Review by Veeno Dewan.
For 2026, the Mazda3 maintains its reputation as an excellent premium family choice in the compact car market. It is available in either a sedan or hatchback form with a choice of two engines, and All-Wheel Drive for Canada. Highpoints are the premium-feeling interior, sleek exterior design and a driver-focused sporty driving experience. The Mazda3 is an award-winning car, much loved by Canadians.
For 2026, all models get rear side airbags, and on the middle GS trim, the 2.5L engine is replaced with the 2.0L on front-wheel drive models. The 2.5L engine develops 191 hp. The base Mazda3 GX is equipped with the efficient Skyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder that delivers 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and G-Vectoring Control Plus. There is the option of six-speed automatic transmission on the Mazda3 Sport. Also of note is the availability of optional of All Wheel Drive via an i-Activ AWD system. G-Vectoring Control Plus system that aids in cornering is also provided as standard. The 2026 model includes i-Activsense safety features, such as advanced blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and smart brake support. The Mazda3 is priced from a base $25,250 for the GX model with front wheel drive to top tier Mazda3 GT Turbo AWD at $39,200. Freight and Delivery is $2,095.
We tested the Mazda3 GS AWD version positioned just above the base GX version that has the a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with the optional i-Activ AWD. The engine develops 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and is teamed with six -speed automatics transmission with the optional i-Activ All Wheel Drive system with proactive torque distribution.
The GS includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and premium soft-touch materials. Interior technology features a 10.25-inch full-colour centre display with touchscreen functionality when using Wireless Apple CarPlay™ or Wireless Android Auto™, wireless phone charging (Qi), dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Upgrades include heated body-colour mirrors, and rear centre armrest with cup holders.
The cabin also features specially designed seats and ergonomics that make the driver feel as if they are at one with the car. The smart classy interior is denoted for its clear concise instruments, ergonomic simple and effective controls and general feeling of quality. The fit, finish and e materials in the interior look and feel a class above. This segment, though the gloss piano black plastic on the center console is prone to scratches. The Mazda3’s control layout is excellent, except for the car’s lack of touchscreen functionality. Instead, you must use the Commander dial control on the center console to operate the infotainment system instead of touch screen, which can be distracting. Otherwise, the dashboard layout is great with the e mix of analog and digital instrumentation.
The front cabin is roomy and comfortable enough, although it’s a squeeze to fit three large adults in the rear seat. Cargo capacity is rated at 566 liters (1,330 liters total with rear seats down. Safety is good with Windshield-projected colour Active Driving Display (ADD), 360° View Monitor, Off-road navigation, Wireless phone charger (Qi) Available i-Activ AWD (all-wheel drive),Advanced keyless entry.
On the road – the Mazda3 with the more powerful 2.5L 4-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque is the one to get. The extra horsepower enables the compact car with peppy acceleration off the line and good passing power on the highway. With a responsive throttle, urgent willing engine mechanicals and a crisp quick transmission Mazda’s are known for their exceptional Best In Class sporty handling and the GS version with All Wheel Drive option proved to bear this out. The i-Activ AWD system monitors sensors 200 times per second for stability and exceptional responses. Enhanced by G-Vectoring Control, the Mzada3 GS AWD proved to be athletic, and engaging in its driving dynamics. For our Canadian winters and slippery surfaces – the effective all-wheel-drive system offers added, traction, security and confidence.
Negatives are few- there is no hybrid electric version for now and the rear seat legroom is cramped for adults. Also, the Infotainment system is not a touchscreen – like so many of its competitors . The GS model with the All-Wheel Drive options seems to be sweet spot – highly detailed, well equipped and with security and assurance of AWD. It is not hard to see why the MAZDA3 I a firm family favourite in Canada. Highly recommended.
2026 Mazda3 GS: AWD Priced from $32,050. Plus, options, Freight and Delivery – ($2,095.)
More info at www.nissan.ca