2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa had evolved significantly from its predecessor, shedding the awkward "big car" styling details that characterized earlier models. The new design was more refined and handsome, drawing inspiration from its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima, without directly copying their oversized headlights or grille. Inside, the cabin bore a strong resemblance to the Nissan Kicks, thanks to the shared V platform, 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, and the seats had a neat design. The Versa came in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering the best blend of price and features, including upgraded cloth fabric, an armrest, and an enhanced infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, won the World Car Design of the Year for 2020. The sedan version was more conservative, while the 5-door hatchback had a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, was luxurious with options for Nappa leather and a high-contrast two-tone design. The Mazda3's cabin was driver-focused, with a clear and legible set of gauges and a well-integrated Mazda Connect infotainment system. Despite some use of hard plastics, the overall quality and attention to design detail were impressive, making it a legitimate entry-luxury car.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. This engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The S trim came standard with the manual transmission, while the CVT was standard on the SV and SR trims. The Versa's acceleration had improved, making it more capable of merging onto highways. The CVT managed power well, and a Sport mode added liveliness to the driving experience. The Versa's steering was responsive, and the car handled well, though it leaned at higher speeds. Fuel economy was decent, with the manual transmission returning 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, while the CVT achieved 32/40/35.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system. The turbocharged powertrain added only 120 pounds to the car, significantly enhancing performance. The Mazda3 Turbo's driving experience was smooth, predictable, and consistent, with Sport mode adjusting the transmission and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. The car's steering feel and response were excellent, and the stiffer front suspension handled the added weight well. Despite the lack of summer tires, the Mazda3 Turbo was delicately calibrated for maximum driving pleasure. Fuel economy during testing averaged 20.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg, but reflective of spirited driving.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained the previous generation's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of space, one of the largest in its class. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less suitable for adult passengers on long trips. The front seats had ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The hatchback body style, previously available as the Versa Note, was not offered in 2020 but could return in the future.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined in Nappa leather, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, giving it a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features like front seat ventilation and rear-seat air conditioning vents and USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate but limited, especially if the optional wireless smartphone charging was chosen. The sedan's trunk space was competitive at 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Nissan Versa stepped up its game 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 upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV also featured an upgraded instrument panel with a digital screen, offering various menus and displays, similar to Audi's Virtual Cockpit.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. A WiFi hotspot and the MyMazda smartphone app were also available. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed well with high-quality audio files. The Mazda3 Turbo also included an Active Driving Display (HUD), visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Nissan Versa added several standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) was designed to support the driver. The adaptive cruise control included stop-and-go capability, and the automatic high-beam LED headlights featured an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).