Key Features of the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Turbo with i-Activ AWD®

For drivers who want extra muscle without sacrificing smoothness, the available Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Turbo is a standout. It offers up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque and pairs with standard i-Activ AWD® on turbo models for a confident, all-weather setup that feels planted without being harsh. The powertrain responds cleanly in city traffic and has strong midrange passing power on highways and mountain grades. i-Activ AWD® monitors conditions and can proactively adjust torque distribution to the wheels that can use it best, helping the hatchback remain composed on dry pavement, rain-slick roads, or lightly snow-dusted streets. Together, the power, traction, and calibration feel refined rather than aggressive, which suits long commutes and weekend getaways equally well.

KODO Design and Premium Cabin

The design brief is simple and striking—create motion even at a standstill. With KODO: “Soul of Motion” proportions and sculpted bodywork, the Mazda3 Hatchback looks athletic without resorting to excess. Available 18-inch Black Alloy wheels add dramatic contrast, while available leather-trimmed seating elevates the interior with a tailored, upscale look. The driver’s view benefits from a low cowl and clean sightlines, and the overall environment is intentionally quiet to reduce fatigue. This attention to detail extends to the controls, which are placed where your hands naturally reach. The result is a hatchback that looks as sophisticated in the office parking lot as it does at a trailhead, and one that feels carefully crafted for the person behind the wheel.

Mazda Connect™ with Alexa Built-in

Connectivity should simplify your drive, not complicate it. Mazda Connect™ serves as your digital hub, and with available Alexa Built-in you can use natural voice commands to access maps, music, climate control, and more while keeping your eyes on the road. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration help you bring favorite apps along, and available wireless charging keeps the cabin free of cable clutter. The available Active Driving Display projects key information into your line of sight, so you can check speed, navigation cues, and safety alerts with minimal distraction. Optional Bose® 12-speaker audio delivers crisp, immersive sound carefully tuned for the Mazda3 cabin. Altogether, the technology suite is thoughtful, responsive, and easy to live with.

i-Activsense® Safety and 360° View Monitor

i-Activsense® safety features help you stay aware and confident. Standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert assists while you reverse, and available Parking Sensors provide audible and visual alerts as you maneuver in tight quarters. With the available 360° View Monitor, cameras stitch together a bird’s-eye perspective on the Mazda Connect™ screen to enhance situational awareness in garages and crowded lots. Available Cruising & Traffic Support can help with following distance and lane centering under certain conditions, assisting from low speeds to highway pace. Available Smart Brake Support - Rear Crossing can provide automatic emergency braking when reversing if an imminent crossing-vehicle collision is detected. Add in the brand’s proud recognition, including a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation for the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback, and you have substantial peace of mind.

G-Vectoring Control Plus and Ideal Drive Position

Confidence in corners comes from more than horsepower. G-Vectoring Control Plus makes subtle engine torque and braking adjustments to help settle the chassis as you turn, promoting a natural, connected feel. It is the kind of engineering you notice most on curving roads and during quick transitions, where the car feels more composed, predictable, and easy to place. The Ideal Drive Position philosophy completes the effect, with seat, steering wheel, and control placement optimized to reduce fatigue and distraction. Together, these elements help the hatchback feel like an extension of you—responsive, stable, and calm, even in crosswinds or on uneven pavement.