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Frankie Rogers is a senior editor for Kelley Blue Book and focuses on the production of content. She edits and formats content, creates monthly deals lists, is a media asset curator, and photographs cars for various articles and inclusion in KBB’s image library. Her 16+ years at Kelley Blue Book have included roles as a Blue Book copy editor, press vehicle wrangler, and VIN analyst. In her spare time, she can be found tinkering with her 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, trying out new recipes in her cast iron pans, and spoiling her two cats, Grayson and Thaddeus.

Frankie Rogers

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Scott Hinderer is an award-winning copy editor. Before joining Cox Automotive in 2022, he built a 15-year career in print and digital journalism. His diverse résumé brings a broad perspective and commitment to accuracy to Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book that enrich the reader experience. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Salisbury University.

Scott Hinderer

Eric Brandt is a Senior Editor for Cox Automotive, specializing in expert reviews for Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. Eric helps shoppers find the right car for their needs, wants, and budget. Eric started writing for Cox Automotive as a freelancer in 2017 and entered his current role in 2022. In addition to car reviews, Eric’s work on KBB and Autotrader has included lists, comparisons, advice, Oversteer articles and videos, and even motorcycle and ATV content.

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2026Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SL

2026Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SL Archives - Kelley Blue Book

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$73,500 &amp; up

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2-Line Blurb

140-Character Blurb

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL is an impressive luxury roadster with a glorious heritage.

Cons

Power, Ride and Handling

Driving Impressions

Drivetrains in the 2026 AMG SL go from great to good gracious. The SL 43 flexes its 416 horsepower to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in a perfectly zippy 4.8 seconds. Most SL buyers don’t need to go faster than this. But the ones who do can put the SL 55’s 469 horsepower to the ground and hit 60 mph a second sooner. Or shave off another 0.3 of a second in the 577-horsepower SL 63.
To compare with the SL 43, the “base” Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet has 379 horsepower and is about half a second quicker to 60 mph, while the Mercedes beats the BMW 840i Convertible by a small margin. Anyway, it isn’t all about the numbers with an SL.
Although there is another twist with the AMG SL 63 S E Performance, which harnesses electric power as well as combustion to push the SL to extremes it’s never known before. It develops a truly awesome 805 horsepower and up to 1,047 lb-ft of torque. The 60-mph mark is but a fleeting event that happens just 2.8 seconds (gasp) into its rush to a top speed of 198 mph.
In general, we’ve found the SL does a fantastic job of balancing engaging performance with a luxurious ride quality. We could cruise for hours on the highway with no complaints. Yet the SL is equally in its element on twisting back roads, thanks to the all-wheel steering system (in the V8-powered models) and the well-tuned AMG Ride Control suspension system.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
It’s unlikely that SL buyers will care too much about gas bills. That said, the SL 43 achieves 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Which is fine, we suppose. The BMW 840i Convertible gets 24 mpg combined, about as good as this class gets. The SL 55 and SL 63 both run to 16 mpg combined. The SL 63 S E Performance achieves the equivalent of 29 mpg combined (MPGe) or 18 mpg combined once the battery is depleted. Its battery-only range is negligible.

Athletic Exterior

Exterior

We’d say the Mercedes-AMG SL is handsome. It looks simultaneously expensive and athletic, with sports-car proportions and stylish wheel options. This current SL forgoes the retractable hardtop of previous SL generations in favor of a powered soft top. We think it looks great with the roof down.
This year, the Manufaktur program adds Ireland Mid-Green Magno (not mango), Cote d’Azur light blue, and Orange Flame Metallic. And then there’s the impressive list of Manufaktur Exclusive finishes.

FAQs

Our Favorite Features and Tech

Favorite Features

11.9-inch touchscreen 
The SL’s infotainment system has excellent graphics and user-friendly features, including standard navigation and voice control. We love that the angle of the screen is adjustable to reduce glare.
Airscarf 
Warm-air vents in the front seats make the SL more comfortable to drive with the top down in cooler weather. Factor in all-wheel drive and the SL could be a car for all seasons.
AMG Performance 4Matic+ 
This high-performance all-wheel drive system comes standard in V8-powered SL models. It optimizes torque to all four wheels for a sublime driving experience.
AMG Active Ride Control 
This sophisticated adaptive suspension system can adjust each corner for ultimate stability, even in tight corners at high speeds. We’ve experienced it and found it does everything Mercedes-Benz claims. It’s standard in the SL 63 and optional in the lower trims.
AMG Dynamic Select 
The standard AMG Dynamic Select system includes Comfort, Slippery, Sport and Sport+ modes, plus an Individual setting that drivers can fine-tune to their liking. We’ve found that each one has its own distinct feel.
Driver Assistance Package 
This optional package adds an array of safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, active lane keeping, active emergency stop assistance, and route-based speed adaptation. We think it’s worth choosing.

Classy Interior

Interior

We could sit in these front seats all day, they’re so well-shaped and comfortable. Mercedes-Benz invariably impresses us with its superb cabin materials and build quality, and that’s exactly what’s going on here. Everything we touch feels classy. We also appreciate the technology, like the highly customizable digital gauge cluster and the user-friendly infotainment system with gorgeous graphics.
The back seats are an afterthought &#8212; we could hardly fit back there without sliding the front seats all the way forward. Maximum trunk space is 8.5 cubic feet &#8212; more than the Lexus LC 500 Convertible, less than the BMW 8 Series Convertible.
We cover the ultra-luxurious new-for-2026 <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/mercedes-maybach-sl/">Mercedes-Maybach SL</a> in a separate review.

