VS
At a Glance
Power
227hp @ 5000
188hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 2000
180lb-ft @ 3600
Fuel
28 mpg est.
33 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 227hp @ 5000 while the Nissan Altima produces 188hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 28 mpg est. while the Altima uses 33 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $36,740 for the Mazda3 and $27,580 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 Turbo Premium Plus AWD 2026 - From $36,740
Nissan AltimaSV FWD 2026 - From $27,580
Performance
Power Output (hp)
227hp @ 5000
188hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 2000
180lb-ft @ 3600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
33 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (Est)mpg
27 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32 (Est)mpg
39 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.7gal
16.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
192.9in
Width (in)
70.7in
72.9in
Height (in)
56.9in
56.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107.3in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3413lbs
3281lbs
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
✓ 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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda3
Fuel Economy
Altima
Value
Altima
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Altima
Better fuel economy (33 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($27,580)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Altima?
The Mazda3 gets 28 mpg est. and the Altima gets 33 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 227hp @ 5000 and 310lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Altima delivers 188hp @ 6000 and 180lb-ft @ 3600 of torque. The Mazda3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Altima?
The Mazda3 starts from $36,740 and the Altima from $27,580. The Altima is cheaper by $9,160 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