2025 Mazda 3 vs 2026 Hyundai Venue

$24,150 · Sedan

$20,550 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The primary measurable disparity between the 2025 Mazda 3 and the 2026 Hyundai Venue is power, with the Mazda 3 delivering 191 hp compared to the Venue’s 121 hp—a substantial 70 hp advantage. The initial purchase price also varies significantly, with the Mazda 3 commanding an MSRP of $24,150 against the Venue’s $20,550, a $3,600 premium. Despite the power gap, both vehicles achieve an identical 31 MPG combined rating, though the Mazda 3 offers slightly better highway efficiency at 37 MPG versus the Venue's 33 MPG. In terms of utility, the Venue leads significantly in storage, boasting 18.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft. Furthermore, the Venue is notably taller at 61.6 inches compared to the Mazda 3's 56.9 inches, while the Mazda 3 is longer overall at 183.5 inches versus the Venue's 159.1 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 offers superior highway efficiency at 37 MPG and a more powerful 191 hp engine for highway merging.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue provides 18.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Mazda 3’s 13.2 cu ft for family hauling needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 generates 186 lb-ft of torque and 191 hp, vastly outperforming the Venue's 113 lb-ft and 121 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue undercuts the Mazda 3 by $3,600, offering equivalent combined MPG for a lower initial investment.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

Performance is prioritized, given the 191 hp engine and 186 lb-ft of torque.
The driver requires better highway fuel economy, achieving 37 MPG highway versus 33 MPG.
A longer, more traditional sedan profile (183.5 inches long) is preferred over a taller hatchback.

Choose the Hyundai Venue if...

The budget is a primary constraint, with an MSRP of $20,550 versus the Mazda 3’s $24,150.
Maximum cargo utility is required, utilizing the superior 18.7 cu ft capacity.
A taller ride height (61.6 inches) and slightly easier city maneuverability due to a shorter length (159.1 inches) are beneficial.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda 3	Hyundai Venue
Length	183.5"	159.1"
Width	70.7"	69.7"
Height	56.9"	61.6"
Wheelbase	107.3"	99.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
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	121 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	113 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/37 MPG	29/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/488.4 mi.	345.1/392.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	53.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	52.1 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	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	34.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.5 in.	53.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.9 in.	43.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	15 x 6.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/60R16	185/65R15
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda 3 and 2026 Hyundai Venue.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Mazda 3 than the 2026 Hyundai Venue?

The Mazda 3 possesses a substantial advantage, producing 191 horsepower compared to the Venue's 121 horsepower. This results in a 70 hp difference, which directly translates to significantly quicker acceleration and greater passing power on the road.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy between the two models?

Both vehicles achieve an identical 31 MPG combined rating. However, when looking specifically at highway driving, the Mazda 3 edges out the Venue, offering 37 MPG highway versus the Venue’s 33 MPG highway rating.

What is the cargo capacity difference between the Sedan and the Hatchback?

The 2026 Hyundai Venue hatchback offers significantly more practical storage space with 18.7 cubic feet. The 2025 Mazda 3 sedan is limited to 13.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, making the Venue superior for utility needs.

How much more expensive is the entry-level Mazda 3 compared to the Venue?

The 2025 Mazda 3 has a starting MSRP of $24,150, which is $3,600 higher than the 2026 Hyundai Venue's base price of $20,550.

Do both cars use the same type of gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda 3 and the 2026 Hyundai Venue are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep long-term running costs predictable for either vehicle.

What are the dimensional differences affecting overall presence?

The Mazda 3 is longer (183.5 inches vs. 159.1 inches) and wider (70.7 inches vs. 69.7 inches), giving it a lower, wider stance. Conversely, the Venue is notably taller at 61.6 inches compared to the Mazda 3’s 56.9 inches.