Compare the2026 Subaru WRXVS 2026 Mazda 3

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the WRX. But it costs extra on the Mazda 3.

Both the WRX and the Mazda 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru WRX is safer than the Mazda 3:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the WRX is 1.1% less likely to roll over than the Mazda 3.

There are over 18 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the WRX’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the WRX has a 150-amp alternator. The Mazda 3’s standard 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Mazda is ranked 6th.

The WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 85 more horsepower (271 vs. 186) and 72 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 186) than the Mazda 3’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The WRX’s 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 21 more horsepower (271 vs. 250) than the Mazda 3’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Subaru WRX is faster than the Mazda 3 4 cyl. (manual transmissions tested):

As tested in Car and Driver the Subaru WRX is faster than the Mazda 3 (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the WRX lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The WRX has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mazda 3 AWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The WRX has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mazda 3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 13.2 gallons).

The WRX offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the WRX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Mazda 3:

The WRX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Mazda 3 are solid, not vented.

The WRX stops much shorter than the Mazda 3:

For better traction, the WRX has larger tires than the Mazda 3 (245/40R18 vs. 205/60R16). The WRX’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Mazda 3 (245/40R18 vs. 215/45R18).

The WRX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mazda 3 S’ standard 60 series tires. The WRX tS/Series.Yellow’s tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the WRX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Mazda 3 S. The WRX tS/Series.Yellow’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru WRX has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda 3 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The WRX has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the WRX flat and controlled during cornering. The Mazda 3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The WRX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Mazda 3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The WRX has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The WRX tS handles at .97 G’s, while the Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan AWD pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The WRX Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 3.3 seconds quicker than the Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan AWD (24.8 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the WRX a Mid-size car, while the Mazda 3 is rated a Compact.

The WRX has 6.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda 3 Sedan (98.9 vs. 92.8).

The WRX has 1.8 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom, 1 inch more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear legroom and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Mazda 3 Sedan.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the WRX’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Mazda 3’s useful trunk space (except wagon).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the WRX. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The WRX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Mazda 3 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the WRX is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Mazda 3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mazda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Mazda is ranked 10th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the WRX’s exterior PIN entry system. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The WRX’s standard Keyless Access and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Mazda 3 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car. Push Button Start is not available on the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

Consumer Reports rated the WRX’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Mazda 3’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

The WRX has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru WRX’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Mazda 3 Premium.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Subaru WRX and the Mazda 3, based on reliability, safety and performance.