2026 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus Review: Features, Highlights
USA TODAY Cars’ Keith Laing explores the premium features of the 2026 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Sedan, focusing on its performance, interior technology and cargo space.
- The 2026 Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback for a starting price under $25,000.
- Standard features include a 10.25-inch center display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
- Sedan models offer 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space and the rear seats can be folded down for more space.
The Mazda 3 is one of the longest-lived nameplates in the Japanese company’s history, having first arrived in U.S. showrooms for the 2004 model year.
Now in its 22nd year, the 2026 version is one of the cheapest cars in America, with a starting price of less than $25,000 for the base model. Available in five trims, Mazda said in a press release when the vehicle was first announced that the Mazda3 “represents an entry point into the Mazda lineup and is generously equipped with a robust suite of standard i-Activsense driver assistance and safety features.”
“Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Mazda3 offers a sleek design, premium features and engaging driving dynamics. Both sedan and hatchback models are scheduled to arrive in dealerships this summer,” Mazda said in a statement. “Buyers can choose between a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or the available Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) available on select trims.”
Mazda sold 29,266 Mazda3s in 2025, down 24.7% from 38,877 units in 2024.
We spent a week testing the Mazda3’s top trim, Turbo Premium Plus. See for yourself what’s striking about the exterior and interior, and what’s inside and around the Mazda3.
10.25-inch screen and full connectivity
The Mazda3 features a 10.25-inch center display with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The vehicle is also equipped with push-button start, remote keyless illuminated entry, a rearview camera, two front USB-C inputs, air conditioning, Bluetooth, and a standard eight-speaker Mazda Harmonic acoustic audio system.
Over 13 cubic feet of cargo space
The Mazda3 has a very spacious truck with 13.2 cubic feet of storage space. You can also fold the back seats of your car to create additional storage space.
nice moonroof
The Mazda3 we tested had a nice moonroof that let in lots of sunlight.
According to Mazda, the benefits of the moonroof include allowing fresh air to enter the vehicle without having to open the windows, and using the moonroof to improve ventilation to reduce temperatures on hot days. The company says the moonroof makes the vehicle feel larger and is more effective at deterring theft than a full convertible.
