Mazda Shocks the Market: 2026 Model Lineup Remains Very Affordable Despite US Tariffs

In an era when new car prices are skyrocketing, Japanese automaker Mazda is offering a surprise: its 2026 model lineup remains surprisingly affordable.

2024 Mazda CX-70
Image source Victoria Scott / Motor1

While competitors struggle with inflation and tariffs, Mazda keeps starting prices below $26,000 for base models. Despite rising costs from suppliers, Mazda has minimized the impact on consumers.

The Mazda 2026 lineup opens with the Mazda3 sedan, priced from $25,785 (plus $920 for delivery). This is only $400 more than in 2025, and the model has not undergone radical changes, but it has acquired a new Harmonic Acoustics audio system with 8 speakers as standard - a premium Bose version is optionally available.

Sedan and hatchback bodies are available, with a 6-speed manual transmission on the S Premium hatchback. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional.

Full price list:

Mazda3 2.5 S: sedan - $25,785, hatchback - $26,785;
Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport: $26,675 / $27,795;
Mazda3 S Preferred: $28,325 / $29,675;
Mazda3 S Carbon Edition: $31,445 / $32,685;
Mazda3 S Premium: - / $32,595;
Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus: $37,975 / $39,125.

Next up is the CX-30 2026 subcompact crossover, with a starting price that has increased by $780 - to $27,470. The car is equipped with a 2.5-liter engine producing 191 hp, and there is also a turbo version with up to 250 hp. New for this year is the Aire Edition trim with black accents, 18-inch wheels, and roof rails. A 10.25-inch central display has been added as an option.

A total of eight trim levels are available:

CX-30 2.5 S: $27,470;
CX-30 2.5 S Select: $29,155;
CX-30 2.5 S Preferred: $30,785;
CX-30 2.5 S Aire Edition: $31,345;
CX-30 2.5 S Carbon Edition: $32,525;
CX-30 2.5 S Premium: $34,375;
CX-30 Turbo Aire Edition: $35,905;
CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus: $39,395.

The third most popular model - the CX-50 - is pleasing with a price reduction of $600. The base version now costs $31,395. This is a compact crossover that coexists with the updated CX-5 (prices for it have not yet been announced, but are expected to be around $31,000). A Meridian Edition version has appeared with a 2.5-liter engine and an all-white interior. The hybrid version is more expensive - $36,245.

Full list of CX-50 trim levels:

CX-50 S Select: $31,395;
CX-50 S Preferred: $33,895;
CX-50 S Meridian Edition: $34,645;
CX-50 Hybrid Preferred: $36,245;
CX-50 S Premium: $36,395;
CX-50 2.5 Turbo: $39,395;
CX-50 Hybrid Premium: $39,645;
CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition: $41,895;
CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus: $41,645;
CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $44,395.

The more premium CX-90 2026 starts at $40,330 - a couple of hundred more than last year. The three-row crossover has acquired a plug-in hybrid for $52,025, a new 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport trim with dark stitching, an Alex system for hands-free control, and Polymetal Gray Metallic color. Standard equipment includes a 3.3-liter engine.

Prices:

CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select: $40,330;
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred: $44,480;
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Sport: $48,510;
CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus: $51,800;
CX-90 PHEV Preferred: $52,025;
CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport: $55,470;
CX-90 PHEV Premium Sport: $56,830;
CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus: $58,900;
CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus: $60,030.

Finally, the two-row CX-70 is the only one that has noticeably increased in price: by $1805, to $43,780 (with delivery of $1530). This is $4350 more expensive than the CX-90, but the model is equipped with a powerful 3.3-liter turbo engine producing 280 hp (or a PHEV with 323 hp with 48 km on electric power).