Is the YMM a Good Vehicle?

Is the YMM Reliable?

KBB Editors' Overview

Ah, the SL. One of the most recognizable <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz</a> cars of all time. As the full name suggests, this is the AMG-fettled lineup. If those letters don’t already ring a glorious bell, then you’ve now been notified that AMG variants are the fastest, most driver-focused versions of vehicles wearing that evocative 3-pointed star badge.
Although the SL name has been around since 1954, this current generation is still fresh &#8212; having launched for the 2022 model year. The tech remains impressive while the car also exhibits timeless qualities of classiness and a fantastic driving experience.
We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/cars/highest-horsepower-luxury-cars/">high-horsepower luxury cars</a>, including the Mercedes-AMG SL.

Optional Equipment

Pricing - Dynamic

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG SL has a starting sticker price of $113,800, with the range-topping SL 63 S E Performance kicking off at $209,150.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 43</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$113,800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 55</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$146,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 63</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$189,100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">SL 63 S E Performance</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$209,150</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

Pricing - Static

We recommend getting a model with the V8 engine for the burble and the rear-wheel steering. Both the SL 55 and SL 63 are popular.
Although the SL has a heritage like no other luxury sports car, it’s not the only choice. The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/lexus/lc/">Lexus LC</a> Convertible is more affordable. The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/bmw/8-series/">BMW 8 Series</a> Convertible comes in even lower (still in six figures, however). The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/porsche/911/">Porsche 911</a> Carrera Cabriolet is priced between the SL 43 and SL 55. The SL also stands up well against much more exotic machines like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/aston-martin/vantage/">Aston Martin Vantage</a> V8 Convertible, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/bentley/continental-gtc/">Bentley Continental GTC</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/maserati/grancabrio/">Maserati GranCabrio</a>.
Before buying a new SL luxury sports car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are not usually a priority with luxury cars like this, yet we expect the SL to be around average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Pros

<ul>
<li>Power and prestige</li>
<li>Plushness and pedigree</li>
<li>Tip-top tech</li>
</ul>

Quick New

<ul>
<li>Fresh cosmetic choices</li>
<li>Tweaked center console</li>
</ul>

Safety

Standard Equipment

Trims

Engine and Transmission

Under the Hood

A 4-cylinder engine in an SL might seem uncharacteristically humble. But remember, these are all AMG models and the SL 43 makes 416 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines in production. Gotta love that kind of stuff.
Back to more predictable specifications, the SL 55 has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (handbuilt in the usual AMG fashion) generating 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The same engine in the SL 63 pushes output to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
The SL 63 S E Performance takes that V8 and drops an electric motor into the mix to create an absolutely massive 805 hp and up to 1,047 lb-ft of torque. This makes this the most powerful plug-in hybrid in production — certainly the most powerful SL there’s ever been. The battery is designed for quick energy delivery rather than a long electric-only range, one of the road-going benefits of Mercedes-Benz’s highly successful involvement in Formula 1 racing.
All-wheel drive comes in as standard at the SL 55 level, and every SL has an AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The new-vehicle warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This covers the powertrain as well. Most European luxury car companies have the same terms. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any free scheduled maintenance, which BMW does. And Lexus has a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
<h3>Safety</h3>
High-end cars like the SL aren’t usually crash-tested outside of their manufacturer’s own development programs. The SL comes well stocked with standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, parking assistance, and adaptive front lighting. Optional safety tech in the Driver Assistance Package includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and traffic sign recognition.

What's new for

Where there used to be a palm rest in the center console, there’s now a couple of switches. Of greater importance, though, is the sheer number of new paint choices. The Manufaktur personalization program is where Mercedes-Benz puts its more expensive cosmetic options. Now there’s the Manufaktur Exclusive level with more than 50 hues, as long as $9,900 is acceptable. There’s also a couple of new Manufaktur interior color schemes this year: Tobacco Brown/Black and Classic Red/Black.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG SL Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

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2026Polestar 5

2026Polestar 5 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

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electric Archives - Kelley Blue Book

sedan

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The 2026 Polestar 5 is an all-electric luxury sedan with a sporting edge.

Power, Ride, and Handling

At its entry level, the Polestar 5’s two electric motors (developed in-house) create a massive total of 748 horsepower and 599 lb-ft of torque. That’s the entry level. The Polestar 5 Performance makes 884 hp and 749 lb-ft of torque. The former can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. The latter does the dash in 3.1 seconds. These times are in the same area as rivals with similarly prodigious amounts of power.
The company claims a high torsional rigidity, which helps with safety and can give the suspension engineers a great foundation on which to work their magic. The Performance variant also comes with an adaptive suspension for greater sophistication.
<h3>Range and Charging</h3>
There’s no official maximum range figure yet, but since Polestar calls this EV a grand tourer, it had better be good. The best range of any Polestar at the time of compiling this review is 350 miles, achieved by the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor model. We’re thinking maybe 325 miles for the 5. Not as good as the 400-plus figures of the Lucid Air (480) or the Tesla Model S (402), but slightly better than the Audi S e-tron GT’s 300 miles.
Polestar says the DC charging rate can reach 350 kilowatts (kW) and that the Polestar 5 can go from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes using a fast charger, which puts it about level with most rivals.

