2026 Hyundai Venue vs 2026 Mazda 3

$20,550 · Hatchback

$24,550 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Hyundai Venue and the 2026 Mazda 3 is the 65 horsepower gap, with the Mazda 3 delivering 186 hp compared to the Venue's 121 hp. This power difference is reflected in the $4,000 MSRP difference, standing at $20,550 for the Venue and $24,550 for the Mazda 3. Fuel economy is tightly matched; the Venue achieves a 31 MPG combined rating (29/33 City/Highway), slightly edging out the Mazda 3's 30 MPG combined (27/36 City/Highway). However, the Mazda 3 is substantially larger, measuring 183.5 inches long versus the Venue's 159.1 inches. Cargo capacity favors the Venue marginally in absolute terms at 18.7 cu ft, though the Mazda 3 sedan configuration offers a practical 13.2 cu ft. The transmission philosophies differ too: the Venue utilizes a CVT, while the Mazda 3 offers a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is the winner for commuters due to its lower $20,550 MSRP and superior combined fuel efficiency of 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 provides significantly more passenger space and stability due to its 183.5-inch length compared to the Venue's 159.1 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda 3

With 186 lb-ft of torque and 186 hp, the Mazda 3 offers substantially higher performance metrics than the Venue's 121 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue delivers a more affordable entry point at $20,550 while still achieving 31 MPG combined.

Choose the Hyundai Venue if...

Your primary concern is keeping the initial purchase price under $21,000, as its MSRP is $20,550.
You prioritize maximum efficiency, as the Venue achieves 31 MPG combined versus 30 MPG for the Mazda 3.
You need the highest measured cargo volume at 18.7 cu ft for everyday utility needs.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You require greater acceleration and responsiveness, thanks to its 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the traditional feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You need the increased structural length of 183.5 inches for enhanced road presence and interior volume.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	121 hp @ 6300 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	113 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Hyundai	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/33 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	345.1/392.7 mi.	356.4/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.9 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.9 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	52.1 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	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.3 in.	34.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.7 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.5 in.	50.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 Venue and the 2026 Mazda 3?

The 2026 Mazda 3 holds a significant performance advantage, producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Hyundai Venue generates only 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The Hyundai Venue is marginally more efficient, rating at 31 MPG combined (29 city/33 highway), compared to the Mazda 3's 30 MPG combined (27 city/36 highway).

How much more does the 2026 Mazda 3 cost compared to the 2026 Venue?

The Mazda 3 has an MSRP of $24,550, making it $4,000 more expensive than the Hyundai Venue, which starts at $20,550.

Does the transmission type affect the driving experience?

Yes; the Venue uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) optimized for efficiency, whereas the Mazda 3 employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for more direct gear engagement.

Which car has a larger physical footprint?

The Mazda 3 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 183.5 inches in length and 56.9 inches in height, significantly exceeding the Venue's 159.1-inch length and 61.6-inch height.