Vehicles and SUVs now make up most of all new autos offered within the U.S. Nevertheless, these greater beasts often include a much bigger price ticket. Not everybody desires to pay additional to take a seat a bit increased and get a bit extra cargo area. Fortuitously, 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 best for you.
2025 Mazda3
Mazda produces sensible automobiles which are enjoyable to drive, and the Mazda3 actually suits that description. It’s powered by a vigorous 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that places out 191 horsepower. An non-compulsory turbocharged powertrain boosts the ponies to a powerful 250.
The Mazda3 is offered in seven trims, and moreover will be had as a svelte sedan or a cargo-swallowing hatchback. The entry-level Mazda3 is the two.5 S and solely accessible as a sedan. The Mazda3 will be had with all-wheel drive (AWD), and there’s even a guide transmission accessible 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 comfy and enjoyable to drive, plus it gives good gas economic 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 wonderful powerplant with spectacular gas economic system to match. However for those who’re in search of greater energy out of your small automobile, transferring as much as the Turbo fashions nets you a powerful 250 hp. Each choices present way more energy than the Sentra.
All-wheel drive: Not like the Sentra — and most different rivals, for that matter — the Mazda3 will be had with all-wheel drive, which boosts traction in each moist and dry circumstances. All-wheel drive comes customary on Turbo fashions and on non-turbocharged Carbon trims.
Security options: Mazda’s iActivesense is a set of spectacular customary security tech that features automated emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise management, lane-keep help, and automated excessive beams. Blind-spot monitoring is customary, and an adaptive entrance lighting system is offered.
Learn our Mazda3 Skilled Evaluate 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 patrons with its modern and sporty type whereas being very reasonably priced. Additional including to its worth proposition is an EPA-rated gas economic system ranking of as much as 30 metropolis/40 freeway/34 mixed mpg.
Accessible in three trim ranges, S, SV, and SR, the brand new Sentra additionally comes with a variety of security and comfort know-how. For 2025, the SV trim will be had with the NissanConnect Serivces with a Wi-Fi hotspot. All fashions get three free oil adjustments through 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 customary, plus a 7-inch show within the base mannequin that will get bumped to eight inches within the SV and SR trims. Patrons additionally get a further USB-C port and satellite tv for pc radio in these trims.
Security first: Security could also be extra necessary in small automobiles than in another car. Nissan’s Security Defend 360 makes this small sedan a safer area. With ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and — uncommon for the category — rear automated braking, you additionally get actual worth.
Nice seats: The Zero Gravity entrance seats within the Sentra are road-trip comfy and among the many greatest in any compact sedan. Even higher, they’re customary throughout the Sentra vary. To steadiness issues out, the rear seats are comfortable, too.
Learn our Nissan Sentra Skilled Evaluate or see 2025 Nissan Sentra fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
These two compact sedans are comparable in measurement, have the identical guarantee, and have comparable security and infotainment tech options.
Conclusion
Within the small sedan market, worth represents a major issue within the buy choice. The Nissan Sentra is among the many most reasonably priced new automobiles accessible immediately. The bottom Mazda3 is almost $2,500 greater than a base Sentra. That mentioned, you get a a lot better powertrain for that cash within the Mazda, plus options like customary adaptive cruise management, accessible all-wheel drive, and a turbocharged engine. The Sentra is the worth selection due to its cheaper price tag and higher gas economic system. Nevertheless, in case your funds 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
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$22,730 |
TBD |
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$23,430 |
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$25,730 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue E-book Truthful Buy Value for any particular person used car can fluctuate significantly in keeping with mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here mirror what patrons are presently paying for autos and autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s instructed retail worth (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
| 2025 Mazda3 | 2025 Nissan Sentra | |
| In style 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 automated | CVT |
| Gasoline Economic system | 27 metropolis/37 freeway/31 mixed mpg | 30 metropolis/40 freeway/34 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Accessible | 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 |
| Peak | 56.9 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 ft | 38.1 ft |
| 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 ft | 14.3 cubic ft |