Aerodynamic Exterior

As an effective electric vehicle (EV) should be, the Polestar 5 is aerodynamic and relatively light. A drag coefficient of 0.24 may not mean much to the average person in the street, but trust us, it’s good. It’s achieved partly by employing retractable door handles and an integrated rear diffuser.
To keep weight in check, the Polestar 5’s body is made of aluminum panels built on an aluminum frame. One little detail we like is the charging indicator in the rear pillar.
We can’t help but be reminded of Tesla, with a touch of Kia around the tail. The Polestar 5 is the production reality of an earlier Precept design study that debuted in 2020. Things have moved on since then.

Infotainment system 
Like systems across the Polestar portfolio, this one has Google Built-In, which is becoming something of an industry standard. We’ve found it easy to use, and it understands voice commands well. The central display is a 14.5-inch touchscreen set vertically.
Brembo front brakes 
Among the braking fraternity (assuming there is one), Brembo is likely to be the thoroughly respected elder statesman. Wisely, Polestar fits this company’s excellent stoppers to the front end of every 5.
Active Road Noise Cancellation 
The Polestar 5’s luxury credentials are underlined by its quiet cabin, which this standard technology makes all the more serene.
Bowers &amp; Wilkins audio 
The Polestar 5 offers this 21-speaker/1,680-watt system as an option, and we recommend at least giving it a listen, concentrating on the rich bass, clear mids, and crystalline highs. As you’ve probably guessed, we like B&amp;W stuff a lot.
Head-up display 
A 9.5-inch head-up display is available in the Polestar 5. We know this ability to project vital information onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight is not fresh tech, but we miss it when it’s not there.
Recaro front seats 
Like Brembo, Recaro is another highly regarded third-party supplier. This company specializes in making seats for sports cars. The ones in the Polestar 5 result from a collaboration between the two companies.

Sparse Interior

From an interior design standpoint, there seems to be a Tesla-like sparseness to the Polestar 5, that we’ve noticed other manufacturers moving away from recently. That said, there are upsides.
For example, cut-outs in the floor-mounted battery allow plenty of foot space for rear passengers, and the 5 has the largest panoramic glass roof of any Polestar (six feet by four). Recycled materials (including old fishing nets) are used for things like carpeting. In place of the standard fabric, Bridge of Weir leather (no chrome used in the tanning process) is optional. There’s a lockable compartment in the low center console between the front seats. And like the Polestar 4, this model also has a “virtual” rear window with a digital rearview mirror providing visual information on the surroundings.
With reclining rear outboard seats, the Polestar 5 is only really meant to accommodate four occupants, although the rear center armrest can flip up to take a fifth person if necessary. Behind those seats is a luggage area of 12.9 cubic feet, about the same size as the trunk of a Toyota Corolla midsize sedan. Under the hood is an extra 2.2 cubic feet of stowage area.

Polestar considers its new 5 a flagship model. It features all the technology and design elements that distinguish the marque and places a strong emphasis on sustainability in the materials used — from the bare metal frame to the seat fabrics. It’s a 4-door car, described by <a href="https://www.kbb.com/polestar/">Polestar</a> as a grand tourer.

We expect the 2026 Polestar 5 to start at around $100,000.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Polestar 5</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$100,000 (estimate)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Polestar 5 Performance</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$120,000 (estimate)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

The Polestar 5 has some strong competition. Cars like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/porsche/taycan/">Porsche Taycan</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/audi/s-e-tron-gt/">Audi S e-tron GT</a>, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/mercedes-amg-eqs/">Mercedes-AMG EQS</a> are likely to begin at higher prices, while the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/lucid/air/">Lucid Air</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/tesla/model-s/">Tesla Model S</a> will no doubt start below. Before buying a new Polestar 5 all-electric luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know how much you should be paying.

Battery and Efficiency

The battery in the Polestar 5 has an overall capacity of 112 kilowatt-hours (kWh), with a usable capacity of 106 kWh. That’s on the generous side for most electric vehicles at this time. An 800-volt architecture is also employed &#8212; a first for Polestar, although several rivals are already at this level.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
Polestar’s basic warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for the luxury sector. The battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Four years or 50,000 miles of roadside assistance is also included, along with complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 30,000 miles.
<h3>Safety</h3>
Standard assistance features in the Polestar 5 include 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and one mid-range radar.

The Polestar 5 is completely new, built on a dedicated platform of bonded aluminum.

2026 Polestar 5 Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Michael Strong

Russ Heaps has produced automotive content for newspapers, magazines, and websites since 1987. Knight-Ridder recognized his contributions in founding and supplying content for the stand-alone auto section in the Boca Raton News with a Knight-Ridder Excellence award nomination in 1990. He began contributing advice and other automotive-related content to Cox Automotive as a contractor in 2010. Cox Automotive brought Russ on board as Senior Editor, Advice for Kelley Blue Book in 2022. Previously, he contributed financial and automotive content for Bankrate.com. He was also managing editor for Auto World and NOPI Street Performance Compact magazines for four years. His work has appeared in the Washington Times, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, and a host of other newspapers on a syndicated basis. 
Russ also has a deep background in travel as the supervising producer for the syndicated television series Discover America where he also wrote scripts and field-produced episodes. Additionally, he authored travel stories for AAA of the Carolinas Magazine.
He graduated Wittenberg University with a degree in Political Science. His passions are friends, cars, bourbon, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Russ Heaps

Sub Compact Car

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2026MINI Hardtop 4 Door

2026MINI Hardtop 4 Door Archives - Kelley Blue Book

hatchback

hatchback Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$23,500 - $28,499

$23,500 - $28,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$28,500 - $33,499

$28,500 - $33,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$33,500 - $38,499

$33,500 - $38,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The Mini Hardtop 4 Door takes the iconic design and fun driving character of the Mini Cooper and adds more space and practicality.

