2026 Mazda3 Hatchback at Berglund Mazda
Meet the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback at Berglund Mazda in Salem, VA
The 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback hits a sweet spot as a compact car that feels upscale without losing its fun-to-drive edge. This premium hatchback blends athletic handling, refined interior details, and a choice of efficient or turbocharged powertrains, all wrapped in a sleek design that stands out without trying too hard. At Berglund Mazda in Salem, VA, drivers can explore how the Mazda3 Hatchback balances daily comfort, smart technology, and a rewarding driving experience.
When you visit us, our team will walk you through what makes the Mazda3 Hatchback such a strong choice, including trim levels, interior comfort and cargo space, exterior design and color options, performance and fuel economy, technology, and safety. You’ll also see how it compares within the Mazda lineup, including the Mazda3 sedan, while highlighting what makes this hatchback such an appealing compact car for Virginia roads.
Mazda3 Hatchback trims and options
The 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback lineup includes multiple trims designed to fit different priorities, from value-focused to performance-oriented:
- 2.5 S
- 2.5 S Select Sport
- 2.5 S Preferred
- 2.5 S Carbon Edition
- 2.5 S Premium
- 2.5 S Turbo Premium Plus
Each step up adds meaningful upgrades, whether that’s leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, i-Activ AWD, or the available turbo engine. Compared to the Mazda3 Sedan, the hatchback models offer greater cargo flexibility and a sportier exterior presence, making them a favorite among drivers who want practicality without giving up style.
Interior Comfort
Step inside the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback, and the focus on the driver is obvious. The seating position, steering wheel placement, and manual shifter are set up to feel natural whether you’re commuting through Salem or heading out on a longer road trip. The interior ambiance leans clean and modern, with materials that feel more premium than what you’d expect in a compact car.
The Mazda3 Hatchback seats five, with supportive front seats and a rear seat that works well for passengers or extra cargo flexibility. With the rear seatbacks folded, the hatchback layout opens up 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it easier to carry gear, groceries, or weekend bags without jumping to a larger vehicle.
Interior highlights include:
- Cloth, leatherette, or leather-trimmed seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector
- 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks
Additional interior features vary by trim and include a power sliding-glass moonroof with interior sunshade, red leather-trimmed seats on Carbon Edition models, illuminated vanity mirrors, and multiple storage areas such as a center console armrest, door pockets, overhead sunglasses holder, and cargo cover. The layout stays clean and functional, keeping distractions low while maintaining a premium feel.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback has an exterior design that feels sculpted and intentional. Its low roofline, wide stance, and flowing body lines give it a planted look on the road, while details like the rear roof spoiler and alloy wheels add a sporty edge. Compared to the Mazda3 Sedan, the hatchback version feels more expressive and slightly more aggressive in profile.
Wheel options range from 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels on the base trim to 18-inch alloy wheels with black or gray metallic finishes on higher trims, including Select Sport, Carbon Edition, and Turbo Premium Plus models. LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED combination taillights come standard, along with a rear window wiper for improved visibility.
Available exterior colors include:
- Jet Black Mica
- Deep Crystal Blue Mica
- Platinum Quartz Metallic
- Machine Gray Metallic
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic
- Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Depending on trim, additional exterior details include gloss black or matte black front grille finishes, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, memory side mirrors with tilt-in-reverse, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power moonroof. The exterior design manages to look premium without losing the practicality expected from a hatchback.
Performance
The Mazda3 Hatchback offers two distinct powertrain paths, letting drivers choose between efficiency-focused performance or a more spirited turbocharged setup. Standard models use the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with either a six-speed automatic transmission or an available six-speed manual gearbox, giving drivers who enjoy shifting their own gears a rare option in this segment.
For drivers who want more punch, the available turbo engine changes the personality of the car. The 2.5-liter turbo engine delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel, making Turbo Premium Plus models feel quick and confident on highways and back roads alike. Turbo models come standard with i-Activ AWD, which proactively adjusts torque distribution for better traction in changing road conditions.
Fuel economy remains competitive for the class, with highway mpg ratings reaching up to an EPA-estimated 34 mpg depending on drivetrain and transmission. Steering feel is precise, the suspension keeps the ride composed, and the overall driving experience feels smoother than many competing compact cars. This balance of control and comfort is a big reason drivers continue to praise the Mazda3 Hatchback.
Technology Features
Technology in the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback is designed to feel intuitive rather than overwhelming. The Mazda Connect™ infotainment system uses an 8.8-inch center display controlled by a rotary commander, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are available on select trims, along with Alexa Built-In and Mazda Connected Services.
Key technology features include:
- Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming
- MyMazda app
- Dual USB-C inputs
- Standard eight-speaker audio system
- Available Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system
Additional tech features include a wireless phone charger, HD Radio™, voice command functionality, Mobile 911 automatic emergency notification, remote engine start through the MyMazda app, and a 7-inch digital instrument display that shows fuel economy, distance-to-empty, and driver information. Everything works together to make daily driving easier without adding clutter.
Safety Systems
Safety is a major strength of the Mazda3 Hatchback. Mazda’s i-Activsense® safety suite comes standard across all trims.
Standard and available safety features include:
- Smart Brake Support with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist
- Rearview camera
- Driver Attention Alert
Additional safety equipment includes rear seat alert, high beam control, traffic support features, dynamic stability control with traction control, tire pressure monitoring, child safety rear door locks, and full airbag coverage, including side-impact curtains and knee airbags. LATCH anchors make child seat installation straightforward, adding peace of mind for families.
See the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback at Berglund Mazda in Salem, VA
If you’re shopping for a compact car that feels refined, fun, and thoughtfully engineered, the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback deserves a closer look. From its comfortable interior and flexible cargo space to its available turbo power and advanced safety tech, it’s a premium hatchback that fits real life.
Visit Berglund Mazda in Salem, VA, to shop for cars, explore available Mazda3 Hatchback models, review options and actual dealer price details, and take a test drive. Our team is here to help you find the Mazda vehicle that fits your daily drive and long-term goals.
* Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Mazda is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.
*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.
* All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.
