2025 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2025 Nissan Altima presented a balanced design that was visually appealing without alienating its customer base with extreme styling. The lineup in Canada included S, SR, SR Premium, and Platinum trims, with the SR trim featuring sporty elements like 19-inch wheels and sport-bolstered front seats. However, the interior of the Altima was less impressive, with the SR trim lacking premium features such as leather seats and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The use of low-grade plastic and visible foam insulation detracted from the overall interior quality.

In contrast, the 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 boasted a design that was both distinctive and refined, with a large polygonal grille and narrow headlights that gave it a substantial presence. The side profile featured gracefully sculpted panels and a sporty stance, while the rear maintained a harmonious design. Inside, the Mazda3's cabin rivaled entry-level luxury vehicles with its tasteful dashboard design and high-quality materials. Soft-touch surfaces and genuine stitching added to its upscale feel, although the top-most door panel section could have been improved. The solid construction ensured a quiet ride, and the available red leather upholstery added a sporty touch.

The 2025 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience was described as unremarkable, with decent acceleration and a quiet cabin. The SR trim offered balanced handling, but the steering lacked precision, and the brakes could overheat with spirited driving. The Altima's fuel efficiency was in line with official ratings, averaging 8.3 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two drivetrain options. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the optional Turbo engine on the GT trim increased output to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The base engine was adequate but not impressive, while the Turbo powertrain provided more confident acceleration. The Mazda3's optional i-Activ AWD system enhanced traction and handling, making it a smart choice for regions with severe winter weather. Despite its sporty handling, the Mazda3 maintained a comfortable ride, with only minor road noise and wind flutter at highway speeds.

The 2025 Nissan Altima's interior was praised for its comfort, particularly the front seats with Nissan's Zero Gravity design. The front passenger seat offered excellent leg support, although it lacked a height adjuster. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, and rear climate vents were standard in Canada. The Altima's trunk provided 437 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,645 litres with the rear seats folded down, offering practicality similar to SUVs.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3, while stylish and performance-oriented, was less practical in terms of interior space. The front seats offered ample room, but the rear seats were cramped for average-sized adults, especially in the hatchback model. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo, with a flat load floor when the rear seats were stowed. The hatchback offered more space, with 569 litres of cargo capacity. Personal item storage was limited, with only moderately sized cupholders and door pockets.

The 2025 Nissan Altima offered two infotainment systems. The standard setup included an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SR Premium and Platinum trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and additional features. The standard sound system was adequate, but the nine-speaker Bose system was reserved for higher trims.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8.8-inch display controlled by a dial on the centre console. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard eight-speaker audio system was lacking, but a 12-speaker Bose system was available on the GT trim. The Mazda3 also featured remote monitoring and control via the Mazda Connect app.

The 2025 Nissan Altima's SR Premium trim offered advanced safety features, including ProPilot Assist 1.0 and a surround-view camera system. Nissan Safety Shield 360 was standard, providing features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had a Poor rating from the IIHS for side impact protection.

The 2026 Mazda MAZDA3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included i-Activsense, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The GT model added adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system. Most systems functioned well, although the adaptive cruise control had delayed reactions.