Trucks and SUVs now make up most of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. However, those bigger beasts usually come with a bigger price tag. Not everyone wants to pay extra to sit a little higher and get a bit more cargo space. Fortunately, small sedans remain a viable, competitive alternative to small SUVs. The Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra offer some similar benefits as their SUV counterparts while enjoying some unique advantages.
Let’s check out these compact cars and see which is better for you.
2025 Mazda3
Mazda produces practical cars that are fun to drive, and the Mazda3 certainly fits that description. It’s powered by a lively 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 191 horsepower. An optional turbocharged powertrain boosts the ponies to an impressive 250.
The Mazda3 is available in seven trims, and furthermore can be had as a svelte sedan or a cargo-swallowing hatchback. The entry-level Mazda3 is the 2.5 S and only available as a sedan. The Mazda3 can be had with all-wheel drive (AWD), and there’s even a manual transmission available for the Mazda3 Hatchback.
For 2025, navi-equipped models can now receive over-the-air updates, and Amazone Alexa Built-in is an option on the Select Sport and higher trim levels. The Mazda3 is comfortable and fun to drive, plus it offers good fuel economy — as is the case with most of Mazda’s lineup. Pricing starts at $25,135, including destination fees.
Mazda3 Highlights
Plenty of go: The base engine in the Mazda3 is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, putting out 191 hp. It’s an excellent powerplant with impressive fuel economy to match. But if you’re looking for bigger power from your small car, moving up to the Turbo models nets you an impressive 250 hp. Both options provide much more power than the Sentra.
All-wheel drive: Unlike the Sentra — and most other rivals, for that matter — the Mazda3 can be had with all-wheel drive, which enhances traction in both wet and dry conditions. All-wheel drive comes standard on Turbo models and on non-turbocharged Carbon trims.
Safety features: Mazda’s iActivesense is a suite of impressive standard safety tech that includes automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring is standard, and an adaptive front lighting system is available.
Read our Mazda3 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda3 models for sale near you.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is a small sedan that grabs the attention of young buyers with its sleek and sporty style while being very affordable. Further adding to its value proposition is an EPA-rated fuel economy rating of up to 30 city/40 highway/34 combined mpg.
Available in three trim levels, S, SV, and SR, the new Sentra also comes with a lot of safety and convenience technology. For 2025, the SV trim can be had with the NissanConnect Serivces with a Wi-Fi hotspot. All models get three free oil changes during the first two years or 24,000 miles. Pricing starts at a very approachable $22,730, including destination fees.
Nissan Sentra Highlights
Tech-focused: The Sentra’s infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, plus a 7-inch display in the base model that gets bumped to 8 inches in the SV and SR trims. Buyers also get an additional USB-C port and satellite radio in those trims.
Safety first: Safety may be more important in small cars than in any other vehicle. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 makes this small sedan a safer space. With forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and — unusual for the class — rear automatic braking, you also get real value.
Great seats: The Zero Gravity front seats in the Sentra are road-trip comfortable and among the best in any compact sedan. Even better, they’re standard across the Sentra range. To balance things out, the rear seats are comfy, too.
Read our Nissan Sentra Expert Review or see 2025 Nissan Sentra models for sale near you.
Similarities
These two compact sedans are similar in size, have the same warranty, and have similar safety and infotainment tech features.
Conclusion
In the small sedan market, price represents a significant factor in the purchase decision. The Nissan Sentra is among the most affordable new cars available today. The base Mazda3 is nearly $2,500 more than a base Sentra. That said, you get a much better powertrain for that money in the Mazda, plus features like standard adaptive cruise control, available all-wheel drive, and a turbocharged engine. The Sentra is the value choice because of its lower price tag and better fuel economy. However, if your budget allows it, the Mazda3 is worth the extra cash for its sportier performance and upscale interior. In the long run, the Mazda3 also beats the Sentra with its better resale value.
New 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 Prices
New 2025 Nissan Sentra Prices
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$22,730 |
TBD |
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$23,430 |
TBD |
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$25,730 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Mazda3 | 2025 Nissan Sentra | |
| Popular 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 automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 27 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg | 30 city/40 highway/34 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD, hatchback | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 inches | 106.6 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 182.9 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 71.5 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.0 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 36.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 43.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.1 inches | 34.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.7 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.5 inches | 54.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 13.2 cubic feet | 14.3 cubic feet |