VS
At a Glance
Power
186hp @ 6000
149hp @ 6400
Torque
186lb-ft @ 4000
146lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
32 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Nissan Sentra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 186hp @ 6000 while the Nissan Sentra produces 149hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 32 mpg est. while the Sentra uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $27,090 for the Mazda3 and $23,370 for the Sentra. 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 Preferred FWD 2026 - From $27,090
Nissan SentraSV Sedan 2026 - From $23,370
Performance
Power Output (hp)
186hp @ 6000
149hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
186lb-ft @ 4000
146lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
32 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
36 (Est)mpg
38 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
12.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
183in
Width (in)
70.7in
71.5in
Height (in)
56.9in
57.1in
Wheelbase (in)
107.3in
106.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3111lbs
3097lbs
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
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Sentra
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Sentra
Value
Sentra
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Sentra
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($23,370)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Sentra?
The Mazda3 gets 32 mpg est. and the Sentra gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sentra 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 Sentra?
The Mazda3 produces 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Sentra delivers 149hp @ 6400 and 146lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Sentra?
The Mazda3 starts from $27,090 and the Sentra from $23,370. The Sentra is cheaper by $3,720 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Sentra?
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