2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2019 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 was celebrated for its striking design, which stood out in the compact car segment. Available as both a sedan and a hatchback, the latter was particularly praised for its sleek lines and sports-car-like taillights, making it a head-turner on the road. Inside, the 2019 model boasted a luxurious interior that rivaled more expensive vehicles, with a clean and uncluttered design that integrated technology seamlessly. The driver-focused cockpit, complete with a naturally positioned controller dial and an 8.8-inch screen, added to the car's premium feel. The various trims offered a range of features, from the base model's 16-inch alloy wheels and LED lights to the Premium trim's leather seats and manual transmission option.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback maintaining its unique and curvaceous silhouette. The sedan, however, was designed to appeal to those looking for a more traditional and upscale appearance. The 2020 model's interior emphasized simplicity and minimalism, with a focus on premium materials and a cockpit-style feel. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, while the rear seats offered limited legroom. The 2020 model also featured a large transmission hump in the rear, which could be inconvenient for middle-seat passengers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2020 Mazda3's interior design was praised for its elegance and attention to detail.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower, paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) was a notable feature, although it was only offered with the automatic transmission. The SkyActiv-G engine provided responsive acceleration and athletic handling, making the 2019 model a joy to drive. Fuel efficiency varied across trims, with the most efficient being the front-wheel-drive automatic sedan, achieving 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The AWD hatchback was the least efficient, returning 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 retained the same 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. However, the redesign included a cost-cutting decision to replace the multi-link rear suspension with a torsion beam setup, which affected ride quality. While the steering remained precise, the suspension change resulted in a less smooth ride over rough roads. The 2020 model also offered a manual transmission, but only with the front-wheel-drive hatchback in the Preferred or Premium packages. The automatic transmission was more common, and a turbocharged engine was announced for the 2021 model year.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The low seating position in the front was reminiscent of a sports car, but the rear seats were tight on legroom and headroom, especially for taller passengers. The center console design was criticized for its awkward armrest mechanism, but overall, the interior was comfortable for daily commuting.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length, with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. The interior offered ample headroom for the driver, but rear legroom was limited. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, and the materials used in the cabin were of high quality. The sedan's trunk space remained at 13.2 cubic feet, and the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both of which were on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch screen running the MazdaConnect infotainment system, with crisp graphics and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system was entirely remote-controlled, with no touchscreen functionality, which could be a drawback for some users. The available head-up display and digital instrument panel added to the car's tech-savvy appeal.

In the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, the 8.8-inch infotainment display was integrated into the dashboard, avoiding the tacked-on look. The system eliminated touch functionality, relying on a rotary dial controller and dedicated buttons for navigation and infotainment. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were included, and the graphics were sharp and responsive. The head-up display was improved, reflecting off the windshield for a more premium feel.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback came standard with the i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, these features were not standard on the base sedan trim. The electronic parking brake system was noted for its unintuitive operation, requiring a specific sequence to disengage.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive array of advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features were increasingly common in mass-market vehicles, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.