Do you want to get behind the wheel of a compact car? Two high-quality choices are the Nissan Sentra and Mazda3. See how they stack up in this 2022 Nissan Sentra vs. 2022 Mazda3 comparison.

2022 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Mazda3

In this 2022 Nissan Sentra vs. 2022 Mazda3 compact car comparison, we evaluated several factors. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price. The Sentra is only available in a sedan model, while the Mazda3 offers sedan and hatchback versions. We note the differences when applicable. 

Sentra vs. Mazda3: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Mazda3 outmuscles the 2022 Nissan Sentra. It offers three engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 hp), a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp), and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (250 hp). In comparison, the Sentra only has one engine option, and it’s weaker than all three of the engines for the Mazda3: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder four-cylinder engine (149 hp).

Buyers of the Mazda3 have a choice of either a front-wheel drive system — and for enhanced traction, an all-wheel drive system. In comparison, the Sentra only offers a front-wheel drive system.

For efficiency, the Sentra has a slight edge. It gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 29 city/39 highway mpg, compared to a gas mileage of up to 28 city/36 highway mpg for the Mazda3.

Sentra vs. Mazda3: Safety

On the safety front, the Mazda3 has the advantage. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the Sentra earned a second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.

Sentra vs. Mazda3: Passenger and cargo space

The Sentra provides slightly more passenger space than the Mazda3. It has a total passenger volume of 96.0 cu-ft. In comparison, the Mazda3 Sedan has a total passenger volume of 92.8 cu-ft, and the Mazda3 Hatchback has 92.7 cu-ft of passenger space.

For storage space in the trunk for the sedan models, the Sentra has a maximum cargo capacity of 14.3 cu-ft, while the Mazda3 Sedan provides 13.2 cu-ft of storage space. However, the Mazda3 Hatchback has the most storage space of all, with a maximum cargo capacity of 20.1 cu-ft.

Sentra vs. Mazda3: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, unlike the Mazda3, the Sentra has a Wi-Fi hotspot and a remote trunk release feature. However, unlike the Sentra, the Mazda3 offers a seat memory feature, a head-up display, and a navigation system. Both the Sentra and Mazda3 offer a sunroof/moonroof. 

Sentra vs. Mazda3: Warranty coverage and reliability

The Sentra and Mazda3 have similar types of warranty coverage. Both compact cars are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

However, the Sentra is more reliable than the Mazda3. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 74/100 for the Mazda3.

Sentra vs. Mazda3: Price

Which compact car costs more: the 2022 Sentra or the 2022 Mazda3? The starting prices of the 2022 Sentra range from $19,610 MSRP for the S trim up to $22,200 MSRP for the SR trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Mazda3 range from $20,800 MSRP for the Mazda3 Sedan 2.0 FWD trim up to $34,400 MSRP for the Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD trim.

2022 Nissan Sentra vs. 2022 Mazda3: Which compact car is better?

In our 2022 Nissan Sentra vs. 2022 Mazda3 comparison, each compact car has various advantages. For the 2022 Sentra, advantages include efficiency, passenger space, sedan cargo space, reliability, and a lower price. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Mazda3 include performance, an available all-wheel drive system, safety, and hatchback cargo space.