Vans and SUVs now make up most of all new automobiles bought within the U.S. Nonetheless, these greater beasts often include a much bigger price ticket. Not everybody needs to pay additional to sit down a bit of larger and get a bit extra cargo house. Luckily, small sedans stay a viable, aggressive various to small SUVs. The Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra provide some related 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 might be enjoyable to drive, and the Mazda3 definitely suits that description. It’s powered by a full of life 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 obtainable in seven trims, and moreover might be had as a svelte sedan or a cargo-swallowing hatchback. The entry-level Mazda3 is the two.5 S and solely out there as a sedan. The Mazda3 might be had with all-wheel drive (AWD), and there’s even a guide transmission out there for the Mazda3 Hatchback.
For 2025, navi-equipped fashions can now obtain over-the-air updates, and Amazone Alexa Constructed-in is an choice on the Choose Sport and better trim ranges. The Mazda3 is snug 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 superb powerplant with spectacular gas economic system to match. However if you happen to’re on the lookout for 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: In contrast to the Sentra — and most different rivals, for that matter — the Mazda3 might 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 collection 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 obtainable.
Learn our Mazda3 Knowledgeable Assessment 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 consumers with its modern and sporty fashion whereas being very inexpensive. 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.
Obtainable in three trim ranges, S, SV, and SR, the brand new Sentra additionally comes with loads of security and comfort know-how. For 2025, the SV trim might be had with the NissanConnect Serivces with a Wi-Fi hotspot. All fashions get three free oil modifications in the course of 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 an extra 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 every other car. Nissan’s Security Protect 360 makes this small sedan a safer house. 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 snug and among the many finest in any compact sedan. Even higher, they’re customary throughout the Sentra vary. To steadiness issues out, the rear seats are cozy, too.
Learn our Nissan Sentra Knowledgeable Assessment or see 2025 Nissan Sentra fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
These two compact sedans are related in dimension, have the identical guarantee, and have related security and infotainment tech options.
Conclusion
Within the small sedan market, worth represents a major issue within the buy determination. The Nissan Sentra is among the many most inexpensive new automobiles out there right this moment. 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, out there all-wheel drive, and a turbocharged engine. The Sentra is the worth selection due to its cheaper price tag and higher gas economic system. Nonetheless, in case your finances 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 |
TBD |
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$25,730 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Ebook Honest Buy Worth for any particular person used car can range tremendously based on mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here replicate what consumers are presently paying for automobiles and automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s urged retail worth (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
| 2025 Mazda3 | 2025 Nissan Sentra | |
| Common 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 |
| Gas Economic system | 27 metropolis/37 freeway/31 mixed mpg | 30 metropolis/40 freeway/34 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Obtainable | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder, AWD, hatchback | |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental 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 |
| Top | 56.9 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 toes | 38.1 toes |
| 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 toes | 14.3 cubic toes |
