Head-to-head
2025 Mazda Mazda3 vs 2025 Nissan Sentra
The Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 96.1 to 91.4, on safety, performance, tech & comfort. The Nissan Sentra is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
A
2025 Mazda Mazda3
The 2025 Mazda Mazda3 is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 3 4-Door 2WD, is EPA-rated at …
vs
C2025 Nissan Sentra
The 2025 Nissan Sentra is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sentra, is EPA-rated at 34 mp…
Verdict · default weights
2025 Mazda Mazda3
Slight edgeThe Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 96.1 to 91.4, on safety, performance, tech & comfort. The Nissan Sentra is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo.
Safety 2025 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 14
Performance 2025 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 21.3
Fuel & range 2025 Nissan Sentra leads by 9.1
| Category · weight | 2025 Mazda Mazda3overall 96.1 | 2025 Nissan Sentraoverall 91.4 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 90.9 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 95.6 | 81.6 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 94.9 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 78.7 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 98.6 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 96.1 | 91.4 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Mazda Mazda3: base trim 2.5 S FWD · Nissan Sentra: base trim S FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (8 against 32 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 92 against 76).
- It makes 191 hp against 149.
Where the 2025 Nissan Sentra answers
- It lists 27 standard driver-assist features against 24.
- It costs $200 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,950 against $2,150).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
52 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $21,590 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,488 cc | 1,997 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC with Cylinder Deactivation | 2.0L DOHC I4 |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | 4 valves per cylinder, Variable-Valve Timing | 4 valves per cylinder, Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 149 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 27 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 31 mpg | 34 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 37 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.422 | 5.034C |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | — |
| Transmission type | SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | 4.7 in |
| Overall height | 56.9 in | 56.9 in |
| Overall length | 184 in | 183 in |
| Overall width | 70.7 in | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 107 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 13.2 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 92.8 cu-ft | 110 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 38 in | 38.9 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 36.7 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.3 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.3 in | 43.8 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 34.9 in |
| Third-row legroom | 35.1 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,124 lbs | 3,036 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,124 lbs | 3,036 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 3,957 lbs |
| Payload capacity | — | 921 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut | Independent strut with coil springs |
| Rear suspension type | Torsion Beam Axle | Multi-link independent |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack-and-pinion | Dual pinion electric power-assisted (vehicle-speed-sensitive) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 17.4 ft | 19.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 280 mm | 279 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | Vented disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | Foot brake |
| Rear brake diameter | 265 mm | 229 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | drum |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 16 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | steel |
| Wheel width | 6.5 in | 6.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 205/60R16 M+S | 205/60R16 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | 12.4 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connect | NissanConnect |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 55.7 in | 56.4 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 54.5 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.5 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
148 features · differences first, then sharedSafety21 differ · 36 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with stop and go function | std | — |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Lane Keep Assist | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| Rear passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags | — | std |
| 3-point safety belts for all seating positions | std | — |
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags | — | std |
| Easy-Fill Tire Alert | — | std |
| Electronic Brake force Distribution | — | std |
| Emergency inside trunk release | — | std |
| Front & Rear safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | — | std |
| LATCH rear seat child safety seat anchors & upper tether anchors | std | — |
| Parking brake – Foot brake | — | std |
| Rear Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Rear Door Alert | std | — |
| Rear Door Alert | — | std |
| Seat belt warning/reminder for driver, front passenger and rear passengers | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection (SBS) | std | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | std |
| Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags | std | std |
| Lane Departure Warning with haptic steering wheel | std | std |
| Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor | std | std |
| RearView Monitor | std | std |
| Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection | std | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System | std | std |
| Blind Spot Warning | std | std |
| Child safety rear door locks | std | std |
| High Beam Assist | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist | std | std |
| Traction Control System | std | std |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | std | std |
| Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System – direct sensor type | std | std |
Infotainment20 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| NissanConnect® with Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required, sold separately) | std | — |
| Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone switches | — | std |
| 1 front USB connection port (Type A) with iPod® Interface | — | std |
| 4.2-inch multi-information display | — | std |
| 6-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics | std | — |
| 7-inch color touchscreen display | — | std |
| 8.8" full-color center display | std | — |
| AM/FM/Radio | std | — |
| AM/FM/USB with 4 speakers | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ integration | std | — |
| Auxiliary input jack | — | std |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® | — | std |
| Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant | — | std |
| MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System | std | — |
| Multi-function Commander control | std | — |
