2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Toyota Prius

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 many competitors. However, the rear of the sedan felt disproportionate, a flaw not shared by the hatchback's rounded shape. 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 Toyota Prius retained its boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design ingrained in its identity despite no longer being necessary for efficiency. The interior was unconventional, with a strip of displays in the center of the dashboard and a toggle lever for transmission controls. The infotainment pod was thrust toward the front seat occupants, who sat on either side of a narrow center console. Gloss-black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The Prius was available in multiple trims, with AWD-e as an option for some. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, with the test vehicle costing $31,295. The Prius offered the utility of a crossover SUV without the rugged looks or ground clearance.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's performance was compromised by a torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure that replaced the previous multi-link setup. While this decision might deter enthusiasts, everyday drivers likely wouldn't notice the difference. The steering remained precise, with minimal roll through corners, though potholes could be jarring. The 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. However, it lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged engines. A six-speed manual transmission was available only with the FWD hatchback in higher trims, while most models, including the test vehicle, featured a six-speed automatic.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version averaging 56 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA. Other FWD models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e models managed 49 mpg. The test vehicle averaged 47.5 mpg. The Prius paired a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. The electric motor provided 120 pound-feet of torque, making the Prius feel lively off the line. Driving modes included EV, Eco, Normal, and Power, with regenerative braking to capture energy during deceleration. The TNGA platform gave the Prius a lower center of gravity and a more athletic feel, though hard acceleration produced powertrain drone and the steering lacked road feel.

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. Despite compact dimensions, the interior offered ample room for the driver and supportive front seats. The back seat was tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The large 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 Prius, though perceived as small, offered more interior space than expected, accommodating up to five people. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats provided adequate foot room, legroom, and headroom but lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the back seat and 47.9 to 50.7 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's 8.8-inch infotainment display was integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a tacked-on look. However, it was not a touchscreen, with all functions controlled via a rotary dial between the front seats. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo-volume and tuning knobs, and shortcut buttons. Standard equipment included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system, navigation, and an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto. The digital instrumentation on the dashboard looked dated with cheesy graphics.

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 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were also standard. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 Prius, but the IIHS gave it favorable marks, though it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick rating.