Vans and SUVs now make up most of all new automobiles offered within the U.S. Nevertheless, these greater beasts normally include a much bigger price ticket. Not everybody needs to pay additional to sit down just a little greater and get a bit extra cargo area. Thankfully, small sedans stay a viable, aggressive different to small SUVs. The Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra provide some comparable advantages as their SUV counterparts whereas having fun with some distinctive benefits.
Let’s try these compact automobiles and see which is healthier for you.
2025 Mazda3
Mazda produces sensible automobiles which can be enjoyable to drive, and the Mazda3 actually matches that description. It’s powered by a full of life 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that places out 191 horsepower. An non-compulsory turbocharged powertrain boosts the ponies to a formidable 250.
The Mazda3 is out there in seven trims, and moreover could be had as a svelte sedan or a cargo-swallowing hatchback. The entry-level Mazda3 is the two.5 S and solely out there as a sedan. The Mazda3 could be had with all-wheel drive (AWD), and there’s even a handbook transmission out there for the Mazda3 Hatchback.
For 2025, navi-equipped fashions can now obtain over-the-air updates, and Amazone Alexa Constructed-in is an possibility on the Choose Sport and better trim ranges. The Mazda3 is snug and enjoyable to drive, plus it affords good gas financial system — as is the case with most of Mazda’s lineup. Pricing begins at $25,135, together with vacation spot charges.
Mazda3 Highlights
Loads of go: The bottom engine within the Mazda3 is the two.5-liter 4-cylinder, placing out 191 hp. It’s a superb powerplant with spectacular gas financial system to match. However in case you’re on the lookout for greater energy out of your small automotive, shifting as much as the Turbo fashions nets you a formidable 250 hp. Each choices present way more energy than the Sentra.
All-wheel drive: In contrast to the Sentra — and most different rivals, for that matter — the Mazda3 could be had with all-wheel drive, which boosts traction in each moist and dry situations. All-wheel drive comes normal on Turbo fashions and on non-turbocharged Carbon trims.
Security options: Mazda’s iActivesense is a collection of spectacular normal security tech that features computerized emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise management, lane-keep help, and computerized excessive beams. Blind-spot monitoring is normal, and an adaptive entrance lighting system is out there.
Learn our Mazda3 Professional Assessment or see 2025 Mazda3 fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is a small sedan that grabs the eye of younger consumers with its glossy and sporty type whereas being very inexpensive. Additional including to its worth proposition is an EPA-rated gas financial system score of as much as 30 metropolis/40 freeway/34 mixed mpg.
Obtainable in three trim ranges, S, SV, and SR, the brand new Sentra additionally comes with lots of security and comfort know-how. For 2025, the SV trim could be had with the NissanConnect Serivces with a Wi-Fi hotspot. All fashions get three free oil modifications in the course of the first two years or 24,000 miles. Pricing begins at a really approachable $22,730, together with vacation spot charges.
Nissan Sentra Highlights
Tech-focused: The Sentra’s infotainment system consists of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto normal, plus a 7-inch show within the base mannequin that will get bumped to eight inches within the SV and SR trims. Consumers additionally get a further USB-C port and satellite tv for pc radio in these trims.
Security first: Security could also be extra vital in small automobiles than in another automobile. Nissan’s Security Defend 360 makes this small sedan a safer area. With ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and — uncommon for the category — rear computerized braking, you additionally get actual worth.
Nice seats: The Zero Gravity entrance seats within the Sentra are road-trip snug and among the many finest in any compact sedan. Even higher, they’re normal throughout the Sentra vary. To steadiness issues out, the rear seats are cozy, too.
Learn our Nissan Sentra Professional Assessment or see 2025 Nissan Sentra fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
These two compact sedans are comparable in dimension, have the identical guarantee, and have comparable security and infotainment tech options.
Conclusion
Within the small sedan market, worth represents a big issue within the buy determination. The Nissan Sentra is among the many most inexpensive new automobiles out there at the moment. The bottom Mazda3 is sort of $2,500 greater than a base Sentra. That stated, you get a a lot better powertrain for that cash within the Mazda, plus options like normal adaptive cruise management, out there all-wheel drive, and a turbocharged engine. The Sentra is the worth selection due to its lower cost tag and higher gas financial system. Nevertheless, in case your finances permits it, the Mazda3 is price the additional money for its sportier efficiency and upscale inside. In the long term, the Mazda3 additionally beats the Sentra with its higher resale worth.
New 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 Costs
New 2025 Nissan Sentra Costs
$22,730 |
TBD |
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$23,430 |
TBD |
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$25,730 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue E book Honest Buy Value for any particular person used automobile can range enormously in line with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are at the moment paying for automobiles and automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s prompt retail worth (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
2025 Mazda3 | 2025 Nissan Sentra | |
Common Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder FWD/AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 149 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed computerized | CVT |
Gasoline Financial system | 27 metropolis/37 freeway/31 mixed mpg | 30 metropolis/40 freeway/34 mixed mpg |
Additionally Obtainable | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD, hatchback | |
Specs | ||
Primary Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA Total Security | 5 stars | Not rated |
Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 107.3 inches | 106.6 inches |
Total Size | 183.5 inches | 182.9 inches |
Width | 70.7 inches | 71.5 inches |
Top | 56.9 inches | 56.9 inches |
Turning Diameter | 35.4 toes | 38.1 toes |
Headroom, Entrance | 38.0 inches | 38.9 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 36.7 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 42.3 inches | 43.8 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 35.1 inches | 34.9 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.7 inches | 56.4 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.5 inches | 54.5 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 13.2 cubic toes | 14.3 cubic toes |