<ul>
<li>High fuel costs for a small car</li>
<li>No manual transmission</li>
<li>Poor resale value</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Mini Hardtop 4 Door is powered by a turbocharged 161-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The models with “S” in the name get a performance upgrade to 201 hp, plus way more torque. The base engine scoots this little car around just fine, but we think the S model is worth the slight price premium to unlock the Mini’s fun potential.
Regardless of the engine, the Mini Hardtop 4 Door handled beautifully in our testing, thanks to its small footprint and wheels stretched out to the corners. These qualities also make it a pleasure to drive on city streets, weaving through traffic and parking just about wherever you want with ease.
Every <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/">Mini</a> is a great city car, but the longer wheelbase of the 4 Door model makes this a slightly comfier highway cruiser than the shorter 2 Door model. Speaking of comfort, we know those 18-inch wheel options are fabulous, but they make the ride quality a little harsher than the 17-inch wheels.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Mini Cooper 4 Door has the same fuel economy ratings as the 2 Door. Regardless of the trim, it returns 28 city/39 highway/32 combined mpg.
Subcompact hatchbacks are supposed to have low fuel costs. Although the Mini is reasonably fuel-efficient, its premium gas recommendation makes it surprisingly expensive to fuel up for such a small car. Since the base model and the sportier S trim have identical fuel economy ratings, you might as well get the excitement of the Cooper S if it fits your budget.

Iconic Exterior

Mini has done an excellent job giving the Mini Cooper a 4-door body while keeping it appropriately small. It’s just big enough to be measurably roomier and more practical than its traditional 2-door counterpart, but it retains subcompact dimensions. Then, of course, there’s the disarming cuteness of the Mini Cooper, with one of the finest executions we’ve seen of a retro/modern design. The Mini is also highly customizable; it’s the only car we know of that’s available with a gradient purple contrast roof.
The adorable and properly small Mini Cooper is a breath of fresh air in an automotive landscape flooded with SUVs.

Lively S model 
The Mini Cooper S delivers the exciting driving character we’ve come to associate with the Mini brand. With lithe handling, 201 hp, and a claimed zero-to-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, the Cooper S is as fun to drive as it is to look at.
Standout style 
Just look at it. The Mini Cooper has a distinctly British aesthetic, instantly recognizable from any angle. That’s a face you’ll never get tired of seeing in your garage.
Extra space 
With an extra 1.5 inches of rear legroom and 47% more cargo room behind the back seats than the Mini 2 Door, this 4 Door model is decidedly more practical without compromising its charm.
Panoramic roof 
The Mini’s characteristically flat roof lets in a lot of natural light with its panoramic sunroof, a standard feature that adds to the premium feel of this hatchback.
9.4-inch OLED display 
A round 9.4-inch OLED display delivers the information you need and handles duties like climate control. You can customize it to suit your mood with different themes, from showy to subtle.
Mini Experience Modes 
Ambient interior lighting is becoming ordinary, but the Mini is anything but. Seven Mini Experience Modes are accompanied by dazzling light and projections, creating a vibe in the Mini’s interior that’s as fun and unique as its exterior.

Practical Interior

Although the recently redesigned Mini Cooper models are not so different sizewise from their predecessors, the company’s decision to keep things clean and simple helps create a sense of space. Materials and build quality remain in that area between mainstream and luxury.
The automatic transmission’s shift functions have also been moved into the center console, leaving space for a wireless phone charging pad. The dashboard’s dominant feature, however, is a circular OLED infotainment touchscreen with a 9.4-inch diameter. This customizable screen is full of different themes that can change according to the drive mode.
The rear seats are usable, with 32.3 inches of legroom. Predictably, that’s more rear legroom than the 2-door Mini but less than the Mini Countryman SUV. Thanks to the boxy shape of the Mini, it has decent cargo space for such a small car. The 4-door Mini has 13.1 cubic feet of space behind the back seats, which is 47% more than the 2-door. Fold down the back seats, and you get a fairly huge 40-cubic-foot cargo hold.

The Mini Cooper is one of the most recognized names and designs in the automotive world. While the 2-door version of the Mini Cooper might be a more true-to-form execution of the classic Mini, we like that there&#8217;s a 4-door option with more room for passengers and cargo while retaining truly mini dimensions. Still fresh from its 2025 redesign, the 2026 Mini Hardtop 4 Door has the fun driving character and inimitable design that Mini is famous for, while bringing modern tech like a round 9.4-inch OLED display and driver assistance features we expect from a premium car. If the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/hardtop-2-door/">2-door Mini</a> is too small and the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/countryman/">Mini Countryman</a> SUV is too big, then the 4-door Mini Cooper is just right.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/cars/best-subcompact-cars/">subcompact cars</a>, including the Mini Hardtop 4 Door.

It’s a little hard to compare the pricing of the Mini Cooper to anything else since subcompact cars are slowly going extinct in the U.S. The smallest, most affordable cars from more mainstream Euro luxury brands, like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/bmw/2-series/">BMW 2 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/audi/a3/">Audi A3</a>, start at right around $40,000.
Before buying a Mini, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mini Hardtop 4 Door resale value is toward the bottom of its segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Fun to drive</li>
<li>4-door practicality</li>
<li>Modern technology</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>John Cooper Works Style package</li>
</ul>

The Mini Hardtop 4 Door is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine available in two different tunings. The base engine produces 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, good for a 7.9-second zero-to-60 mph time. Meanwhile, the Cooper S models pump out 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque for a 6.7-second zero-to-60 mph time. Since they have the same fuel economy ratings, the Cooper S is easy to recommend if your budget allows it.
Every Mini Cooper has a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Sorry, no manual. If you like the idea of a Mini with all-wheel drive, consider the Countryman SUV.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The Mini Hardtop 4 Door is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is typical for a luxury car. It also comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
<h3>Safety</h3>
The Mini Cooper’s standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional. This generation of the Mini Cooper has not yet been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>).

What's new for 2026

A new addition to the options list for the 2026 Mini Hardtop is the John Cooper Works Style package. It brings Dynamic Damper Control and some of the aesthetics of the hotter JCW models to the Mini Cooper S. Unfortunately, there’s still no high-performance JCW variant of the Mini Hardtop 4 Door, but this new appearance package makes it look the part.

2026 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

2026MINI Hardtop 2 Door

2026MINI Hardtop 2 Door Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$38,500 - $43,499

$38,500 - $43,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The Mini Hardtop 2 Door has the latest tech and modern conveniences, but hasn’t lost any of its charm.

<ul>
<li>Surprisingly high fuel costs</li>
<li>No manual transmission</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Mini Hardtop 2 Door is powered by a turbocharged 161-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The models with “S” in the name get a performance upgrade to 201 hp, plus way more torque. The base engine scoots this little car around just fine, but we think the S model is worth the slight price premium to unlock the Mini’s fun potential.
Regardless of the engine, the Mini Hardtop 2 Door handled beautifully in our testing, thanks to its small footprint and wheels stretched out to the corners. These qualities also make it a pleasure to drive on city streets, weaving through traffic and parking just about wherever you want with ease.
Every Mini is a great city car, but the longer wheelbase of the 4 Door model makes it a slightly comfier highway cruiser than this shorter 2 Door model. Speaking of comfort, we know those 18-inch wheel options are fabulous, but they make the ride quality a little harsher than the 17-inch wheels.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The base engine in the Mini Cooper 2 Door returns 28 city/39 highway/32 combined mpg. The S models have the same fuel economy rating. The more aggressive John Cooper Works model gets 27 city/37 highway/30 combined mpg.
Subcompact hatchbacks are supposed to have low fuel costs. Although the Mini is reasonably fuel-efficient, its premium gas recommendation makes it surprisingly expensive to fuel up for such a small car. Since the base model and the sportier S trim have identical fuel economy ratings, you might as well get the excitement of the Cooper S if it fits your budget.

While “compact” cars keep getting bigger, Mini has done an excellent job keeping the Mini Cooper appropriately small. Then, of course, there’s the disarming cuteness of the Mini Cooper, with one of the finest executions we’ve seen of a retromodern design. The Mini is also highly customizable; it’s the only car we know of that’s available with a gradient purple contrast roof.
The adorable and properly small Mini Cooper is a breath of fresh air in an automotive landscape flooded with SUVs.

Lively S model 
The Mini Cooper S delivers the exciting driving character we’ve come to associate with the Mini brand. With lithe handling, 201 hp, and a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 6.3 seconds, the Cooper S is as fun to drive as it is to look at.
Standout style 
Just look at it. The Mini Cooper has a distinctly British aesthetic, instantly recognizable from any angle. That’s a face you’ll never get tired of seeing in your garage.
Panoramic roof 
The Mini’s characteristically flat roof lets in a lot of natural light with its panoramic sunroof, a standard feature that adds to the premium feel of this hatchback.
9.4-inch OLED display 
A round 9.4-inch OLED display delivers the necessary information and handles duties like climate control. You can customize it to suit your mood with different themes, from showy to subtle.
Mini Experience Modes 
Ambient interior lighting is becoming ordinary, but the Mini is anything but. Seven Mini Experience Modes are accompanied by dazzling light and projections, creating a vibe in the Mini’s interior that’s as fun and unique as its exterior.
Iconic trim 
Upgrading to the Iconic trim makes the Mini a more premium car with features like full-speed adaptive cruise control, Active Driving Assistant, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Fun Interior

Although the recently redesigned Mini Cooper models are not so different sizewise from their predecessors, the company’s decision to keep things clean and simple helps create a sense of space. Materials and build quality remain between mainstream and luxury.
The automatic transmission’s shift functions have also been moved into the center console, leaving space for a wireless phone charging pad. The dashboard’s dominant feature, however, is a circular OLED infotainment touchscreen with a 9.4-inch diameter. This customizable screen is full of different themes that can change according to the drive mode.
The front seats are comfy for average-sized adults, while the back seats are predictably tight with 30.8 inches of legroom. Cargo space is limited to only 8.7 cubic feet behind the back seats, but increases to 34 cubic feet when those seats are folded down. We can hardly complain about the tight interior since the very name of this car promises smallness. Consider the 4-door version of the Hardtop or the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/countryman/">Countryman</a> SUV if you want a roomier Mini.

