2025 Toyota Corolla LE vs 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S

$1,825 less and 4 mpg better vs 22 more hp and 35 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,825 price gap, 169 vs 191 hp, 35 vs 31 MPG.

The short answer

The Corolla LE leads on $1,825 less, 4 MPG better. The 3 2.5 S leads on 22 more hp, 35 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$1,825
Price Gap
22 HP
HP Diff
4 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Toyota Corolla LE
Starts at $22,325
VS
Higher price
2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S
Starts at $24,150

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.0L I4
vs
2.5L I4
Horsepower
169 hp
vs
191 hp
Torque
151 lb-ft
vs
186 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
35 MPG combined
vs
31 MPG combined
Curb Weight
2,955 lbs
vs
3,124 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$22,325Corolla LE
$24,1503 2.5 S
Engine
2.0L I4Corolla LE
2.5L I43 2.5 S
Horsepower
169 hpCorolla LE
191 hp3 2.5 S
Torque
151 lb-ftCorolla LE
186 lb-ft3 2.5 S
Transmission
continuously variable-speed automaticCorolla LE
6-speed shiftable automatic3 2.5 S
City MPG
32Corolla LE
273 2.5 S
Highway MPG
41Corolla LE
373 2.5 S
Combined MPG
35Corolla LE
313 2.5 S
Curb Weight
2,955 lbsCorolla LE
3,124 lbs3 2.5 S
Wheelbase
106.3"Corolla LE
107.3"3 2.5 S
Length
182.5"Corolla LE
183.5"3 2.5 S
Width
70.1"Corolla LE
70.7"3 2.5 S
Height
56.5"Corolla LE
56.9"3 2.5 S
Roadside Assistance
2yr/25kCorolla LE
3yr/36k3 2.5 S

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Toyota Corolla LE2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S
Pricing
MSRP$22,325$24,150
Powertrain
Engine2.0L I42.5L I4
Horsepower169 hp191 hp
Torque151 lb-ft186 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG3227
Highway MPG4137
Combined MPG3531
Fuel Tank13.2 gal13.2 gal
Dimensions
Curb Weight2,955 lbs3,124 lbs
Wheelbase106.3"107.3"
Length182.5"183.5"
Width70.1"70.7"
Height56.5"56.9"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 starsNo published data
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance2yr/25k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE and 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S?

The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE starts at $22,325, $1,825 less than the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S at $24,150. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $32/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE?

The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,825 in your pocket and the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $155/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S?

The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S is the stronger pick when you prefer the Mazda approach to the compact car segment.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE or 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S?

The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE rates 35 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE or 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S?

The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S produces 191 hp, 22 more than the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE at 169 hp. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S also leads in torque at 186 lb-ft vs 151 lb-ft. The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE runs a 2.0L I4; the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S uses a 2.5L I4.

Is the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE bigger than the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S?

The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S is 1.0″ longer at 183.5″ vs 182.5″. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S has a 1.0″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Toyota trims, Toyota Corolla trims, Mazda trims, Mazda 3 trims

Official sources

How the Corolla and 3 Stack Up

Two compact cars, two brands, and a decision that comes down to which one fits your commute and budget. The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE starts at $22,325; the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S at $24,150. The $1,825 gap is about $32/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

Powertrain: Corolla vs 3

The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE runs a 2.0L I4; the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S uses a 2.5L I4. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S has 22 more hp (191 vs 169), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S adds 35 more lb-ft of torque (186 vs 151), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use FWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE saves roughly $155/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $775. The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE when you want to keep $1,825 in your pocket and the 2025 Toyota Corolla LE covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S when you prefer the Mazda approach to the compact car segment. At $32/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Toyota or Mazda or any dealership.

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