2025 Mazda 3 vs 2025 Nissan Versa

$24,150 · Sedan

$17,390 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The eternal question when shopping for a new sedan: Do you splurge for polish and power, or save significantly upfront? Comparing the 2025 Mazda 3 ($24,150 MSRP) against the 2025 Nissan Versa ($17,390 MSRP) highlights this trade-off, presenting a hefty $6,760 initial saving if you opt for the Versa. The Versa counters its lower price with slightly more cargo room at 14.7 cu ft versus the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft. However, the Mazda 3 clearly dominates performance metrics, boasting 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, easily overshadowing the Versa's 122 hp. While their fuel economy is very close, with the Mazda achieving 31 combined MPG and the Versa hitting 30 combined MPG, the Mazda offers a more engaging drive thanks to its 6-speed automatic compared to the Versa's 5-speed manual in the base model provided. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether that performance gap and premium feel are worth the significant price jump.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 offers better highway cruising stability and a marginally better 37 MPG highway rating for less stressful daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa offers a $6,760 lower entry price, freeing up budget for other family needs while providing slightly more usable trunk space at 14.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

With 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, the Mazda 3 provides 69 more horsepower than the Versa, making merging and spirited driving much more enjoyable.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is the clear value winner due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $17,390 compared to the Mazda 3's $24,150.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You prioritize driving engagement and need 191 hp for quicker acceleration.
You prefer the smoothness of a 6-speed automatic transmission over a manual.
You value superior exterior styling and a higher-end cabin feel, even if it costs $6,760 more.

Choose the Nissan Versa if...

Your primary concern is initial purchase price, saving nearly $7,000 upfront.
You need slightly more vertical storage space with 14.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You are comfortable operating a standard 5-speed manual transmission for daily driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda 3	Nissan Versa
Length	183.5"	177.0"
Width	70.7"	68.5"
Height	56.9"	57.3"
Wheelbase	107.3"	103.1"

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	✓	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	114 lb-ft @ 4000 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	5-speed manual
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	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/488.4 mi.	291.6/378.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	10.8 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	53.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	50.9 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.	36.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	31.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.5 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.9 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/60R16	P195/65R15
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Dimensions	—	15 x 6.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Nissan
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
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 Versa.

Is the 2025 Nissan Versa dramatically less fuel-efficient than the Mazda 3?

No, the fuel economy is quite close; the Mazda 3 has a slight edge with 31 combined MPG versus the Versa's 30 combined MPG, so efficiency isn't a major differentiator here.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 is substantially more powerful, delivering 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is a healthy 69 hp surplus over the Nissan Versa's 122 hp output.

Which sedan offers better interior storage space?

Surprisingly, the smaller Nissan Versa actually wins in trunk space, offering 14.7 cu ft compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft, which is helpful for loading larger grocery runs.

What is the price difference between the two base models?

The 2025 Mazda 3 starts at $24,150, making it $6,760 more expensive than the base 2025 Nissan Versa, which starts at just $17,390.

Does the base transmission type differ between these models?

Yes, the comparison data indicates the base Versa uses a 5-speed manual transmission, while the base Mazda 3 comes equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Are these cars similarly sized for parking in a city?

They are comparable, but the Versa is slightly smaller overall; the Mazda 3 is 183.5 inches long and 70.7 inches wide, whereas the Versa is shorter at 177.0 inches.