Fun, cute, and not quite like anything else. That&#8217;s what characterizes the iconic Mini Cooper. The Mini Hardtop 2 Door is the purest form of the Mini in 2026, and it&#8217;s a faithful execution of the Mini ethos. It retains its pocket-sized dimensions, which contribute to its go-kart-like driving dynamics. It also retains one of the most recognizable designs in the automotive world, which is highly customizable to the driver&#8217;s liking. With three engine options available, you can choose the level of fun that fits your taste and your budget. The Mini Cooper is also available as a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/hardtop-4-door/">Hardtop 4 Door</a> and a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/convertible/">Convertible</a>, which we review separately.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact cars, including the Mini Cooper.

It’s a little hard to compare the pricing of the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mini/">Mini</a> to anything else since subcompact cars are slowly going extinct in the U.S. The smallest, most affordable cars from more mainstream Euro luxury brands start at right around $40,000, like the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/bmw/2-series/">BMW 2 Series</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/audi/a3/">Audi A3</a>.
Before buying a Mini, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mini Hardtop 2 Door resale value is below average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Distinct styling</li>
<li>Fun driving character</li>
<li>Modern tech</li>
</ul>

The Mini Hardtop 2 Door is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine available in three different tunings. The base engine produces 161 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, good for a 7.4-second zero-to-60-mph time. Meanwhile, the Cooper S models pump out 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque for a 6.3-second zero-to-60-mph time. The peak of Mini performance is the JCW model with 228 hp and a 5.9-second zero-to-60-mph time.
Every Mini Cooper has a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Sorry, there’s no manual. If you like the idea of a Mini with all-wheel drive, consider the Countryman SUV.
<h3>4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The Mini Hardtop 2 Door is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is typical for a luxury car. It also comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
<h3>Safety</h3>
The Mini Cooper’s standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control is optional. Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>) has yet to test the recently redesigned Mini.

A new addition to the options list for the 2026 Mini Hardtop is the John Cooper Works Style package. It brings Dynamic Damper Control and some of the aesthetics of the hotter JCW model to the milder and more affordable S models.

2026 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Matt Degen is an author specializing in reviewing cars with the goal of helping you find the best one for your needs. Prior to joining Kelley Blue Book in 2012, he was a writer and editor for over a decade at The Orange County Register newspaper. There he covered automobiles, music and food -- all things Matt is passionate about. He holds degrees in Communications and Culinary Arts. When not evaluating vehicles, he is cooking on his YouTube channel.

Matt Degen

Midsize SUV Crossover

Midsize SUV Crossover Articles - Kelley Blue Book

2026Mitsubishi Outlander

2026Mitsubishi Outlander Archives - Kelley Blue Book

suv Archives - Kelley Blue Book

$43,500 - $48,499

$43,500 - $48,499 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The Mitsubishi Outlander is America’s most affordable 3-row SUV, and it gets a new mild hybrid engine for 2026.

<ul>
<li>Small third row</li>
<li>Poor resale value</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is powered by a 177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). On paper, its performance is about on par with the base engine of the Kia Sorento, but a much stronger turbo engine is optional in the Sorento and standard in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
While we haven’t driven the Outlander with its new engine yet, we can say that we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the refinement of the ride quality in this generation. A plush suspension and muted cabin noise almost made us forget that the Outlander is one of the least expensive cars in its class.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
Official fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Outlander with its new mild hybrid engine are forthcoming. The same engine without the mild hybrid system powers the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/eclipse-cross/">Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross</a>, which gets up to 25 city/28 highway/26 combined mpg. That’s close to the fuel economy rating of the base engine in the Kia Sorento.
The plug-in hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Outlander (<a href="https://www.kbb.com/mitsubishi/outlander-phev/">reviewed separately</a>) has an all-electric range of up to 38 miles and returns 26 combined mpg with a depleted battery.

Nice Exterior

The current Outlander SUV has more presence and attitude than its predecessor. In the past, that third row might have been the main reason for choosing an Outlander. Nowadays, the design might also have some sway. The sporty Ralliart and rugged Trail Edition models add some nice visual variety to the model range.

All-wheel drive 
Mitsubishi calls it Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), but most of us tend to know it as all-wheel drive, providing the usual extra confidence during bad weather. It has selectable modes of Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Eco, and Mud. The difference between Tarmac and Normal is that the former is like a Sport setting.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto 
We all expect phone integration to be standard in new vehicles these days. It is in the 2026 Outlander, and it works wirelessly in every trim.
Standard Yamaha audio 
Premium sound is usually reserved for upper trims, but in 2026, every Outlander comes with a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-news/audio-road-test-yamaha-debuts-in-2025-mitsubishi-outlander/">Yamaha audio system</a>. The standard system is an 8-speaker setup, while the more powerful Yamaha Ultimate 12-speaker system is optional.
Powered tailgate 
A power-operated tailgate (with adjustable opening heights) is simply a great convenience feature, which becomes standard in the SE.
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 
This configurable driver information display becomes available in the SE’s Tech package. It can show the usual things like road and engine speeds, plus navigation directions.
Head-up display 
Taking driver-oriented tech further, the head-up display projects information into the windshield, reducing those fractions of seconds spent not looking at the road. It’s optional on the SEL model and standard in the top two trims.

