VS
At a Glance
Power
186hp @ 6000
188hp @ 6000
Torque
186lb-ft @ 4000
180lb-ft @ 3600
Fuel
30 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Nissan Altima is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 186hp @ 6000 while the Nissan Altima produces 188hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 30 mpg est. while the Altima uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $31,360 for the Mazda3 and $28,980 for the Altima. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda Mazda32.5 S Carbon Edition Auto AWD 2026 - From $31,360
Nissan AltimaSR FWD 2026 - From $28,980
Performance
Power Output (hp)
186hp @ 6000
188hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
186lb-ft @ 4000
180lb-ft @ 3600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
27 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34 (Est)mpg
37 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.7gal
16.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
175.6in
192.9in
Width (in)
70.7in
72.9in
Height (in)
56.7in
56.9in
Wheelbase (in)
107.3in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3247lbs
3321lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Altima
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Altima
Fuel Economy
Altima
Value
Altima
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Altima
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($28,980)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Altima?
The Mazda3 gets 30 mpg est. and the Altima gets 32 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Altima is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mazda3 or Altima?
The Mazda3 produces 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Altima delivers 188hp @ 6000 and 180lb-ft @ 3600 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Altima?
The Mazda3 starts from $31,360 and the Altima from $28,980. The Altima is cheaper by $2,380 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Altima?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider