2026 Mazda3 Sedan vs.
2026 Nissan Sentra in Danvers, MA

The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan and 2026 Nissan Sentra give Danvers and North Shore drivers two compact sedans with five-passenger seating, efficient four-cylinder engines, modern connectivity, and advanced driver-assistance features. The Mazda3 offers a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G four-cylinder with 186 horsepower, while the Sentra uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 149 horsepower.

The Mazda3 also provides a choice between front-wheel drive and available i-ACTIV AWD®, while the Sentra uses front-wheel drive. For drivers comparing daily commuting, winter traction, fuel economy, technology, and cabin features, the two sedans take different approaches to compact-car transportation.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan and 2026 Nissan Sentra Key Highlights

Feature2026 Mazda3 Sedan2026 Nissan Sentra
Standard engine2.5L SKYACTIV®-G I-42.0L I-4
Horsepower186 hp149 hp
Torque186 lb-ft146 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed automaticXtronic CVT®
DrivetrainFWD; AWD availableFWD
Maximum EPA fuel economy27 city/36 highway mpg30 city/38 highway mpg
Seating55
Cargo volume13 cu. ft.14.3 cu. ft.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Provides Two Four-Cylinder Performance Options

The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G four-cylinder as its standard engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is available in the Turbo Premium Plus, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with recommended premium fuel.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Performance

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Provides Key Performance Features

  • 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces 186 hp.
  • Standard engine produces 186 lb-ft of torque.
  • Six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
  • Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims.
  • i-ACTIV AWD® is standard on Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus.
  • Turbocharged engine produces up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with recommended premium fuel.
  • FWD models achieve up to 27 city/36 highway mpg.
2026 Nissan Sentra Performance

2026 Nissan Sentra Provides Key Performance Features

  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 149 hp.
  • Engine produces 146 lb-ft of torque.
  • Xtronic CVT® is standard.
  • Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
  • S and SV achieve 30 city/38 highway/33 combined mpg.
  • SR and SL achieve 29 city/36 highway/32 combined mpg.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Combines Five-Passenger Seating With Practical Trunk Space

Both sedans seat five passengers, but their interior layouts differ. The Mazda3 Sedan provides 13 cubic feet of trunk capacity. The Mazda3 emphasizes a driver-focused cabin with available leather-trimmed seating, while the redesigned Sentra adds available Zero Gravity seats and an available dual-screen display setup.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Seating and Cargo

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Combines Seating and Cargo Features

  • Five-passenger seating.
  • 13 cubic feet of trunk capacity.
  • Available leather-trimmed seats.
  • Available heated front seats.
  • Available power moonroof.
  • Sedan body style provides a dedicated trunk.
2026 Nissan Sentra Seating and Cargo

2026 Nissan Sentra Combines Seating and Cargo Features

  • Five-passenger seating.
  • 14.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
  • Available Zero Gravity front and rear seats.
  • Available Sport Leatherette seating.
  • Available power moonroof.
  • 96.1 cubic feet of passenger volume without the moonroof.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Integrates Connected Technology and Driver Assistance

The Mazda3 Sedan includes an 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Higher trims add features such as a 10.25-inch display and Bose® premium audio.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Technology

2026 Mazda3 Sedan Provides Key Technology Features

  • 8.8-inch Mazda Connect display.
  • Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢ integration.
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
  • Blind Spot Monitoring.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
  • Available 10.25-inch display.
  • Available Bose® 12-speaker audio system.
2026 Nissan Sentra Technology

2026 Nissan Sentra Provides Key Technology Features

  • NissanConnect® 12.3-inch infotainment system is standard.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢ are standard.
  • Available dual 12.3-inch displays combine digital gauges and infotainment.
  • Available Bose® premium audio system uses eight speakers and a 10-inch woofer.
  • Available ProPILOT Assist provides steering and traffic assistance.

What Do Automotive Experts Say About the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan?

Car and Driver gave the 2026 Mazda3 a 9/10 rating and highlighted its interior quality, engaging driving characteristics, and available AWD and turbocharged powertrain.

"With the 3 sedan and hatch, shoppers have a lot of choices, all of which are fun, refined, and reasonably efficient."

Source: Car and Driver, 2026 Mazda 3 Review

What Are 2026 Mazda3 Owners Saying?

A 2026 Mazda3 owner reviewing a new hatchback on Cars.com described the ownership experience positively, citing driving enjoyment, fuel efficiency, practicality, interior quality, and long-term ownership expectations.

"The Mazda 3 is a fun car that delivers a rewarding experience, decent fuel efficiency, adequate practicality, and an interior that feels premium."

Source:Cars.com, 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Consumer Reviews

We Help North Shore Drivers Compare the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan

At North Shore Mazda, we help Danvers-area drivers compare the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan by engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, technology, comfort, and available equipment. Our dealership is located on Route 1 South in Danvers, making it convenient for drivers traveling from Beverly, Peabody, Salem, Lynn, Marblehead, Gloucester, Ipswich, and other North Shore communities. The Mazda3 can fit daily commutes along Route 1, I-95, and Route 128, while its available AWD configuration gives shoppers another option for changing New England road conditions.

FAQs

How much horsepower does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan have?

The standard 2.5-liter engine produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

Does the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan have AWD?

Yes. i-ACTIV AWD® is available and is standard on the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus.

How much trunk space does the Mazda3 Sedan have?

The 2026 Mazda3 Sedan provides 13 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

Where can I compare the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan in Danvers?

North Shore Mazda is located at 84 Newbury St. in Danvers, Massachusetts, on Route 1 South.