Head-to-head
2026 Mazda Mazda3 vs 2026 Nissan Altima
The Mazda Mazda3 wins clearly, 99.5 to 93, on tech & comfort, price. The Nissan Altima is ahead on safety.
A
2026 Mazda Mazda3
The 2026 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
A2026 Nissan Altima
The 2026 Nissan Altima is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Altima, is EPA-rated at 30 mp…
Verdict · default weights
2026 Mazda Mazda3
Clear winThe Mazda Mazda3 wins clearly, 99.5 to 93, on tech & comfort, price. The Nissan Altima is ahead on safety.
Tech & comfort 2026 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 27.1
Price 2026 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 10.6
Safety 2026 Nissan Altima leads by 1.7
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda Mazda3overall 99.5 | 2026 Nissan Altimaoverall 93 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 89.4 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 98.3 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 99.3 | 98.9 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 72.9 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 99.5 | 93 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mazda Mazda3: base trim 2.5 S Sedan FWD · Nissan Altima: base trim SV 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 2026 Mazda Mazda3 wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (48 points against 35 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It starts $2,930 lower ($24,650 against $27,580 base MSRP).
- It turns out 186 lb-ft of torque against 180.
Where the 2026 Nissan Altima answers
- It lists 30 standard driver-assist features against 26.
- It makes 188 hp against 186.
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- A Safety Signal of 100.
- 1 owner complaints.
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
51 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $24,650 | $27,580 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,488 cc | 2,488 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | SKYACTIV-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder | 2.5L 4-cylinder inline DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | 4 valves per cylinder, Variable-Valve Timing | 4 valves per cylinder; CVTCS on intake and exhaust valves |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.626 | 4.828 |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | — |
| Transmission type | SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed electronically-controlled Sport AT | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | — |
| Overall height | 56.9 in | 56.8 in |
| Overall length | 184 in | 193 in |
| Overall width | 70.7 in | 72.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 111 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 92.8 cu-ft | 116 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 38 in | 39.1 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 36.9 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.3 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.3 in | 43.8 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 35.2 in |
| Third-row legroom | 35.1 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,111 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,111 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent, MacPherson strut | Independent strut with coil springs, aluminum links, 25mm stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | Torsion Beam Axle | Multi-link independent suspension, 26mm hollow stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack-and-pinion | Dual-pinion electric-powered steering system |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 17.4 ft | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 280 mm | 296 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | Power-assisted vented disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | Foot brake / mechanical |
| Rear brake diameter | 265 mm | 292 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 6.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 205/60R16 M+S | 215/55R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | 16.2 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | 3 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 55.7 in | 58.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 57.1 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
172 features · differences first, then sharedSafety27 differ · 43 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Warning | — | std |
| Intelligent Cruise Control | std | opt |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Lane Keep Assist | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| Seat-mounted rear passenger side-impact supplemental air bags | — | std |
| 3-point safety belts for all seating positions | std | — |
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | std | — |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Child seat upper tether anchors – 3 (rear seat) | — | std |
| Easy-Fill Tire Alert | — | std |
| Electronic / switch parking brake | — | opt |
| Electronic Brake Force Distribution | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Emergency inside trunk release | — | std |
| Front & Rear safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | — | std |
| Intelligent Lane Intervention | — | opt |
| LATCH System | — | std |
| ProPILOT Assist | — | opt |
| Rear Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Rear Sonar System | — | std |
| Seat belt warning/reminder for driver, front passenger and rear passengers | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support with pedestrian, bicycles or motorcycles detection (SBS) | std | — |
| Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Vehicle Security System | — | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | std |
| Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags | std | std |
| Lane Departure Warning | std | std |
| Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage 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 for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection | std | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System | std | std |
| Child safety rear door locks | std | std |
| Driver and front passenger supplemental knee air bags | std | std |
| High Beam Assist | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist | std | std |
| Rear Door Alert | std | std |
| Traction Control System | std | std |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | std | std |
| Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System, 4-corner pressure readout | std | std |
Infotainment28 differ · 28 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Wi-Fi Hotspot | std | opt |
| 12.3-inch HD color display with multi-touch control | — | opt |
| 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display | — | std |
| 8-inch color display with multi-touch control | — | std |
| 8-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics | std | — |
| 8.8" full-color center display | std | — |
| AM/FM with 6 speakers | — | std |
| AM/FM/Radio | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ integration | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone system | — | std |
| Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant | — | std |
| MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System | std | — |
| Multi-function Commander control | std | — |
| NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Wi-Fi Hotspot | — | opt |
| NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ | — | std |
| Siri Eyes Free®/Google Assistant™ Voice Recognition | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with advanced audio features (three-month trial period included) | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | std | — |
| Streaming audio via Bluetooth® | — | std |
| Two front illuminated USB connection ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) | — | std |
