2025 Toyota Camry vs 2026 Mazda 3

$28,700 · Sedan

$24,550 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Camry ignites the segment with a potent 225 horsepower hybrid powertrain, making efficiency electrifying with an astonishing 51 MPG combined, dwarfing the 2026 Mazda 3's respectable 30 MPG combined. While the Camry commands a higher MSRP of $28,700, its phenomenal efficiency yields long-term savings and less time at the pump. Conversely, the Mazda 3 dazzles with accessible style, starting at a tempting $24,550, appealing to the budget-conscious driver who prioritizes tactile connection over pure output. The Camry is the mileage king, boasting a 21 MPG advantage, but the Mazda offers a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission compared to the Camry's CVT. This comparison pits the Camry’s sophisticated efficiency against the Mazda’s pure, attainable driving focus, despite the Camry's 39 hp advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Camry

The 2025 Camry's 51 MPG combined fuel economy drastically reduces weekly running costs for daily drivers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Camry

The Camry offers slightly more overall interior space with a larger 15.1 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda 3

The 2026 Mazda 3 delivers a more engaging mechanical experience with a standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, despite having 39 less horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 has a significantly lower entry price of $24,550, providing a strong foundation for an attractive driving sedan.

Choose the Toyota Camry if...

Fuel economy is paramount, given the Camry's massive 51 MPG combined rating.
You need the segment-leading power of 225 horsepower for freeway merging.
A larger 15.1 cu ft of cargo space is necessary for routine hauling.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low, starting at only $24,550, is the top priority.
You prefer the direct control of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You appreciate a slightly smaller, nimbler footprint at 183.5 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Camry	Mazda 3
Length	193.5"	183.5"
Width	72.4"	70.7"
Height	56.9"	56.9"
Wheelbase	111.2"	107.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	225 hp	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	53/50 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	51 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	689.0/650.0 mi.	356.4/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.0 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.1 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 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	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	34.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	50.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R16	205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Camry and 2026 Mazda 3.

How much more efficient is the 2025 Camry compared to the 2026 Mazda 3?

The Camry is dramatically more efficient, achieving 51 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel. The Mazda 3 is rated lower at 30 MPG combined, resulting in a significant 21 MPG difference in favor of the Toyota.

Is the price difference between these two sedans substantial?

Yes, there is a notable $4,150 gap in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the Mazda 3 starting at $24,550 and the Camry at $28,700.

Which vehicle offers superior acceleration based on horsepower?

The 2025 Toyota Camry holds a clear performance edge, generating 225 horsepower. The 2026 Mazda 3 produces 186 horsepower, meaning the Camry has 39 more horses under the hood.

Does the transmission type affect the driving experience differently?

Significantly so; the Camry uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), optimizing efficiency, whereas the Mazda 3 features a 6-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often find more connected and engaging.

How do their physical sizes compare, especially regarding parking?

The Camry is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 193.5 inches long and 72.4 inches wide. The Mazda 3 is marginally trimmer and easier to maneuver in tight spots, with a length of 183.5 inches.