3-Row Interior

We’re pleased to report that the Outlander 3-row SUV’s interior is uncluttered and made of high-quality materials. Pricier versions can be almost luxurious, offering semi-aniline leather with diamond-patterned stitching for the seats and door panels.
The good news for families who can benefit from extra seats is that the Mitsubishi Outlander has standard 3-row seating for up to seven. The bad news is that the third row is tiny, and will only fit small children. There are only 18.7 inches of third-row legroom, considerably less than the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, which have about 30 inches of legroom in the way back.
However, if you’ll have the third row folded down most of the time, the Outlander has a decent-sized cargo hold with 30.6 cubic feet of room. There’s 10.9 cubic feet of room behind the third row and a generous 64.3 cubic feet when all rear seats are folded down. Again, its closest rivals from Kia and Hyundai have more cargo room by virtue of being larger vehicles.

The Mitsubishi Outlander has the distinction of having the lowest starting price of any 3-row SUV in America. For families who can benefit from the extra seating and want a new vehicle with a good warranty that won’t break the bank, the Outlander is a must-test-drive. It gets a new mild hybrid engine for 2026, and a new trim lineup includes the return of the sporty Ralliart trim. Meanwhile, standard tech features include wireless smartphone connectivity and a Yamaha audio system. That’s bang-for-the-buck that’s hard to beat in this class.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-mid-size-suvs/">midsize SUVs</a>, including the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $31,590 for the base ES trim. All-wheel drive is an $1,800 option on all but the Ralliart and Trail Edition trims, where it’s standard.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander ES</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$31,590</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander LE</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$33,590</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander SE</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$35,590</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander SE Tech</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$38,790</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander SEL</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$40,290</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander Ralliart</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$40,890</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander Trail Edition</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$40,890</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander SEL Premium</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$43,340</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Outlander Black Edition</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$44,240</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

The Mitsubishi Outlander is America’s most affordable new vehicle with 3-row seating. Other examples on the more affordable side of 3-row SUVs include the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/sorento/">Kia Sorento</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/santa-fe/">Hyundai Santa Fe</a>.
Before buying an Outlander, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mitsubishi Outlander resale value is at the bottom of its segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>3-row seating</li>
<li>Good warranty</li>
<li>Comfortable ride</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Mild hybrid engine</li>
<li>New trim lineup</li>
</ul>

The new engine in the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is a mild hybrid 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, rated at 177 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. That’s a little less horsepower and a little more torque than the outgoing, non-turbo engine.
<h3>5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Only Kia and Hyundai cover their cars for as long. But, perhaps not coincidentally, this car’s major competitors are mostly Kia and Hyundai models, namely the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.
The 2026 Outlander also includes a complimentary 2-year/30,000-mile scheduled maintenance plan. But we encourage shoppers not to overrate that perk — there isn’t much maintenance in the first two years of car ownership. It covers a maximum of three oil changes, three tire rotations, and one cabin filter.
<h3>Safety</h3>
The Mitsubishi Outlander has earned a 4-Star overall safety rating (out of a possible five stars) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for front-wheel-drive models and a 5-Star rating for all-wheel-drive variants. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it gets the top “Good” rating in every crash-worthiness criterion.

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander gets a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with Mitsubishi’s first mild hybrid system. It has a little less horsepower and a little more torque than the outgoing engine, which was bigger but not turbocharged. The 2026 model also introduces the LE, Ralliart, and Black Edition trims and discontinues the Platinum Edition.

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Compact Car

Compact Car Articles - Kelley Blue Book

2026MAZDA MAZDA3

2026MAZDA MAZDA3 Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The Mazda3 is a sporty, stylish, and upscale compact car that’s available as a sedan or a hatchback.

<ul>
<li>No hybrid option</li>
<li>Small interior</li>
<li>Subpar resale value</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Mazda3 is powered by a 186-horsepower 4-cylinder engine matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Mazda3 has outstanding driving dynamics, no matter how it’s optioned. It’s comfortable in daily city and highway driving, but entertaining when asked to do more. Most compact cars benefit from nimble handling, but the Mazda3’s chassis and suspension design deliver responsiveness and agility without sacrificing suppleness or poise. This ability to accommodate the demands of a wide range of driving styles makes the Mazda3 special.
The available 250-hp turbo engine (using 93 octane gas) that comes with the Turbo Premium Plus trim turns up the adrenaline significantly. It boasts more horsepower than the Honda Civic Si and more torque than the Hyundai Elantra N. This turbo engine quietly makes the Mazda3 one of the most exciting cars in its class.
All-wheel drive is an uncommon option in this class, and it greatly improves the Mazda3’s all-weather versatility for drivers in snowy climates. We wish it were more widely available than just in the Carbon Edition and Turbo Premium Plus models, but we&#8217;re happy that it’s available at all.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Mazda3 returns up to 27 city/37 highway/30 combined mpg with the sedan body, while the hatchback gets up to 26 city/34 highway/29 combined mpg. The base engine with all-wheel drive gets up to 26 city/34 highway/29 combined mpg, while the turbo engine returns up to 23 city/32 highway/27 combined mpg.
These fuel economy ratings are about average for a compact car. However, it’s worth noting that the Honda Civic, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/toyota/corolla/">Toyota Corolla</a>, and Hyundai Elantra all have hybrid variants available, and the Mazda3 doesn’t.

Two Body Styles

The big decision is whether to choose the sedan or hatchback version of the Mazda3. We&#8217;re partial to the hatchback, which has a shorter overall length (that means more garage space) while offering more cargo space. However, we wouldn’t blame you for choosing the handsome, more conventionally styled sedan.

