Mazda3 vs Sentra
Mazda versus Nissan: the Mazda3 and the Sentra go after the same compact car buyer. The Mazda3 is up against it here: the Sentra wins 2 of the 4 areas on our scorecard, with fuel economy & range as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mazda3 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Sentra wins
- Space & Practicality Sentra wins
- Off-road & Towing Mazda3 wins
- Engine & Performance2.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality4.4
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Space & Practicality4.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Mazda3 has 42 hp more power
For total system output, the Mazda3 leads by a wide margin: 191 hp versus 149 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Mazda3 has 40 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 186 lb-ft to the Sentra’s 146 lb-ft, the Mazda3 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Sentra has better fuel economy
The Mazda3 comes close with 31 mpg; the Sentra does slightly better with 34 mpg. The Sentra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Sentra has 8.3% more cargo space
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 14.3 cu ft for the Sentra, 13.2 cu ft for the Mazda3. The Sentra’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Sentra has better city fuel economy
On paper, the Sentra is a touch ahead here, listing 30 mpg against 27 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
- Mazda3 183.5 in × 70.7 in × 56.9 in
- Sentra 182.9 in × 71.5 in × 56.9 in
Dimensionally, these two are near twins.
Dimensions
| Spec | Mazda3 | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.7 in | 71.5 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 106.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,036 lb |
Engine & Performance
Mazda3 leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the Mazda3 is comfortably ahead. The Mazda3 wins here with 42 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the Mazda3 gets the nod.
Total system output
Mazda3: 191 hp Sentra: 149 hp The Mazda3’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Mazda3: 186 lb-ft Sentra: 146 lb-ft The Mazda3’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Sentra leads
The Sentra dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. Choose the Sentra and you get better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Sentra.
Fuel economy (combined)
Mazda3: 31 mpg Sentra: 34 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Mazda3: 27 mpg Sentra: 30 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Sentra starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Sentra leads
The Sentra edges the space & practicality section, though the Mazda3 stays close. The Sentra answers with 8.3% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Sentra is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Mazda3: 13.2 cu ft Sentra: 14.3 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Mazda3 leads
A modest lead on off-road & towing belongs to the Mazda3. The Mazda3 pulls ahead with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. If this section decides it for you, choose the Mazda3.
AWD / 4WD available
Mazda3: yes Sentra: no The Mazda3 offers all-wheel drive; the Sentra doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Mazda3’s and the Sentra’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Mazda3 | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 191 hp (winner) | 149 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft (winner) | 146 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Mazda3 | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | 30 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg | 40 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 12.4 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Mazda3 | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.2 cu ft | 14.3 cu ft (winner) |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 34.90 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Mazda3 | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Mazda3 | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 10.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Mazda i-Activsense | Nissan Safety Shield 360 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Mazda3 | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.7 in | 71.5 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 106.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,036 lb |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Mazda3 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (191 hp vs 149 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (186 lb-ft vs 146 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Choose the Sentra if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (34 mpg vs 31 mpg)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (14.3 cu ft vs 13.2 cu ft)
- you want better city fuel economy (30 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (40 mpg vs 37 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Sentra?
The Sentra wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you need 42 hp more power, which only the Mazda3 offers.
Which is larger, the Mazda3 or the Sentra?
Neither by much. The Mazda3 and the Sentra have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Whenever Mazda and Nissan go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Mazda3 and the Sentra are no exception. It’s hard to argue with better fuel economy, which is exactly what the Sentra brings. A second reason: the Sentra comes with 8.3% more cargo space. Where the Mazda3 fights back is 42 hp more power.
Think about your week. Heavy on engine & performance? The Mazda3. More about fuel economy & range? The Sentra.
My pick: the Sentra, and I’d only look at the Mazda3 if you care more about 42 hp more power than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.