Key Features of the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Turbo Engine

The available Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Turbo engine is a centerpiece of the hatchback’s appeal, offering up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when properly fueled. This broad, accessible torque curve delivers brisk acceleration for on-ramps and passing, while maintaining the smooth, refined character that defines Mazda powertrains. The turbo engine is paired with a transmission calibrated to respond intuitively to your inputs, helping the car feel eager without being frenetic. It’s the perfect match for Colorado’s mix of city streets, elevation changes, and open highways, giving you confidence without resorting to harshness. If you have a daily routine that includes varied terrain or frequent highway merges, the turbo powertrain offers capability you can sense from your very first drive.

i-Activ AWD®

Available i-Activ AWD® monitors inputs like steering angle, throttle position, and wheel slip to distribute torque proactively, helping the Mazda3 Hatchback feel settled in rain, slush, or light snow. Rather than waiting for wheelspin, the system seeks traction before you lose it, channeling power to the wheels that can use it most. In the 2.5 Turbo configuration, i-Activ AWD® is standard, giving you confident control right out of the box. Whether you’re tackling a frosty morning, a mountain drizzle, or a gravel pullout near a trailhead, you’ll feel connected to the road and in command. It’s the kind of capability that makes the Mazda3 a smart year-round choice, with added benefits of stability and composure even when conditions are perfectly dry.

G-Vectoring Control Plus

G-Vectoring Control Plus adds nuanced chassis polish by making subtle engine torque and braking adjustments as you steer. The result is smoother turn-in, better weight transfer, and a more planted feel through and after the corner. In daily use, this translates to fewer mid-corner corrections and a sense that the car anticipates your next move. On winding roads, it enhances precision and driver confidence; in city traffic, it smooths transitions and reduces the small-but-tiring inputs that can accumulate over time. This technology exemplifies Mazda’s driver-first approach, improving comfort for passengers while making the car more rewarding for the driver.

Mazda Connect™ with Alexa Built-in

The cabin’s tech suite is designed to minimize distraction while keeping your digital life close at hand. Mazda Connect™ consolidates key functions, and available Alexa Built-in lets you adjust climate, select music, set destinations, and more, all with voice control. The goal is simple: keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel while still accessing the features you rely on. Available wireless charging, available Bose® premium audio with 12 speakers, and an available Active Driving Display further enhance the experience. Together, these technologies turn the Mazda3 into a calm, connected space that’s perfect for a busy weekday and a spontaneous weekend drive alike.

i-Activsense® Safety Technology

i-Activsense® offers a robust suite of driver-assistance features engineered to increase awareness and help mitigate the severity of certain collisions. Standard and available features include Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Sensors, a 360° View Monitor, Cruising & Traffic Support that can assist with headway and lane centering under certain conditions, and Smart Brake Support - Rear Crossing that can provide automatic emergency braking while reversing in specific scenarios. Recent model-year accolades, including recognition such as an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for comparable models, underscore Mazda’s commitment to safety-focused engineering. The result is a compact hatchback that pairs a fun-to-drive character with real-world confidence.