2026 Toyota Corolla Vs. Mazda 3: 5 Major Differences originally appeared on Autoblog.
Which Japanese compact comes out on top?
The current generations of the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 have been around for a while. The Corolla went on sale in 2018 in the United States and the fourth-generation Mazda 3 followed a few months later in early 2019.
After the Toyota Yaris and Mazda 2 were discontinued, these became the most affordable models from each brand. Today, they still deliver honest, reliable motoring for first-time buyers, those on a budget, or anyone looking to downsize. But how do these two Japanese compacts differ? Let’s take a closer look as we compare the current versions of each: the 2026 Corolla and 2025 Mazda 3.
We have excluded the GR Corolla from this comparison, as it’s a specialized, high-performance model that costs a lot more.
1. Mazda 3 Is More Premium
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Before you drive either of these vehicles, it’s apparent that the Mazda is a more upscale offering. While the Corolla looks good, the Mazda has cleaner lines and less obviously budget roots. The details on the 3 are elegant, whether you go for the sedan or hatchback.
The differences are even more apparent inside. Years after its launch, the Mazda 3 still has a remarkably smart interior for a vehicle in this class. Soft-touch materials are used liberally, there are plush armrests for your elbows, and all the switches operate with precision. The design of the interior itself is also nicer than the Toyota’s, with clear gauges and classy color schemes like Terracotta.
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The Corolla’s interior isn’t bad, but it lacks the attention to detail found in the Mazda. Its seats aren’t as plush and it has no rotary dial as in the Mazda, which makes the infotainment system simpler to use.
It must be noted that neither car is especially spacious in the back seat.
2. Corolla Is More Efficient
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Only the Corolla is available with a hybrid powertrain, but even the non-hybrid Corolla beats the Mazda for efficiency.
With front-wheel drive, expect to get up to 50/43/47 mpg city/highway/combined in the Corolla Hybrid. Gas-powered models get up to 32/41/35 mpg. Estimated annual fuel costs for these models work out to $1,000 and $1,100, respectively.
The best that Mazda’s 3 can do is 27/37/31 mpg for the 2.5-liter sedan with FWD and the automatic transmission, resulting in annual fuel costs of $1,550. Efficiency in the Mazda 3 drops all the way down to 26 mpg combined if you go for the turbocharged hatchback with all-wheel drive, resulting in an annual fuel cost of $1,850.
If efficiency matters, there’s no contest—the Corolla wins this category easily.
3. Mazda Has More Power And A Turbo Model
Unfortunately, the Corolla’s excellent efficiency comes at the expense of performance. Gas-only models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.8-liter hybrid models can only muster 138 hp combined. And, even if you go for the sporty-looking Corolla Hatchback FX Edition, your only transmission choice is a CVT.
Expect a 0-60 mph time of about nine seconds for the Corolla Hybrid and a mid-eight-second time for the non-hybrid model. When pushed hard, as they often need to be, the engines also emit an unsatisfying drone.
The Mazda 3 is much more potent, starting with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft. A conventional six-speed automatic is equipped to most models, and it’s a nicer transmission than the Toyota’s CVT. Even with this base engine, the 0-60 time is around seven seconds, so it’s comfortably quicker than the Corolla.
A turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda is available, and it blows the Corolla away. With 93 octane gas, it produces 250 hp and 320 lb-ft. A 0-60 time of around 5.6 seconds is possible with AWD.
With better power, nicer transmissions, and class-leading handling, the Mazda 3 is a far better driver’s car than the Corolla.
4. Only One Still Offers A Manual
The last normal Corolla with a manual gearbox was sold for the 2022 model year. From 2023, all of them had CVTs, so you’ll have to spend almost $40,000 for the GR Corolla if you really want your Corolla Hatchback with a stick-shift.
Fortunately, Mazda still sells the 3 Hatchback with a six-speed manual. It’s only available with the non-turbo engine and FWD, though, which is a pity. While Mazda’s manual doesn’t have the precision of a Honda’s, it’s still satisfying to operate and adds another layer of interaction to what is already an enjoyable car to drive.
Related: This Is The Cheapest New Toyota Car In America
5. The Corolla Is Cheaper
Not only is the Corolla cheaper to run, but it costs less to buy, too.
The 2026 Corolla range starts at $22,725 for the LE sedan, increasing to $24,575 for the LE hybrid. The Corolla hatch starts at $24,180 but is not available in hybrid guise. The most expensive Corolla is the hybrid XLE sedan, which goes for $28,940.
The 2026 version of the 3 sedan and hatchback isn’t available yet, but the 2025 model starts at $24,150 for the sedan and $25,150 for the hatchback. As we already covered, you do get a lot more power in the Mazda.
For the powerful turbocharged models, you have to pay a lot more for the Mazda. These start at $32,300 for the sedan and $33,450 for the hatchback. Pricing for the Mazda 3 range goes all the way up to $37,150 for the Premium Plus hatchback with the turbo engine.
Related: Toyota Updates Corolla For 2026, Still $2,000 Cheaper Than Civic
Final Thoughts
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Both the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are important entry points into each manufacturer’s lineup, but they will appeal to different buyers shopping in this segment.
The Corolla is cheaper, available with an incredibly efficient hybrid powertrain, and has Toyota’s unsurpassed reputation for reliability. If you have a few thousand dollars more to spend, the Mazda 3 is the better car, though. It is a more upscale product and is both quicker and more enjoyable to drive, even if you don’t go for one of the pricier turbocharged models.
Get the Corolla if you have a tight budget, but we’d rather park the stylish Mazda 3 in the garage.
2026 Toyota Corolla Vs. Mazda 3: 5 Major Differences first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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