2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, still bore the aggressive and somewhat alien-like appearance typical of modern Toyotas. However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the attractive Celestite paint color, the Corolla transformed into a compact sedan with a more appealing look. The interior of the XSE trim showed significant improvements in perceived quality, replacing cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces. Despite these enhancements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car roots, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia.

In contrast, 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, especially with the Premium Package and AWD, also looked special with its 18-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out mesh front grille. The interior design of the Mazda3 leaned towards simplicity and minimalism, featuring creamy white leather and a cockpit-style feel for the driver. However, the sheet metal felt less sturdy, and closing the trunk or doors lacked the satisfying thud found in more premium vehicles.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE trims featured a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims offered a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, also with a CVT but with paddle shifters and a physical launch gear for better acceleration. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, providing a smooth and stable ride thanks to the independent rear suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger meant the XSE struggled with acceleration, especially in dynamic driving situations. Fuel economy for the XSE was rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, with real-world testing averaging 29.8 mpg.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a predictable performance but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. Mazda offered a six-speed manual transmission, but only for the FWD hatchback model with the preferred or premium package. Most Mazda3s came with a six-speed automatic transmission. The switch from a multi-link rear suspension to a torsion beam setup in the 2020 model affected the ride quality, making it less smooth over road imperfections. However, the steering remained precise, and the car handled corners with minimal roll.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being smaller than a Camry, offered a roomy interior that the EPA rated as midsize. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and privacy-tinted rear glass made it less comfortable for rear passengers, especially during hot weather. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position made entry and exit challenging. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and few storage bins. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, enough for a couple of suitcases and additional small items.

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. The interior provided ample room for the driver, with supportive front seats and good material quality. However, the rear seat was tight on legroom, and the large transmission hump made the middle seat less comfortable. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet. Both figures were on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a JBL premium sound system. The Corolla also included Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and various trial periods for navigation and connectivity services.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard, eliminating touch functionality in favor of a rotary dial controller. This design aimed to reduce distractions while driving. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM. The new software was faster and had sharp graphics, complementing the minimalist cabin design. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system operated with a high level of refinement, though the lane-departure warning alert was irritating. The Corolla also offered a blind-spot monitoring system, standard on higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Corolla a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring Good in all crash tests. The Premium Package's LED headlights also received a Good rating, while lower trims got an Acceptable score. The NHTSA awarded the Mazda3 a five-star overall safety rating. The car came with advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.