2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured a design that was consistent with the rest of Nissan’s lineup, characterized by the signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, culminated in quad-tip exhaust finishers at the rear. The Maxima SR models added a sporty rear spoiler, enhancing its athletic appeal. The Maxima was available in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims, with the Platinum trim offering premium features such as semi-aniline leather appointments and Satin Bronze interior finishers.

Inside, the Maxima’s cabin was spacious and filled with high-quality materials, especially in the Platinum trim. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the overall space was ample. Standard features included an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of other modern conveniences. However, the interior design felt slightly dated compared to newer sedans.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, stood out with its unique and curvaceous design, particularly in the hatchback variant. The sedan, while more traditional, still exuded a premium feel with its sculpted side profile and minimalistic interior. Our test vehicle, a Mazda3 sedan with the Premium Package and AWD, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a blacked-out mesh front grille, adding to its sophisticated look.

Inside, the Mazda3’s cabin was a study in simplicity and elegance, with creamy white leather and a driver-focused design. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, offering a low driving position for a sporty feel. However, the rear seat was a bit tight on legroom, and the large transmission hump was a drawback for middle-seat passengers. The trunk space was also on the smaller side, with 13.2 cubic feet in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided ample power for most drivers, though the Maxima was more of a comfortable cruiser than a true sports sedan. The Sport drive mode and paddle shifters in the SR trim added some engagement, but the Maxima excelled in soaking up road imperfections and providing a quiet ride, thanks to active noise cancellation technology.

The Maxima was front-wheel drive with an 18-gallon fuel tank, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. While it lacked an all-wheel-drive option and hybrid variant, it remained competitive in fuel economy within its class.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was an improvement over the previous generation, offering a predictable and smooth driving experience. However, it lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged engines. Mazda announced a turbocharged variant for 2021, which would address this issue.

The Mazda3’s handling was precise, with minimal body roll through corners, though the torsion beam rear suspension was a step down from the previous multi-link setup. The car was available with a six-speed manual transmission, but only in the front-wheel-drive hatchback model with higher trim levels. Most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating and a comfortable cabin, though the thick center console limited the feeling of openness. The front seats were wide and comfortable, making long road trips enjoyable. However, the Maxima fell short in legroom compared to competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon. The Maxima provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which was less than the Sonata, Cadenza, Avalon, and Accord. Despite these shortcomings, the Maxima handled daily cargo and seating needs well.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, with a sedan length of 183.5 inches and a hatchback length of 175.6 inches, offered a compact yet comfortable interior. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, while the rear seats were a bit tight on legroom. The trunk space was 13.2 cubic feet in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback, both on the smaller side for the segment. The materials and build quality were impressive, with the upholstery holding up well even after 10,000 miles.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. While functional, these screens were not the most modern in appearance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a Bose Premium Audio system was available. The Maxima also offered features like the Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display positioned high on the dashboard, blending seamlessly into the design. Mazda eliminated touch functionality, opting for a rotary dial controller between the front seats. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The new infotainment software was faster and featured sharp graphics, complementing the minimalist cabin design. The head-up display (HUD) reflected off the windshield, adding to the premium feel.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear automatic braking. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, earning top ratings in front crash prevention.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, receiving top scores in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features were standard, making the Mazda3 a safe choice for buyers.