2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was available in 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. consumers who preferred its traditional appeal. The Mazda3 sedan with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille, and round running lamps, although the grille's design was interrupted by the front license plate. The side profile was sculpted, avoiding the sharp, angular lines seen in competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The rear of the sedan appeared slightly disproportionate, unlike the more naturally shaped hatchback. Inside, the Mazda3 leaned towards a premium feel with minimalist design, creamy white leather, and a driver-focused cockpit. However, the sheet metal felt less sturdy, with doors and trunk closures sounding hollow.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. It featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a body kit, twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added to its appeal. However, the design had some drawbacks, such as a hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and an over-styled rear bumper. The Corolla SE and XSE trims offered a sportier look, while the L, LE, and XLE trims provided a more anonymous appearance. The Corolla's interior was significantly improved, with soft leatherette, padded door panels, and robust switchgear, offering a clean and minimalist design. However, practical storage was limited due to the center console's design.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was an upgrade from the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine. The Mazda3's handling was precise, with minimal roll through corners, but the torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure, resulted in a less refined ride compared to the previous multi-link setup. The engine lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors, but a Mazda3 Turbo was announced for 2021. The manual transmission was available only in the front-wheel-drive hatchback model with the preferred or premium package, while most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, provided a smooth driving experience, with a mechanical first gear eliminating typical CVT slip. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering, vented front brakes, and a multi-link rear suspension. The Corolla XSE demonstrated predictable handling, making it a competent compact car. The EPA estimated 34 mpg in combined driving, and the test drive averaged 31.1 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 offered ample room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft surfaces. However, rear legroom was tight, and the transmission hump in the rear 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 for the segment.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE featured SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat adjustment. The rear seats offered good support but had limited headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk had 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 17.8 cubic feet. The sedan's trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's interior design included an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, eliminating touch functionality in favor of a rotary dial controller. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE offered a nine-speaker JBL sound system, with dynamic voice recognition and navigation exclusive to the XSE. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons, although the radio knobs could be more accessible.

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, and more.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. It added rear side-impact airbags and a rear cross-traffic warning function. The Corolla earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.