VS
At a Glance
Power
186hp @ 6000
271hp @ 5600
Torque
186lb-ft @ 4000
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
32 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 186hp @ 6000 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 32 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $27,090 for the Mazda3 and $39,995 for the WRX. 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
Subaru WRXLimited CVT 2026 - From $39,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
186hp @ 6000
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
186lb-ft @ 4000
258lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
32 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
18mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
36 (Est)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
183.8in
Width (in)
70.7in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.9in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107.3in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3111lbs
3554lbs
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
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
Mazda Mazda3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($27,090)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru WRX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or WRX?
The Mazda3 gets 32 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 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 WRX?
The Mazda3 produces 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The WRX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and WRX?
The Mazda3 starts from $27,090 and the WRX from $39,995. The Mazda3 is cheaper by $12,905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the WRX?
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