2026 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Turbo Premium Plus Review

When it comes to performance-oriented compact sedans in the mainstream segment - there is little doubt the Mazda3 reigns supreme. Available as a sedan and a hatchback, this week I bring you the sedan version, by far the most popular variant of the two based on 2025 sales figures.

Exterior

The Mazda3 sedan stands out in a crowded segment with its elegant appeal. Wow, do I love its 18-inch aluminum alloy black metallic finish wheels. They are super classy and look fantastic paired with Machine Gray Metallic.

Gloss black aerodynamic accents - which include a black finish front grill, black finish rear roof spoiler, piano black side garnish, and black aero rear roof spoiler - distinguish the Turbo Premium Plus along with a large dual chrome exhaust.

The Premium Plus is also equipped with LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights, and combo tail lights along with an adaptive front lighting system. Other exterior features include front and rear signature illumination and black heated, power side mirrors.

Performance

At its best, the 2.5-liter Turbo engine delivers up to 250 horsepower and up to 320 pound-feet of torque with Premium fuel. Using Regular drops it to 227 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, still nice specs for a compact sedan. A 6-speed automatic transmission - while outdated - feels better than I thought it would. There are sport and manual modes along with paddle shifters. Turbo models get all-wheel drive.

Engine Harmonic Enhancer is an exclusive Turbo Premium Plus feature that enhances engine sound in the cabin.

Interior

You never open the door to a Mazda without being impressed. The near-luxury interiors are expertly crafted using high-quality soft-touch materials and quality hardware. Case in point, the upscale aluminum Bose speakers on the front door panels.

Mazda also does an incredible job when it come to seat comfort. An 8-way power leather-trimmed sport driver seat provides a perfect pairing of cushion and support.

Smooth leather on the silver-trimmed steering wheel is inviting, but beware the heating element is limited to the 3 and 9 o'clock position.

The Premium Plus is equipped with a 7-inch center digital driver display flanked by analog dials and an 10.25-inch center display with touchscreen functionality for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I continue to find Mazda Connect cumbersome to use. Features include Amazon Alexa and Mazda Online Navigation with over-the-air updates. A 12-speaker Bose sound system is a highlight.

Traditional climate controls for the A/C, three-level heated seats along with the heated steering wheel are located on the center stack. The glossy black center console gets dirty easily. It's where you find a leather-wrapped gear shift knob, drive mode select, the multi-function command knob, a wireless charger, electronic parking brake and two cup holders.

One of the Mazda3's cons is its tight second row. While the 60/40 split-folding and back seats look fantastic, recline and are really comfortable, headroom especially will be an issue for tall people. A high hump in the floorboard isn't middle seat passenger-friendly either. Another drawback: you won't find USB ports or A/C vents back here.

Cargo space suited my needs, but you'll get more with the Hatchback.

Premium Plus features include dual-zone climate, carpeted floor mats, sunroof, 2 USB-C ports up front, HD Radio, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Ride and Drive

The Mazda3 is designed for people who love to drive. Its superior driving experience is the best in the segment if you care about handling, responsive steering and driving characteristics. (If you want an even sportier experience, go for the Hatchback.) Acceleration feels great. The ride is stiffer than say the Toyota Corolla, but it's a quieter one.

Safety

The Mazda3 lineup features standard i-Activsense safety features. Premium Plus upgrades include Cruising and Traffic Support, 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, Smart Brake Support-Reverse and Smart Brake Support-Rear Crossing, Active Driving Display, Traffic Sign Recognition, and an Adaptive Front Lighting system. Overall, while the ADAS safety technology works well, I find it initially difficult to enable as easily or intuitively as other brands.

Rear seat alert, driver attention alert and vehicle exit warning are also standard.

Options and What You'll Pay

Options include illuminated door sill trim plates ($575) and Machine Gray Metallic ($595) paint hue, bringing the MSRP to just over $39K.

Verdict

Mazda3 highlights are its high-class wheels, upscale interior, quality craftsmanship, Bose stereo and fun driving dynamics. Lows are the cumbersome-to-use infotainment system, tight second row, and less intuitive-to-enable safety system.