VS
At a Glance
Power
186hp @ 6000
220hp @ 6000
Torque
186lb-ft @ 4000
139lb-ft
Fuel
30 mpg est.
52 MPG Combined / 44 Range
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Toyota Prius Plug In Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 186hp @ 6000 while the Toyota Prius Plug In Hybrid produces 220hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 30 mpg est. while the Prius Plug In Hybrid uses 52 MPG Combined / 44 Range — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $26,740 for the Mazda3 and $33,775 for the Prius Plug In Hybrid. 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 Select Sport Auto FWD 2026 - From $26,740
Toyota Prius Plug In HybridSE (Natl) 2026 - From $33,775
Performance
Power Output (hp)
186hp @ 6000
220hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
186lb-ft @ 4000
139lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Plug-In Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
52 MPG Combined / 44 Range
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
10.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
175.6in
181.1in
Width (in)
70.7in
70.1in
Height (in)
56.7in
55.9in
Wheelbase (in)
107.3in
108.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3117lbs
3461lbs
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
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Prius Plug In Hybrid
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Prius Plug In Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Prius Plug In Hybrid
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Lower starting price ($26,740)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Prius Plug In Hybrid
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Prius Plug In Hybrid?
The Mazda3 gets 30 mpg est. and the Prius Plug In Hybrid gets 52 MPG Combined / 44 Range on the combined cycle. The Prius Plug In Hybrid 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 Prius Plug In Hybrid?
The Mazda3 produces 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Prius Plug In Hybrid delivers 220hp @ 6000 and 139lb-ft of torque. The Prius Plug In Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Prius Plug In Hybrid?
The Mazda3 starts from $26,740 and the Prius Plug In Hybrid from $33,775. The Mazda3 is cheaper by $7,035 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Prius Plug In Hybrid?
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