2025 Nissan Sentra vs 2026 Mazda 3

$21,590 · Sedan

$24,550 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sensible efficiency of the 2025 Nissan Sentra and the slightly more spirited nature of the 2026 Mazda 3 boils down to priorities. If saving on fuel is paramount, the Sentra is the clear choice, offering an excellent 34 MPG combined versus the Mazda 3's 30 MPG combined. However, the Mazda pulls ahead in performance, delivering a noticeable 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sentra's 146 lb-ft, translating to 186 hp versus the Sentra's 149 hp. Starting at an MSRP of $21,590, the Sentra undercuts the Mazda 3's $24,550 starting price, impacting overall value significantly. While their dimensions are close—the Sentra is slightly narrower at 71.5 inches—the Sentra also offers marginally more cargo space at 14.3 cu ft against the Mazda's 13.2 cu ft. This comparison pits thriftiness and a lower entry cost against a more engaging powertrain.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Sentra

The Sentra wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 4 MPG more combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Sentra

The Sentra provides slightly more usable space with 14.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is the better pick for enthusiasts, boasting 37 more horsepower and significantly higher torque figures.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Sentra

The Sentra offers better value with a substantially lower starting MSRP of $21,590 versus the Mazda 3's $24,550.

Choose the Nissan Sentra if...

Your primary concern is keeping running costs low, thanks to its 34 MPG combined fuel rating.
You need the absolute lowest entry price, with an MSRP of $21,590.
You prefer a traditional, slightly more spacious setup, evidenced by its 14.3 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You enjoy spirited driving, as it packs 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a standard 6-speed shiftable automatic over a continuously variable transmission.
You are willing to spend $3,000 more for a significant boost in available power.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Sentra	Mazda 3
Length	182.7"	183.5"
Width	71.5"	70.7"
Height	56.9"	56.9"
Wheelbase	106.6"	107.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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 Drum Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	149 hp @ 6400 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	186 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/40 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	34 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/496.0 mi.	356.4/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Front Head Room	38.9 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	54.6 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	Nissan	Mazda
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.7 in.	34.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	50.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Mazda
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 Nissan Sentra and 2026 Mazda 3.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Nissan Sentra?

The Sentra clearly wins on fuel savings, achieving 34 MPG combined. This is 4 MPG better than the 2026 Mazda 3's 30 MPG combined rating, which could save you significant money over a year of driving.

Is the performance difference between the two sedans noticeable?

Yes, the Mazda 3 is significantly punchier, offering 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Sentra's 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. This 37 hp advantage means the Mazda will feel quicker when accelerating onto the highway.

Which sedan costs less to purchase initially?

The 2025 Nissan Sentra is the more budget-friendly option, starting at an MSRP of $21,590. The 2026 Mazda 3 has a higher entry price point of $24,550.

Do either of these cars use premium fuel?

No, fortunately, both the 2025 Nissan Sentra and the 2026 Mazda 3 are specified to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, keeping your daily running costs down regardless of which you choose.

Which sedan has more room for luggage?

The Nissan Sentra provides slightly more practical storage capacity, measuring 14.3 cubic feet for cargo. The Mazda 3 offers 13.2 cubic feet, meaning the Sentra can swallow a bit more gear.

What transmission differences should I consider?

The Sentra uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), prioritizing smooth efficiency. Conversely, the Mazda 3 offers a 6-speed shiftable automatic, giving the driver more direct control over gear selection.