Trim Breakdown: 2026 Mazda3 Sedan

The 2026 Mazda3 sedan comes in five trim levels:

• 2.5 S
• 2.5 S Select Sport
• 2.5 S Preferred
• 2.5 S Carbon Edition
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

The lineup starts with a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and front-wheel drive, while the Carbon Edition adds standard i-Activ AWD®, and the Turbo Premium Plus combines standard AWD with up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on recommended premium fuel. For Salem drivers, that creates a straightforward progression from an efficient, well-equipped commuter to a quick, all-weather sport sedan.

Visit us at Berglund Mazda to get a closer look at each trim of this 2026 model so you can decide which configuration makes the most sense for your daily driving.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S

The 2.5 S establishes a strong baseline, especially if your priorities are responsive performance, fuel economy, and essential technology rather than upscale extras.

Key equipment includes:

• Six-speed automatic transmission
• EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined
• LED headlights, daytime running lights, and combination taillights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Eight-speaker Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio system
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Smart Brake Support and Lane-keep Assist are also among the notable safety technologies standard across the lineup.

For commuters who want engaging road manners without paying for equipment they may not need, the 2.5 S makes a convincing starting point.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Select Sport

The 2.5 S Select Sport keeps the base model's naturally aspirated engine and front-wheel-drive configuration. Instead of changing the powertrain, it concentrates on appearance and everyday convenience.

Among the changes are:

• Black power side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Heated side mirrors
• Matte Black front grille
• 18-inch Black Metallic alloy wheels
• Leatherette-trimmed sport seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

That makes the Select Sport an appealing middle ground for drivers who like the base car's efficiency but want a sharper visual personality.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Preferred

The Preferred is where the Mazda3 Sedan takes a noticeable step toward a more comfort-focused cabin. It retains the 186-horsepower engine and front-wheel drive but adds features you'll appreciate every day.

The Preferred adds or upgrades equipment such as:

• Power sliding-glass moonroof
• Eight-way power driver's seat
• Two-position driver's seat memory
• Heated front seats
• Body-colored power side mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• Mirror memory and tilt-in-reverse functionality

If you're spending plenty of time commuting around Salem or driving Interstate 81, the Preferred's seat and comfort upgrades make it a particularly well-rounded choice.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 S Carbon Edition

The Carbon Edition makes one of the biggest changes in the lineup: It swaps the front-wheel-drive layout of the first three trims for standard i-Activ AWD®.

Its major distinctions include:

• Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior
• Red leather-trimmed seats
• Mirror memory and tilt-in-reverse functions
• Black exterior accents
• EPA-estimated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

Mazda's i-Activ AWD continuously monitors vehicle dynamics and can adjust torque distribution proactively rather than simply waiting for wheel slip.

For shoppers comparing sports cars for commuters, this trim hits an interesting balance: distinctive styling, useful AWD, reasonable fuel economy, and naturally aspirated power.

2026 Mazda3 Sedan 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

Want the Mazda3 Sedan with its strongest performance? The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the answer.

The major upgrade is its turbocharged SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter engine. With recommended premium fuel, output climbs to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Compared with the lower trims, buyers can expect:

• Standard i-Activ AWD
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Paddle shifters
• Premium-oriented technology, safety, and cabin equipment

This is the trim for drivers who want their commuter sedan to feel genuinely quick without giving up four doors, five-passenger practicality, or the Mazda3's 13.2-cubic-foot trunk.

Which 2026 Mazda3 Sedan Trim Should You Choose?

Choosing among the 2026 Mazda3 sedan trims gets easier when you start with the features that matter most to your daily drive. Think about whether you prioritize a lower starting price, extra comfort, all-wheel-drive confidence, or stronger acceleration. From there, the lineup gives you a clear path:

• 2.5 S: Start here if value and fuel efficiency are your priorities.
• 2.5 S Select Sport: Choose this trim if you like the 2.5 S powertrain but want a sportier look and additional convenience features.
• 2.5 S Preferred: Consider the Preferred if you spend significant time behind the wheel and want more everyday comfort.
• 2.5 S Carbon Edition: Move up to the Carbon Edition if standard i-Activ AWD® is high on your list.
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: Pick the top trim if performance is your deciding factor.

For many buyers, the decision comes down to three questions: Do you want AWD? How much comfort equipment do you use every day? And do you want the naturally aspirated engine or the significantly more powerful turbo? Answer those first, and your ideal Mazda3 Sedan trim should become much clearer.

Find Your 2026 Mazda3 Sedan at Berglund Mazda

Reading through the 2026 Mazda3 sedan trims can narrow your choices, but the best way to pick a trim is to experience the differences from behind the wheel. At Berglund Mazda in Salem, VA, you can compare available Mazda3 Sedan models, explore features and options in person, and see which configuration fits your commute and driving preferences.

Browse our 2026 Mazda3 Sedan inventory online, contact Berglund Mazda with your questions, or schedule a test drive today to find your Mazda3 sedan in Salem.

*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.