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

Key Features of the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder with VVT

At the heart of every Mazda3 Sedan lies the SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder with VVT, tuned for a lively 186 hp at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm on regular unleaded fuel. High compression (13.0:1) and Advanced Direct Injection help deliver responsive power while maintaining smooth, predictable throttle behavior. The aluminum alloy block and head keep weight in check, aiding balance and efficiency. Complementing the engine, SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control Plus subtly adjusts power delivery for natural turn-in and greater stability mid-corner and on exit. The result is a sedan that feels eager off the line, confident when merging, and delightfully composed when you find a stretch of open road.

i-ACTIV AWD®

Available i-ACTIV AWD® elevates confidence by monitoring inputs such as steering angle, throttle, and wheel slip to forecast traction needs. Rather than waiting for wheelspin, the system helps distribute torque proactively to the wheels that can best use it, promoting stable handling on wet pavement, gravelly shoulders, or uneven surfaces. For drivers who head into the hills or encounter seasonal rain, i-ACTIV AWD® provides assurance without dulling the Mazda3’s playful character. The suspension design—Independent MacPherson strut up front and a torsion beam axle in the rear—works harmoniously with AWD calibrations, while larger front brake rotors on AWD models support controlled stopping. You will appreciate the poised feel in quick transitions and the secure straight-line tracking at highway speeds.

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration

Wireless smartphone integration helps keep your cabin uncluttered and your focus where it belongs. With Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® integration, you can access maps, calls, messages, and your favorite audio apps with familiar interfaces and voice support. The 8-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics brings clarity and presence to your playlists, podcasts, and calls, and well-placed controls help reduce distraction. MAZDA CONNECTED SERVICES further streamlines ownership by enabling remote features and helpful status information through compatible devices. Together, these technologies make every drive simpler and more enjoyable—ideal for commuting, weekend getaways, or those spontaneous detours that the Mazda3 inspires.

Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go

Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go is your ally for busy traffic and long highway stretches. Once set, it helps maintain a set following distance, gently adjusting speed as traffic flows. In stop-and-go conditions, the system can bring the vehicle to a stop and resume within its operating parameters, reducing fatigue in congestion. This feature integrates with other driver-assistance technologies—Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, High Beam Control, and Smart Brake Support - Forward—to create a robust safety net. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert add helpful awareness at speed and in parking lots, while the rearview monitor assists when backing up.

LED lighting, wheels, and refined exterior details

The Mazda3’s design turns heads without shouting. LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED combination taillights project a crisp, modern signature. Depending on the package, you will find 16-inch or 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with distinctive finishes, plus Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers. Available heated side mirrors, bright signature wing accents, and a front grille in matte or gloss Black finishes sharpen the profile. For added ambiance, an available power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open and an interior sunshade brings in light and air. Choose from a curated color palette—including Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Jet Black Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Platinum Quartz Metallic, Machine Gray Metallic, Ceramic Metallic, and Polymetal Gray Metallic—to make the Mazda3 your own.