2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out due to its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, while more traditional, aimed to compete with upmarket models like the Audi A3. The test vehicle, a sedan with the Premium Package and AWD, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille, and round running lamps. The side profile was sculpted yet not angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. However, the rear design of the sedan felt somewhat disproportionate, unlike the more naturally rounded hatchback. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a driver-focused design. Despite the premium feel, the sheet metal felt low rent, lacking the solid construction found in more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, particularly the 2.5 Turbo model, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan maintained a conservative look, while the hatchback adopted a more aggressive stance. The test vehicle, a sedan with Premium Plus trim, featured Machine Gray Metallic paint and a luxurious interior with white leather. The cabin showcased close attention to design detail, with bright metallic accents and clear gauges. Despite the use of hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin, the overall quality was high. The driver-focused design was evident, with the entire cabin revolving around the driver. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo's interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, supported Mazda's move into premium territory.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's performance was compromised by the switch from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam setup. While this cost-cutting measure affected ride quality, the precise steering and minimal body roll remained. The 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. However, the engine lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. The manual transmission was available only in the FWD hatchback with the preferred or premium package, making it a costly option. Most models, including the test vehicle, featured a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered a transformative performance. Using 93-octane fuel, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane fuel resulted in 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The turbo engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and the next-generation i-Activ AWD system. The added power and torque significantly improved performance, making the car feel smooth, predictable, and consistent. The Sport mode enhanced transmission shifts and cornering, while the stiffer front suspension handled the added weight. Despite the torsion beam rear axle, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo offered maximum driving pleasure. The car averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, falling short of the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was 175.6 inches long. The interior provided ample room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft front seatbacks. However, the rear seat was tight on legroom, and the large transmission hump affected middle-seat comfort. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior featured Nappa leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, giving it a luxury feel. However, the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment, and rear-seat passengers missed out on air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. In-cabin storage was adequate but limited, especially with the optional wireless smartphone charging. The sedan's trunk space remained at 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display positioned high on the dashboard, avoiding the "tacked-on" look. However, the screen was not touch-sensitive, and all functions were controlled via a rotary dial. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio were included. The system was faster and had sharper graphics than previous versions, and the head-up display (HUD) reflected off the windshield.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system also featured an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. A WiFi hotspot and the MyMazda smartphone app were available. However, the lack of a touchscreen magnified the poor voice-recognition technology. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which offered good sound quality but struggled with satellite radio. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was standard on the 2.5 Turbo and remained visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with Good ratings in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The car offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense collection of ADAS aimed to support the driver. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The car earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, but the IIHS had not yet carried over the Top Safety Pick+ rating from 2020.