FAQ

Tap any question to see the answer.

The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan starts at $24,650 MSRP and the Mazda3 Hatchback at $25,650. The top 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is $36,940 as a sedan and $38,090 as a hatchback. Mazda's destination and handling charge is $1,315, and premium paint adds $595. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer fees; dealers set final pricing. Call Herzog-Meier Mazda at (833) 868-4612 for current Beaverton pricing and offers.
Choose the Mazda3 Hatchback if you carry bulky gear: it has 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat versus 13.2 in the sedan's trunk, a big rear opening, and it's the only Mazda3 offered with a manual transmission. Choose the Mazda3 Sedan if you want the lower price (about $1,000 to $1,350 less by trim), slightly better fuel economy and better rear visibility. Both have the same engines, interior and safety features.
For most drivers, the 2.5 S Preferred ($27,290 sedan, $28,640 hatchback) is the sweet spot: it adds heated front seats, a power moonroof and a power driver's seat with memory. For Pacific Northwest winters, the 2.5 S Carbon Edition adds standard all-wheel drive, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and red leather for about $2,100 to $2,300 more. Choose the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus for 250 horsepower, a touchscreen and the most driver-assistance features.
Yes. i-Activ all-wheel drive is standard on the 2026 Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, in both sedan and hatchback. The 2.5 S, Select Sport, Preferred and the manual-transmission Premium hatchback are front-wheel drive.
Yes, but only on one model: the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 S Premium, which comes with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive. Every other Mazda3 uses a six-speed automatic.
No. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo runs on regular gas, making 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Premium 93-octane fuel raises output to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft. The standard 186-horsepower 2.5-liter engine uses regular unleaded.
EPA estimates for the 2026 Mazda3 2.5 S with front-wheel drive are 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined mpg for the sedan and 26 / 34 / 29 mpg for the hatchback. All-wheel-drive models are rated about 26 city / 33 to 34 highway, and the 2.5 Turbo about 23 city / 31 highway. The manual hatchback is rated 28 mpg combined.
The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan has a 13.2-cubic-foot trunk. The Mazda3 Hatchback has 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and both body styles have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for longer items.
For kids and occasional adult passengers, yes. Rear legroom is about 35 inches, which is tighter than a Honda Civic or a Mazda CX-30. Two car seats fit; if you carry adults in back daily or need a bigger back seat, test-sit the Mazda3 and the CX-30 side by side.
With all-wheel drive and good tires, yes for most Portland-area winter driving. AWD is standard on the Carbon Edition and Turbo. The Mazda3 has about 5.5 inches of ground clearance, so deep unplowed snow is a limitation; if you regularly drive to Mount Hood, consider the CX-30, which shares the Mazda3's engines but rides higher with standard AWD.
Choose the Mazda3 if you want the lowest price, the best fuel economy, a sedan or a manual transmission, and sportier handling. Choose the CX-30 if you want a higher seating position, more ground clearance and all-wheel drive on every trim. The 2026 CX-30 starts at $26,375, about $1,700 more than the Mazda3 Sedan.
No. The 2026 Mazda3 is offered with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 2.5-liter turbo, with no hybrid. If you want a Mazda hybrid, look at the CX-50 Hybrid, rated 38 mpg combined.
Yes. The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback earned the IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the institute's highest rating. Every trim includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist and radar cruise control (with Stop & Go on automatic models).
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2026 Mazda3. They connect wirelessly on the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus, and by USB on other trims. The base display is 8.8 inches; the Turbo Premium Plus has a 10.25-inch screen that works as a touchscreen with CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2026 Mazda3 includes Mazda's 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
Follow the Mazda maintenance schedule in your owner's manual; the Mazda3's maintenance monitor reminds you when service is due. Typical service includes an oil and filter change and tire rotation at regular intervals, with inspections added at higher mileage. Herzog-Meier Mazda's factory-trained technicians can quote exact costs at (888) 295-0640.
A product specialist helps you narrow down the right body style and trim, sets up the seat and pairs your phone if you like, and then you drive a route that mixes city traffic with highway merging. Many shoppers compare the sedan and hatchback, or the Mazda3 and CX-30, in the same visit. Bring your driver's license, plus car seats or gear if you want to test the fit.
An in-person trade-in appraisal at Herzog-Meier Mazda usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a walkaround and short drive. Bring your title or loan payoff information, both keys, and any service records to speed things up.
 

Sources

Specifications, pricing and features on this page come from these sources. Information is subject to change; confirm details with our sales team.

· Mazda USA Newsroom: 2026 Mazda3 pricing and packaging

· Mazda USA Newsroom: 2026 pricing adjustments (May 4, 2026)

· IIHS: 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings

· EPA fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov

· MazdaUSA.com: 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback

Still deciding?

Ask us anything about the Mazda3.

Whether you're choosing between sedan and hatchback, deciding on AWD, or looking for a stick shift, the Herzog-Meier Mazda team will give you a straight answer, with no pressure.

Sales (833) 868-4612 Service & Parts (888) 295-0640 Visit 14105 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy
Beaverton, OR 97005

Pricing, specifications and features are from Mazda North American Operations for the 2026 model year and are subject to change. MSRP excludes $1,315 destination and handling, taxes, title, license and dealer fees; dealer sets actual price. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Turbo output of 250 hp/320 lb-ft requires 93-octane fuel. IIHS award applies to vehicles built after specific dates; see iihs.org. Driver-assistance features do not replace safe driving.