2025 Mazda 3 vs 2025 Nissan Altima

$24,150 · Sedan

$27,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda 3 arrives as the driver's choice, flaunting 191 hp and sharper dimensions (183.5 inches long) promising agile handling, appealing to those who prioritize the visceral connection to the road. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Altima establishes itself as the spacious workhorse, offering a significant advantage in passenger volume and utility with its 15.4 cu ft of cargo space, eclipsing the Mazda’s 13.2 cu ft. While the Altima achieves slightly better fuel economy at 32 combined MPG compared to the Mazda's 31 combined MPG, the Mazda counters with marginally more punch, generating 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Altima's 180 lb-ft. Priced lower at $24,150 versus the Altima's $27,000 MSRP, the Mazda delivers its performance appeal with a cost advantage, making the competition a classic showdown between sculpted engagement and practical volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima provides a slightly better cruising experience with superior highway efficiency (39 MPG vs. 37 MPG) and a more compliant ride due to its larger footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Altima

The Altima wins on practicality due to its larger overall dimensions and 15.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, comfortably accommodating more family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 offers a more engaging drive, evident in its superior 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque delivered through a traditional 6-speed automatic gearbox.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 undercuts the Altima on price by $2,850, offering more horsepower for a lower MSRP.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You prioritize driving dynamics, preferring the tactile feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic over a CVT.
Your budget is tight, as the Mazda 3 starts at a more affordable MSRP of $24,150.
You value a smaller, more athletic profile; the Mazda 3 is over 9 inches shorter in length than the Altima.

Choose the Nissan Altima if...

Maximum utility is essential, as the Altima boasts a generous 15.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You seek the absolute best highway cruising range, achieving 39 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a slightly larger cabin feel, as the Altima is both wider (72.9 inches) and longer (192.9 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda 3	Nissan Altima
Length	183.5"	192.9"
Width	70.7"	72.9"
Height	56.9"	56.7"
Wheelbase	107.3"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	188 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/37 MPG	27/39 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	32 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/488.4 mi.	437.4/631.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	16.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	43.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	58.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.5 in.	57.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.9 in.	54.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/60R16	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda 3 and 2025 Nissan Altima.

Which sedan has the more engaging transmission?

The 2025 Mazda 3 is the clear choice for engagement here, utilizing a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Nissan Altima uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which prioritizes smooth operation and efficiency over spirited shifting feedback.

How much more interior room does the Altima offer over the Mazda 3?

The Nissan Altima is physically larger in nearly every dimension, making it feel more spacious inside. Its primary advantage is cargo; it offers 15.4 cu ft compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft, a meaningful difference for hauling luggage or groceries.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between these FWD sedans?

The difference is minor, but the 2025 Nissan Altima slightly leads with 32 combined MPG (27/39 city/highway). The 2025 Mazda 3 closely follows at 31 combined MPG (27/37 city/highway), meaning fuel choice is not a major deciding factor.

If performance matters most, which car delivers more power?

The 2025 Mazda 3 wins the output battle with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Nissan Altima produces slightly less power at 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, making the Mazda feel punchier during acceleration.

Which vehicle provides better base value for the money?

The 2025 Mazda 3 is the better value proposition at its $24,150 MSRP. This is significantly less expensive than the Altima's starting price of $27,000, yet it offers higher peak horsepower.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

No, neither vehicle demands premium fuel for their standard engines. Both the 2025 Mazda 3 and the 2025 Nissan Altima are designed to run perfectly well on regular unleaded gasoline.