Mazda 3 vs Nissan Altima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Nissan Altima
Overview
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5 S | 2.5 SV |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,650 (best) | $27,580 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 16.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 188 hp (best) |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft (best) | 180 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,045 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,111 lbs (best) | 3,283 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 111.2 in (best) |
| Length | 183.5 in | 192.9 in (best) |
| Width | 70.7 in | 72.9 in (best) |
| Height | 56.9 in (best) | 56.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mazda 3 | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 S $24,650 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,540 MSRP | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP |
| 4 | 2.5 S Select Sport $26,740 MSRP | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP |
| 5 | 2.5 S Preferred $27,290 MSRP | — |
| 6 | 2.5 S Preferred $28,440 MSRP | — |
| 7 | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $29,815 MSRP | — |
| 8 | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $30,765 MSRP | — |
| 9 | 2.5 S Premium $31,450 MSRP | — |
| 10 | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $36,940 MSRP | — |
| 11 | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $37,890 MSRP | — |
Mazda 3 vs Nissan Altima FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mazda 3 vs 2026 Nissan Altima on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Mazda 3 starts lower at $24,650.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,650).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Mazda 3 vs 2026 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).