2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Toyota Prius retained its iconic jellybean-like shape, a design optimized for aerodynamics. Over the years, Toyota made subtle changes to the styling within these constraints, aiming to give the Prius a more sedan-like appearance while maintaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius continued to look contemporary, with a futuristic cabin design featuring centrally located instrumentation and gauges, a hallmark since its inception.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, stood out with its curvaceous and unique silhouette, especially in the hatchback form. The sedan, while more conventional, still exuded a premium 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 interior design was minimalist and elegant, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. However, the rear middle seat was compromised by a large transmission hump, and the trunk space was on the smaller side compared to competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It offered both FWD and an AWD-e variant, the latter using a second electric motor for the rear wheels. The Prius featured smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and conventional power. It had three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving needs. The unique shifter design and Engine Braking mode added to its distinctive driving experience. Despite its focus on efficiency, the Prius offered engaging handling and a smooth ride.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, was equipped with 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. The Mazda3's handling was precise, with minimal body roll, although the torsion beam rear suspension was a step down from the previous multi-link setup. The engine provided predictable performance, though it lacked the immediate punch of a turbocharged motor. The Mazda3 was available with a six-speed manual transmission, but only in specific configurations, while most models came with a six-speed automatic.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made excellent use of its compact platform, offering spacious and comfortable front seats with good visibility. The rear seats were also roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom a bit tight. The Prius excelled in cargo space, providing 50.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and up to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, making it one of the most versatile hybrids on the market. The hatchback design further enhanced its practicality.

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 offered plenty of headroom and supportive front seats with ample adjustment options. However, the rear legroom was tight, and 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 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, featuring a sensible menu layout and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also included Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. Additional features included satellite radio, HD Radio, a HUD, and a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system. The top-center instrument panel, a defining feature of the Prius, provided critical readouts and hybrid drivetrain status.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding the tacked-on look. However, it eliminated touch functionality, relying on a rotary dial controller and dedicated buttons for navigation and infotainment. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and available Sirius XM satellite radio. The new software was faster and featured sharp graphics, complementing the minimalist cabin design. The HUD reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and active park assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to average scores in certain tests.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, scoring Good in all crash tests and Acceptable for lower trim headlights. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Mazda3 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 but often optional in luxury segments.