2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

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, however, was more popular among U.S. shoppers aiming for an upmarket feel. 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 without being angular, unlike competitors such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The rear design of the sedan felt somewhat disproportionate, but the hatchback's rounded shape mitigated this issue. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a driver-focused design. However, the sheet metal felt less sturdy, lacking the solid construction found in more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set the tone for other Nissan models with its bold styling, including a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The test car, with blacked-out trim, looked particularly striking. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and red semi-aniline leather upholstery. Inside, the dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces added a stylish touch. The Maxima's interior was designed around the driver, offering a comfortable and supportive experience with Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats. However, the rear seats felt cramped, and some controls were awkwardly positioned.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine, offering improved performance. However, the switch from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam setup compromised the ride quality, making it less smooth over road imperfections. The steering remained precise, and the car handled corners well, but the suspension change was noticeable. The Mazda3 also offered a six-speed manual transmission, but only in specific configurations, making it less accessible. The test vehicle had a six-speed automatic transmission, which was more common in dealership lots.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration and a pleasant sound, while the CVT performed well, responding quickly to power demands. The Maxima handled corners decently but lacked steering precision and grip, leading to some torque steer under heavy throttle. Compared to competitors, the Maxima felt more coherent in its sporty design, although the Kia Stinger offered a better driving experience with rear-wheel drive. On the highway, the Maxima provided a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to active noise cancellation and a well-tuned suspension.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was shorter at 175.6 inches. Despite its compact size, the interior offered ample space for the driver, with supportive front seats and high-quality materials. The rear seats were tight on legroom, and the large transmission hump in the middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers experienced limited space, with the lowest rear legroom among full-size sedans. The seats were positioned far inboard, creating a cramped feeling despite the spacious front area. The Maxima featured Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats, which were comfortable but lacked sufficient thigh bolstering. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the smallest in its class, especially compared to hatchback competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding the "tacked-on" look. However, the display was not a touchscreen, with all functions controlled via a rotary dial. This design aimed to reduce distractions while driving. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The new infotainment software was faster and had sharp graphics, complementing the minimalist interior design. The head-up display (HUD) reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included USB-A and USB-C ports and an available 11-speaker Bose audio system. However, the touchscreen graphics looked dated, and small icons made navigation difficult. The notification sounds were also unpleasant. Despite these issues, the Maxima provided plenty of analog controls, including shortcut buttons and knobs for climate control and audio, reducing reliance on the touchscreen.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It 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. These features were standard, making the Mazda3 a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Maxima did not include the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.