Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback near Riverside, CA

Key Features of the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

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

The available Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Turbo powertrain is the heart of the Mazda3 Hatchback’s refined yet energetic character. With up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, acceleration is brisk and confident, whether merging onto I-15 or passing on a two-lane road. Pair that power with i-Activ AWD®, and the hatchback responds seamlessly to variable conditions, sending power to the wheels that can use it most. From summer road trips to the occasional wet morning commute, the AWD system enhances traction and composure without dulling the car’s playful spirit. The available pairing with SKYACTIV®-Drive optimizes shifting for smooth power delivery, helping the Mazda3 feel connected and responsive in everyday driving.

G-Vectoring Control Plus

Mazda’s chassis tuning is a standout, and G-Vectoring Control Plus is a perfect example. By making subtle adjustments to engine torque and brake force, it smooths transitions into and out of corners, allowing the car to settle more naturally through your line. The effect is intuitive rather than intrusive—your steering inputs feel lighter and more precise, passengers feel fewer abrupt body motions, and the whole car seems to flow with the road. Around town, it makes lane changes and quick turns feel tidy; on a winding route, it adds confidence and reduces fatigue during spirited driving sessions near Riverside, CA.

Mazda Connect™ with Alexa Built-in

The technology suite brings clarity and convenience without distraction. Mazda Connect™ presents information cleanly, while available Alexa Built-in lets you stay focused on the road by controlling maps, climate, music, and more with your voice. It’s the kind of integration that quickly becomes second nature. Add available wireless charging to streamline your daily routine, and take advantage of the MyMazda App with Mazda Connected Services for complimentary remote access for one year—so you can check vehicle status, lock and unlock, or even start the engine from your phone. This robust stack emphasizes thoughtful execution over tech for tech’s sake.

i-Activsense® Safety Features and 360° View Monitor

The Mazda3 Hatchback’s i-Activsense® suite focuses on helping you stay aware and prepared. Standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert assists while backing out of driveways or parking spots, providing visual and audible warnings if a vehicle is approaching from either side. Available Cruising & Traffic Support can maintain following distance and provide lane centering assistance under certain conditions, bringing calm to stop-and-go situations. Available Parking Sensors help identify obstructions and display them on the Mazda Connect™ screen, while the available 360° View Monitor stitches together camera feeds for a comprehensive look around the vehicle in tight spots. With recent recognition including a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation for the Mazda3 Hatchback and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA for the 2025 model, the safety story is compelling.

Human-Centric Interior with Bose® 12-Speaker Audio

Inside, the Mazda3 Hatchback is meticulously crafted around you. Mazda’s ideal drive position philosophy optimizes the layout of the seat, steering wheel, and controls to reduce fatigue and heighten control. Available leather-trimmed seating and heated front seats provide upscale comfort, while available Bose® premium audio with 12 speakers transforms the cabin into a listening room. An available Active Driving Display projects key information in your line of sight, helping you keep attention where it belongs. The hatch layout adds real-world versatility, with space for daily gear or weekend luggage, all wrapped in a cabin that feels a class above.