2019 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 was celebrated for its striking design, which stood out in the market despite not being a sports or luxury car. 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. Inside, the Mazda3 offered a luxurious feel with its clean, uncluttered spaces and seamless technology integration, rivaling even some luxury brands. The driver and front passenger enjoyed a low, sports car-like seating position, enhancing the driving experience. The Mazda3's trims ranged from the base to Premium, with the latter offering features like leather seats and a head-up display, emphasizing its luxury credentials.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Prius maintained its iconic jellybean shape, optimized for aerodynamics. While the design evolved to incorporate sedan-like cues, it retained its hatchback functionality. The Prius's futuristic style was complemented by a unique cabin design, with centrally located instrumentation. The Prius offered four trims: L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited, each adding more features. The Limited trim boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen and a head-up display, enhancing its tech appeal. The Prius's design focused on efficiency and practicality, with a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, making it a practical choice for hybrid enthusiasts.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower, available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with AWD available only with the automatic transmission. The Mazda3 was known for its responsive acceleration, athletic handling, and composed ride, making it a joy to drive. Fuel efficiency varied across configurations, with the most efficient being the FWD automatic sedan, achieving 27 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The AWD hatchback was the least efficient, returning 24/32/27 mpg. The Mazda3 promised an engaging driving experience, appealing to both commuters and driving enthusiasts.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a hybrid powertrain with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 121 horsepower. It offered smooth acceleration and a seamless transition between electric and conventional power. The Prius had three drive modes: EV, Eco, and Power, catering to different driving preferences. Its unique shifter design and engine braking mode added to its distinctiveness. The Prius's handling was surprisingly engaging, with a low center of gravity contributing to its sharpness. It provided a smooth ride, ideal for efficient commuting. The AWD-e variant added versatility, with a second electric motor powering the rear wheels at lower speeds.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The sedan provided 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space. While the hatchback's cargo space was serviceable, it was outclassed by competitors like the Kia Soul. The Mazda3's low seating position favored front-seat passengers, but rear-seat space was limited, particularly for taller individuals. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the center console design was criticized for its lack of convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Prius excelled in space utilization, with 50.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The LE and AWD-e models offered 24.6 cubic feet with the seats up, while other trims provided 27.4 cubic feet. The Prius's hatchback design facilitated easy loading of large items. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and ample headroom and legroom. The Prius's design prioritized practicality, making it one of the most versatile options among hybrids.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch screen running the MazdaConnect infotainment system, offering crisp graphics and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the system was entirely remote-controlled, which some users found less intuitive. The test model included a head-up display and a digital instrument panel, enhancing the driving experience. The infotainment system's usability was a point of contention, with potential buyers encouraged to test it themselves.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly menu layout and standard connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. The Prius also offered a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system. The top-center instrument panel was a defining feature, providing critical readouts and hybrid drivetrain status. The Prius's tech offerings were comprehensive, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

The 2019 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback came standard with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, these features were not standard on the base sedan trim. The hatchback's design resulted in significant blind spots, and the auto-engage parking brake system was criticized for its lack of intuitiveness.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and active park assist. The Prius earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to certain test scores.