2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling quirks, adopting a more refined and handsome appearance reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. This new design approach was a welcome change, as it avoided the oversized headlights and grille of its predecessor. Inside, the Versa's cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, offering ample interior space for a subcompact sedan. The straightforward yet stylish interior featured a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream colors, adding a touch of flair to the economy-car segment. The Versa was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering a balanced blend of features and price.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 stood out with its striking design, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The hatchback, in particular, boasted a unique silhouette with curves that set it apart from competitors. The sedan, while more traditional, still exuded a premium feel. The interior design emphasized simplicity and minimalism, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The Mazda3's cabin featured creamy white leather and a cockpit-style feel, with a focus on comfort and aesthetics. However, the sheet metal felt less substantial, lacking the solid construction found in more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation's 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with the CVT being standard on the SV and SR trims. The Versa's acceleration improved, making it more capable of handling highway speeds. The CVT offered a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience, although it could be noisy under hard acceleration. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine. The Mazda3's engine provided a smooth and predictable driving experience, although it lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged engines. The car was available with a six-speed manual transmission, but only in the front-wheel-drive hatchback model with the preferred or premium package. Most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3's precise steering and minimal body roll contributed to its sporty driving dynamics, although the torsion beam rear suspension was a cost-cutting measure that affected ride quality.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of cargo space, which was among the largest in its class. However, the new Versa lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less accommodating for adults. The front seats provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The hatchback body style was not available for the 2020 model, but it could return in the future.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. Despite its compact dimensions, the Mazda3 offered a comfortable and supportive front seat with plenty of adjustment options. The rear seat was a bit tight on legroom, but the soft front seatbacks mitigated discomfort. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. Both figures were on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2020 Nissan Versa came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant as standard features. The SV trim added the NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity options. The upgraded instrument panel featured a digital screen with a digital tachometer and various menus, offering functionality similar to Audi's Virtual Cockpit.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, eliminating the "tacked-on" look. However, the system lacked touch functionality, relying on a rotary dial controller for navigation and infotainment management. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio were included. The infotainment software was faster and featured sharp graphics, complementing the cabin's minimalist design. The head-up display projected information onto the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Nissan Versa included standard driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. These features were part of a trend to make safety technologies more accessible, although they could increase repair costs. The Versa also had a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received 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 increasingly common in mass-market vehicles, while often optional in luxury segments.