Mazda Connect infotainment systems 
Two different infotainment systems are available in the Mazda3, and we like both. The standard 8.8-inch screen uses a multifunction command knob, while the 10.25-inch screen on the turbo models upgrades with touchscreen capabilities when using wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Available i-Activ AWD 
All-wheel drive is an uncommon option in this class, and we’re happy to see it available on the Mazda3. It’s ideal for drivers who want the all-weather traction of all-wheel drive but don’t want an SUV.
Exciting turbo engine 
The available 250-hp turbocharged engine turns the Mazda3 into a veritable sport compact. It adds to the driving excitement without sacrificing its daily practicality or fuel economy (too much).
i-Activsense safety features 
The standard safety tech suite in the Mazda3 includes driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional optional features include blind-spot monitoring and an adaptive front lighting system.
Two body styles 
The Mazda3 offers two distinct body styles. The sedan is more affordable, but the stylish hatchback adds greater versatility with more cargo space.
Carbon trims 
The Carbon Edition and Carbon Turbo models enhance the Mazda3’s sporty aesthetics with special paint colors, black wheels, gloss black exterior trim, and unique interior touches like red contrast stitching in the Carbon Turbo trim.

Upscale Interior

Mazda, punching above its weight class in terms of interior quality, even applies to its most affordable model. The Mazda3’s cabin feels like something from a more expensive car, from its smart design to its high-quality materials. This is especially true in the upper trims, which unlock premium features like leather seats, Bose 12-speaker audio, wireless charging, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
Sedan or hatchback, rear legroom is the same at 35.1 inches. That’s just okay for the compact car class. The Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4, for example, have 38 inches, and the Honda Civic boasts 37.4 inches. The Mazda3 sedan’s trunk has 13.2 cubic feet of space, which is also a bit small for this class. For reference, the Honda Civic’s trunk has 14.8 cubic feet of room.
Naturally, the hatchback has more cargo space than the sedan. It has 20.1 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats, which is still a little small compared to the 24.5 cubic-foot cargo hold in the Honda Civic hatchback. The key advantage of the Mazda3 hatchback over the sedan is its 47.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded down.

When shopping for a compact car, it might be tempting to go with one of the more popular options that everybody buys. While the Mazda3 might not have the sales numbers of some of its more mainstream competitors, it’s worth serious consideration. We love the versatility in its model range. It’s available with a hatchback or sedan body, an automatic or manual transmission, and there’s a lively turbo engine available, making it one of the most exciting compacts in its class. That means there’s something in the Mazda3 lineup for just about anyone in the market for a small, affordable, and practical car.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/cars/best-compact-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compact cars</a>, including the Mazda3.

The 2026 Mazda3 starts at $25,785 for the sedan. The hatchback starts $1k higher. The top Turbo Premium Plus model begins at $37,975.
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Mazda3 2.5 S</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$25,785</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Mazda3 2.5 S Select Sport</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$26,675</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Mazda3 2.5 S Preferred</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$28,325</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Edition</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$31,445</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Mazda3 2.5 S Premium</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$32,595</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 50%;">Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus</td>
<td style="width: 50%;">$37,975</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Pricing for the Mazda3 is pretty much in line with the rest of the compact car segment, priced very close to the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/honda/civic/">Honda Civic</a>. Slightly more affordable options in this class include the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/elantra/">Hyundai Elantra</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/k4/">Kia K4</a>.
Before buying a Mazda3, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mazda3 resale value is below average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Fun to drive</li>
<li>Available all-wheel drive (AWD)</li>
<li>Nice upper trims</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Standard 8-speaker audio</li>
</ul>

Most Mazda3 models are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. A more energetic turbo engine is available, making 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when fed premium gas (regular works too, but you need premium to unlock its full performance potential).
Front-wheel drive is the standard setup. All-wheel drive is available, and it’s standard on turbocharged models. Most models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, though the Mazda3 is a rarity these days, offering enthusiasts a 6-speed manual transmission specifically on the S Premium hatchback model.
<h3>3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
The Mazda3 is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. That coverage is typical for the segment.
<h3>Safety</h3>
The Mazda3 earned the Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>). It also received a 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>) — its highest award. The Mazda3 is well-equipped with standard safety features, including full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention alert.

For the 2026 model year, the Mazda Harmonic Acoustics 8-speaker audio system now comes standard, while a Bose 12-speaker system remains optional.

2026 Mazda Mazda3 Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

2026Toyota Corolla Hatchback

2026Toyota Corolla Hatchback Archives - Kelley Blue Book

The frugal Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a practical, efficient, and affordable way to get around.

The regular Corolla Hatchback has 169 horsepower, a good middle ground between the base Civic Hatchback’s 158 hp and the Mazda3’s 191 horses. We’ve found that it’s zippy enough around town and can still cruise comfortably on the highway. It’s a big improvement over the weaker base engine in previous model years. If the driver wants to be more involved, paddle shifters are standard. Overall, the Corolla Hatchback’s ride is compliant, the seats are comfortable, and we’re absolutely fine with how it drives.
Although we review it separately, it’s worth noting that the enthusiast-focused GR Corolla features a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 300 hp sent through a 6-speed manual transmission and has all-wheel drive. This model is a formidable hot hatchback with real track-ready performance.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The SE version of the 2026 Corolla Hatchback achieves an impressive 32 city/41 highway/35 combined mpg. That beats the competition, with the Civic coming closest at 34 mpg combined. The FX Edition and XSE run to 33 mpg combined. The hot GR Corolla gets 24 mpg combined.

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