2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Subaru WRX

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 leaned towards a premium feel with a minimalist design. The test vehicle had creamy white leather, slim steering wheel buttons, and a cockpit-style feel due to the air vents' placement. Materials were soft and padded, though not quite luxury-grade. The cupholders' new position allowed for an extended armrest, enhancing the driver-focused design. However, the sheet metal felt low rent, with doors and trunk closures sounding light and hollow.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a more adolescent aesthetic, often compared to its racier sibling, the WRX STI. The standard WRX looked tamer without the STI's race-ready rear wing. Its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it a speedy appearance, even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to this look. Inside, the WRX's design was function-first, with a cockpit resembling other Subaru compacts from the past decade. The fit and finish were less refined, with plenty of hard plastics, contributing to its immature reputation compared to the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The base model included 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, heated seats, and a larger 7-inch screen, with the option for an automatic transmission and EyeSight driver assistance features. The range-topping Limited trim featured leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and adaptive LED headlights, with an optional package for navigation and a premium stereo.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's redesign included a cost-cutting torsion beam rear suspension, replacing the previous multi-link setup. While this decision 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's 2.0-liter engine. The engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. A manual transmission was available only with the FWD hatchback in higher trims, while most models featured a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The WRX outperformed rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI in horsepower but required precise rev management. The CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission felt vague, making the CVT a more practical choice. The WRX also included Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision. However, the ride was stiffer compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

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 offered ample headroom and supportive front seats with plenty of adjustment. The back seat was tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The rear middle seat had a large transmission hump, affecting comfort. 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 for the segment.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and far behind the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with small door bottle-holders and center console cupholders that could obstruct shifting. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with good visibility. The rear seats accommodated four adults comfortably, highlighting the benefits of a sedan layout.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, eliminating touch functionality in favor of a rotary dial controller. This design aimed to reduce distractions while driving. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The new software was faster, with sharp graphics and a minimalist design. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo. Despite updates, the WRX's infotainment system felt dated compared to newer models.

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.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. The EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.