Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Salinas, CA

Key Features of the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Turbo with i-Activ AWD®

The available Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Turbo engine is the heart of the Mazda3 Hatchback’s athletic personality. With up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged setup delivers smooth, confident acceleration that is equally at home merging onto Highway 101 or threading through favorite back roads. Turbo models pair with standard i-Activ AWD®, a predictive system designed to read road conditions and distribute torque for maximum control. The payoff is traction when you need it and balance when you want it, all while preserving a naturally responsive feel at the wheel. Whether the roads are sun-baked or slick, this powertrain’s blend of strength and intelligence elevates everyday confidence.

G-Vectoring Control Plus

G-Vectoring Control Plus enhances stability and steering precision by making subtle adjustments to engine torque and braking as you enter and exit corners. You will notice it most in the car’s unflappable composure: smoother turn-in, calmer body motions, and a natural sense of harmony between your inputs and the car’s responses. On the undulating roads outside town, the system helps reduce the tiny corrections you make subconsciously, easing fatigue on longer drives. In city traffic, it helps keep the car planted and predictable. The result is a sense of premium refinement that supports the Mazda3’s reputation for “fun yet refined driving.”

Mazda Connect™ with Alexa Built-in

Technology in the Mazda3 Hatchback is designed to serve your drive, not distract from it. Mazda Connect™ anchors the experience with clear menus, crisp graphics, and natural-feeling controls. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration keep your favorite apps close. With available Alexa Built-in, you can adjust climate settings, set a destination, or cue your playlist with your voice, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes forward. Available wireless charging helps reduce cabin clutter, while available Active Driving Display projects key information within your line of sight. The MyMazda App with Mazda Connected Services adds convenience beyond the car by enabling remote lock/unlock, remote start, and vehicle health status for one year on a complimentary basis.

Bose® 12-Speaker Premium Audio

For drivers who care about sound, the available Bose® 12-speaker system is a difference-maker. Strategically placed speakers and careful tuning work with the Mazda3’s cabin acoustics to deliver clarity and depth across a wide range of music. You will hear crisp highs, solid midrange presence, and bass that is felt as much as heard, without boominess. Whether you are listening to podcasts, streaming playlists, or catching a live broadcast, the system turns the cabin into a quiet, comfortable listening space. It is an upgrade that pays dividends every day, especially on longer commutes to and from Salinas, CA.

i-Activsense® Safety with 360° View Monitor

The Mazda3 Hatchback equips standard and available i-Activsense® features to support your awareness in busy environments. Standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert assists when backing out of driveways or parking spaces. Available Cruising & Traffic Support can help with following distance and lane centering under certain conditions, easing the load in stop-and-go traffic. Available Parking Sensors help detect obstacles at low speeds, while the available 360° View Monitor uses exterior cameras to create an overhead perspective on the Mazda Connect™ screen for tight maneuvers. With honors like a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ for the Mazda3 Hatchback and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA for the 2025 model, there is real peace of mind built in.