| Two rear illuminated USB charge ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) | — | opt |
| USB Type-C Audio Inputs (2 ports) | std | — |
| Wired Android Auto | — | std |
| Wired Apple CarPlay | — | std |
| Wireless Android Auto | — | opt |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | — | opt |
| Wireless charging pad | — | opt |
Convenience9 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise control | — | std |
| Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls | std | — |
| Illuminated entry system | std | — |
| Power door locks - speed sensitive with 2-stage unlocking | std | — |
| Power door locks with selective unlocking | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down with auto reverse – driver side | — | std |
| Power windows with one-touch down/up feature (4) | std | — |
| Remote engine start | — | std |
| Remote keyless entry system | std | — |
| Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition | std | std |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control | — | opt |
| Air conditioning - manual | std | — |
| Front HVAC system microfilter | — | std |
| Heater / defroster | std | — |
Seating13 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seats | — | std |
| 8-way power | — | std |
| Heated front seats | — | opt |
| 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat with seat lifter | std | — |
| 2-way power lumbar | — | opt |
| 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| 4-way manual passenger seat | — | std |
| 4-way power passenger seat | — | opt |
| 5-passenger seating capacity | std | — |
| 60/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback | std | — |
| Headrests - Front (height-adjustable: Driver and Passenger) & rear (removable - 3 passengers) | std | — |
| Leather-appointed seating | — | opt |
| Zero gravity bucket front seats | — | std |
| Woven fabric seating | std | std |
Interior30 differ · 30 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 3-spoke urethane steering wheel | — | std |
| 7-inch LCD meter display | std | — |
| Ambient temperature | std | — |
| Assist handles - (4) | std | — |
| Cargo area light | std | — |
| Center console with armrest, 12V power outlet and storage | — | std |
| Coat hooks (2) Rear | std | — |
| Digital clock | std | — |
| Dual overhead front map lights with sunglass holder | — | std |
| Fuel gauge | std | — |
| Gear selector - urethane | std | — |
| Interior trim - Cup holder Panel | std | — |
| Interior trim - IP Boot panel | std | — |
| Map lights (LED) | std | — |
| Meters/gauges – Fine Vision illumination (Speedometer, Tachometer, Coolant temperature, Fuel level with fuel door location indicator) | — | std |
| Multi-Information Display (MID) - Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Meter, Outside Temperature, Distance-To-Empty, Average Fuel Economy, Current fuel economy, i-Activsense display, Compass Display, Door-Ajar/Liftgate-Ajar Warning indication, Message Display | std | — |
| Rear reading lights | — | std |
| Speedometer | std | — |
| Steering wheel - tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Steering wheel – urethane | std | — |
| Steering wheel-mounted control switches (cruise control, audio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system) | — | 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 | — |
| Tachometer | std | — |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | — |
| Floor mats - carpeted | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors and extensions | std | — |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B, current and average fuel economy | std | — |
Exterior27 differ · 29 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Single panel moonroof | — | opt |
| 16 x 6.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | std | — |
| 17-inch alloy wheel, gloss black | — | opt |
| 17-inch machined aluminum-alloy with painted inserts | — | std |
| 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy with painted inserts | — | opt |
| 215/55R17 all-season tires | — | std |
| 235/40R19 all-season tires | — | opt |
| Active grille shutters | — | std |
| Brake light - center high-mount | std | — |
| Center High-Mounted Stop Light (LED) | — | std |
| Dual exhaust outlets | std | — |
| Dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors – manual folding | — | std |
| Exhaust finisher | — | opt |
| Flat blade variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle | — | std |
| Front grille - matte finish | std | — |
| Headlights - auto On/Off feature | std | — |
| Headlights - daytime running lights (LED) | std | — |
| Headlights - LED | std | — |
| Intelligent Auto Headlights (LED, Daytime Running Lights, High Beam Assist) | — | std |
| License plate lamp (LED) | std | — |
| Rear combination lights | std | — |
| Rear decklid spoiler | — | opt |
| Side garnish - black | std | — |
| Side mirrors - body-color, dual power remote with LED turn signal indicators | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - variable-intermittent | std | — |
| Splash Guards | — | opt |
| Rear window defroster with timer | std | std |
| Temporary spare tire – 16 x 4T, steel wheel | std | std |
Powertrain5 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Battery saver timing device | — | std |
| SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with Cylinder Deactivation | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS: G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) | std | — |
| SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed AT with manual-shift mode and Sport mode | std | — |
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | std |
Chassis7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ride Control | — | opt |
| Front Suspension - MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Intelligent Trace Control | — | opt |
| Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering | std | — |
| Power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes | std | — |
| Rear Suspension - Torsion Beam | std | — |
| ZF Sachs monotube rear shock absorbers | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Cover [Hatchback only] | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda Mazda3
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Steering (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Nissan Altima
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (1), Lane Departure (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Nissan AltimaSV FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24,650 (base trim) | $27,580 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $24,650 – $38,090 11 trims | $27,580 – $30,480 4 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | 3 4-Door 2WD | Altima |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 30 | 30 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,100 | $2,100 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The Mazda Mazda3 wins clearly, 99.5 to 93, on tech & comfort, price. The Nissan Altima is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 scores 99.5 and the 2026 Nissan Altima 93. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Mazda Mazda3 starts lower — $24,650 against $27,580, a gap of $2,930 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Nissan Altima?
2026 Mazda Mazda3: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Nissan Altima: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 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 2026 Mazda Mazda3 and the 2026 Nissan Altima?
Where the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (48 points against 35 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), starts $2,930 lower ($24,650 against $27,580 base MSRP), and turns out 186 lb-ft of torque against 180. Where the 2026 Nissan Altima answers: it lists 30 standard driver-assist features against 26 and makes 188 hp against 186. What they share: 5 NHTSA stars, a Safety Signal of 100, and 1 owner complaints.