| NissanConnect® Services (NissanConnect® Services, MyNISSAN app control) | — | opt |
| Radio Data System | — | std |
| Speed-sensitive volume control | — | std |
| USB Type-C Audio Inputs (2 ports) | std | — |
| Audio switches | std | std |
Convenience11 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12-volt DC power outlet | — | std |
| Battery saver | — | std |
| Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls | std | — |
| Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted switches | — | std |
| Illuminated entry system | std | — |
| Power door locks - speed sensitive with 2-stage unlocking | std | — |
| Power door locks with auto-locking feature | — | std |
| Power windows – Driver-side one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse | — | std |
| Power windows with one-touch down/up feature (4) | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry system | std | — |
| Remote releases – trunk and fuel filler door | — | std |
| Remote Keyless Entry system with Push Button Ignition | std | std |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning - manual | std | — |
| Air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter | — | std |
| Front window defroster | — | std |
Seating5 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| 60/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback | std | — |
| Front passenger's seat 4-way manual | — | std |
| Headrests - height-adjustable, front & rear (3 passenger seats) | std | — |
| Rear seats 60/40-split fold-down | — | std |
| Driver's seat 6-way manual | std | std |
| Cloth | std | std |
Interior23 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3-spoke urethane steering wheel | — | std |
| 7-inch LCD meter display | std | — |
| Assist grips (4) | — | std |
| Assist handles - (4) | std | — |
| Cargo area lamp | — | std |
| Cargo area light (LED) | std | — |
| D-shaped steering wheel | — | std |
| Dual LED overhead front map lights | — | std |
| Front door pockets | — | std |
| Gear selector - urethane | std | — |
| Map lights (LED) | std | — |
| Sliding center armrest | — | std |
| Steering wheel - tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Steering wheel - urethane | std | — |
| Storage - center console armrest with covered storage compartments | std | — |
| Storage - cup holders, (2) front | std | — |
| Storage - glove compartment | std | — |
| Storage, bottle holder, front (2) and rear (2) door panels | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors and extensions | std | — |
| Sun visors with extensions and vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Manual tilt and telescoping | — | std |
| Floor mats - carpeted | std | — |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B, current and average fuel economy | std | — |
| Inside rearview mirror Manual day/night | std | std |
Exterior25 differ · 27 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 16 x 6.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | std | — |
| 16-inch steel with cover, 16 x 6.5-inch wheels | — | std |
| 205/60 R16 all-season tires | std | — |
| 205/60R16 all-season tires | — | std |
| Body-color door handles | — | std |
| Body-color power outside mirrors | — | std |
| Brake light - center high-mount | std | — |
| Center High-Mount Stop Light | — | std |
| Chrome V-motion front grille | — | std |
| Dual exhaust outlets | std | — |
| Front grille - matte finish | std | — |
| Halogen headlights | — | std |
| Headlights - auto On/Off feature | std | — |
| Headlights - daytime running lights (LED) | std | — |
| Headlights - LED | std | — |
| Intelligent Auto Headlights | — | std |
| License plate lamp (LED) | std | — |
| Rear combination lights | std | — |
| Rear hatch spoiler - black (Premium Plus Unique- PIO) | std | — |
| Side garnish - black | std | — |
| Side mirrors - body-color, dual power remote | std | — |
| Snowflake White Pearl Mica (exterior color option - Hatchback) | opt | — |
| Variable intermittent front wipers | — | std |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - variable-intermittent | std | — |
| Rear window defroster with indicator light and timer | std | std |
| Temporary spare tire in trunk 17 x 4T | std | std |
Powertrain5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Idle Stop/Start | — | std |
| MR20DD engine (DOHC, I4, 2.0L/1997cc, 149hp @ 6,000 RPM, 146 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM, direct injection) | — | std |
| SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with Cylinder Deactivation | std | — |
| SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed AT with manual-shift mode and Sport mode | std | — |
| Xtronic CVT transmission | — | std |
| Front-engine / front-wheel drive | std | std |
Chassis11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ride Control | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Front brakes – Vented disc, 11.0 inch diameter x 0.9 inch thickness | — | std |
| Front Suspension - MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Intelligent Ride Control | — | std |
| Intelligent Trace Control | — | std |
| Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering | std | — |
| Rear brakes – Drum, 9.0 inch diameter (S); Vented disc, 10.2 inch diameter x 0.31 inch thickness (SV, SR) | — | std |
| Rear Suspension - Torsion Beam | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS: G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) | std | — |
| Twin tube shock absorbers | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Cover (hatchback) | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda Mazda3
Safety Signal 92 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 8 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (2), Unspecified (2), Air Bags (1)
Top recalls
- high Air Bags 25V357000 · 171,412 vehicles
Nissan Sentra
Safety Signal 76 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 32 · 6 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (6), Electrical System (5), Forward Collision Avoidance (5)
Top recalls
- high Power Train 26V410000 · 946 vehicles
- high Latches/Locks/Linkages 26V023000 · 26,432 vehicles
- high Seats 25V153000 · 199 vehicles
- moderate Visibility 25V807000 · 41,797 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda Mazda32.5 S FWD | Nissan SentraS FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $21,590 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 13 trims | $21,590 – $24,590 3 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | 3 4-Door 2WD | Sentra |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 31 | 34 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,150 | $1,950 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2025 Nissan Sentra?
The Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 96.1 to 91.4, on safety, performance, tech & comfort. The Nissan Sentra is ahead on fuel & range and space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 scores 96.1 and the 2025 Nissan Sentra 91.4. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2025 Nissan Sentra?
2025 Mazda Mazda3: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 1 recall. 2025 Nissan Sentra: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 and the 2025 Nissan Sentra?
Where the 2025 Mazda Mazda3 wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (8 against 32 filed with NHTSA), has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 92 against 76), and makes 191 hp against 149. Where the 2025 Nissan Sentra answers: it lists 27 standard driver-assist features against 24 and costs $200 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,950 against $2,150). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 5 seats.