2025 Nissan Versa vs 2026 Mazda 3
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Nissan Versa and the 2026 Mazda 3 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Versa starting at $17,390 against the Mazda 3's $24,550, a difference of $7,160. This price gap reflects a substantial performance variance: the Mazda 3 delivers 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, overpowering the Versa's 122 hp and 114 lb-ft. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with both achieving a combined 30 MPG, though the Mazda 3 achieves slightly better highway mileage at 36 MPG compared to the Versa's 35 MPG. Dimensionally, the Mazda 3 is longer at 183.5 inches versus 177.0 inches for the Versa, but it sacrifices 1.5 cubic feet of storage, offering 13.2 cu ft compared to the Versa's 14.7 cu ft cargo capacity. The Versa exclusively offers a 5-speed manual transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa wins for daily commuters due to its significantly lower $17,390 MSRP, making initial ownership costs minimal.
2025 Nissan Versa
Families prioritizing practical utility will prefer the Versa for its superior 14.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.
2026 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, offering 64 more horsepower (186 hp vs 122 hp) and 72 lb-ft more torque (186 lb-ft vs 114 lb-ft).
2025 Nissan Versa
The Versa provides exceptional baseline transportation value by offering the same 30 MPG combined rating for $7,160 less than the Mazda 3.
Choose the Nissan Versa if...
- Budget is the primary concern, as the MSRP is $17,390.
- Maximum trunk space is needed, with 14.7 cu ft available.
- The driver prefers the engagement of a traditional 5-speed manual transmission.
Choose the Mazda 3 if...
- Maximum acceleration is desired, utilizing the 186 hp engine.
- A larger physical footprint (183.5 inches long) is preferred.
- The driver seeks a standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with higher power.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Versa | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 183.5" |
| Width | 68.5" | 70.7" |
| Height | 57.3" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.1" | 107.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 5-speed manual | 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) | 27/35 MPG | 27/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 291.6/378.0 mi. | 356.4/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.1 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 50.9 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 | 36.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 31.0 in. | 34.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 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 Dimensions | 15 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P195/65R15 | 205/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | 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 Versa and 2026 Mazda 3.
How much more power does the 2026 Mazda 3 offer over the 2025 Nissan Versa?
The Mazda 3 generates 186 horsepower, which is exactly 64 horsepower more than the Nissan Versa’s 122 horsepower output. This directly translates to significantly better acceleration potential in the Mazda 3.
Are the running costs significantly different regarding fuel consumption?
No, the fuel efficiency metrics are nearly identical, with both vehicles achieving a combined 30 MPG rating. The Mazda 3 edges out the Versa slightly on the highway, rated at 36 MPG versus 35 MPG.
Which vehicle provides better utility for carrying luggage?
The 2025 Nissan Versa is superior for cargo, offering 14.7 cubic feet of space. The 2026 Mazda 3 offers 13.2 cubic feet, making the Versa over 10% larger in trunk capacity.
What is the impact of the $7,160 MSRP difference on vehicle specification?
The $7,160 price variance primarily buys the Mazda 3's superior powertrain—including 64 more hp and 72 more lb-ft of torque—and its larger physical dimensions (183.5 inches vs 177.0 inches).
Can I get a manual transmission in the 2026 Mazda 3?
Based on the provided data, the 2025 Nissan Versa is listed with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the 2026 Mazda 3 comes standard with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Do both cars require the same fuel type?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Versa and the 2026 Mazda 3 are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the need for premium gasoline.
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