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

Key Features of the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder with VVT

At the heart of the Mazda3 Sedan is the advanced SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder with variable valve timing. Tuned for crisp response and efficiency, it produces 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm on regular unleaded fuel. An aluminum alloy block and cylinder head help reduce weight to benefit balance and handling, while a 13.0:1 compression ratio and advanced direct injection contribute to smooth, linear torque. Refinement shows up in daily driving, where tip-in response feels natural and steady, and power is delivered with a quiet, composed character. Whether you are merging, passing, or simply cruising, the 2.5-liter delivers the kind of effortless push that keeps you relaxed and in control.

SKYACTIV®-DRIVE 6-speed electronically controlled sport automatic transmission

Matched to the engine is the SKYACTIV®-DRIVE 6-speed electronically controlled sport automatic transmission with well-spaced gear ratios for both city responsiveness and low-RPM highway refinement. With intelligent shift logic, it anticipates your inputs and road conditions to keep the engine in the sweet spot of its power band. Available paddle shifters add a more involved feel when you want it, letting you call up downshifts for tight corners or quick passes. This transmission is about trust—predictable, smart, and tuned to make the most of the SKYACTIV® powerplant without drawing attention to itself.

i-ACTIV AWD® and SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control Plus

The Mazda3 Sedan offers available i-ACTIV AWD® to enhance stability in wet conditions and during high-load cornering. The system smartly monitors inputs and road conditions, then smoothly distributes torque to help maintain grip and confidence. Complementing AWD is SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control Plus, which subtly adjusts engine torque and braking to improve turn-in, reduce body movement, and settle the chassis as you exit a corner. The result is a sedan that feels composed and precise—easy to place on a freeway ramp, steady over expansion joints, and reassuring on winding routes across the Inland Empire.

Mazda Connected Services and Wireless Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay® Integration

Every Mazda3 Sedan is designed to reduce distractions and streamline your day. Mazda Connected Services (1-year trial) keeps you in touch with your vehicle’s status and select remote features, while Wireless Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay® integration means your go-to apps and navigation tools are ready without plugging in. Crisp on-screen graphics, intuitive menus, and tactile controls let you quickly adjust audio or access information. An 8-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics brings clarity to podcasts and playlists, and available features such as a power sliding-glass moonroof add an open-air feel during your morning and evening drives.

i-Activsense® Safety and Driver Assistance

Confidence comes standard with a robust list of i-Activsense® technologies. Highlights include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go for more relaxed commuting, Lane Departure Warning System and Lane-keep Assist to help you stay centered, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert to improve awareness in traffic and parking lots. Smart Brake Support - Forward can aid in collision mitigation, while Driver Attention Alert and High Beam Control provide thoughtful support on longer trips or at night. Additional touches—like a rear seat alert and vehicle exit warning—speak to the real-world situations families and commuters face every day. Together, these systems are tuned to assist rather than intrude.