2026 Mazda 3 vs 2026 Toyota Camry

$24,550 · Sedan

$29,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda 3 captivates with its sophisticated design and engaging, driver-focused feel, rooted in a spirited 186 hp engine and an accessible starting MSRP of $24,550. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Camry blasts ahead in the efficiency race, boasting an astonishing 51 combined MPG, significantly eclipsing the Mazda's 30 MPG figure. While the Camry packs a punch with 225 hp, offering 39 more horses than the Mazda, its starting price is $4,450 higher at $29,000. The Camry also offers more practicality with 15.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda's 13.2 cu ft. For drivers prioritizing driving dynamics and style on a budget, the Mazda shines, but for pure running cost savings and highway cruising dominance, the hybrid-like efficiency of the Camry is unmatched, showcasing a distinct split in priorities between these two sleek sedans.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Camry

The 2026 Toyota Camry's superior 51 combined MPG makes it the undisputed champion for saving money on daily journeys.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Camry

With 15.1 cu ft of cargo capacity and slightly more overall length, the Camry offers superior room for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 provides a more focused, potentially more involving driving feel despite having less absolute power than the Camry.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda 3

The 2026 Mazda 3 starts at $24,550, offering a notably lower entry price point than the Camry's $29,000 MSRP.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

Your budget is paramount, as the Mazda 3 starts at $24,550, saving you $4,450 upfront.
You prefer the traditional feel and engagement of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You value a more compact exterior footprint, measuring 183.5 inches in length.

Choose the Toyota Camry if...

Fuel economy is the absolute top priority, given the Camry achieves an incredible 51 combined MPG.
You need the extra power boost from its 225 hp engine compared to the Mazda's 186 hp.
You require maximum utility, benefiting from the Camry's larger 15.1 cu ft cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	186 hp @ 6000 rpm	225 hp
Torque	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	Mazda	Toyota
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/36 MPG	52/49 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	51 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/475.2 mi.	676.0/637.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	55.4 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	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2026 Mazda 3 and the 2026 Camry?

The difference is substantial; the Camry achieves 51 combined MPG, while the Mazda 3 is rated for 30 combined MPG, meaning the Camry saves significantly on fuel over the long term.

Which car offers better outright performance based on the specifications?

The 2026 Toyota Camry has the advantage in raw power with 225 horsepower, which is 39 hp more than the Mazda 3's 186 hp output.

Is the higher price of the 2026 Toyota Camry justified by its features?

The Camry's $29,000 MSRP is $4,450 higher than the Mazda 3's $24,550 base price, which likely reflects its superior fuel efficiency and slightly higher horsepower figures.

Does the 2026 Mazda 3 handle highway driving well despite lower MPG?

The Mazda 3 offers respectable highway fuel economy at 36 MPG and utilizes a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, which some drivers find more satisfying than the Camry's CVT.

How do the trunk sizes compare for hauling gear?

The 2026 Toyota Camry provides 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, edging out the 2026 Mazda 3 which has 13.2 cubic feet in the trunk.

Are either of these sedans all-wheel drive?

No, based on the specifications provided, both the 2026 Mazda 3 and the 2026 Toyota Camry are exclusively front-wheel drive models for this comparison.