The 2026 Mazda 3 is a compact sedan that’s both youthful and refined.

Starting with the outside, the subtle Machine Gray metallic will blend in a little, till you look up close at the depth it has. With the upcoming facelift of the CX-5, I predict that the front will trickle down to the 3’s already angry front end. The black 18” wheels were simple but a nice design for the 3. I was a fan of the black rear lip spoiler that is part of the Premium Plus trim.

Getting in, the Mazda’s black interior was a high quality fit and finish. The perforated middle area had a brown and red-like color to give it some life. I was disappointed to know that I’m unable to get my favorite red interior in the Premium Plus, and will need to go down to the Carbon Edition trim. The Bose premium audio was a joy to blast my music through the 12-speaker system.

Under the hood, the Premium Plus is the only trim that will get the 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. You’ll be experiencing 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque through the 6-speed auto and the I-ACTIV AWD. I was surprised to see that the turbo option is now only available as the high trimmed option. When I first reviewed a Mazda 3 in 2018, the all trims came in either a naturally aspirated 2.5L and the turbocharged variant of the 2.5L. I’m assuming the slimming of options is due to it’s possible end of life for the generation. Mazda did announce a hybrid variant of the 2.5L will be offered in the CX-5 for model year 2027.

Overall, if you’re looking for a hot sport compact sedan with some refinement, the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5L Premium Plus is a great choice to go with.