2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, while the hatchback variant offered a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a Premium Plus trim, with the test sedan priced at $33,890. Interior options varied by trim, with the Premium Plus offering luxurious Nappa leather. The test car's white leather interior highlighted Mazda's attention to premium design, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, set a bold design tone with its steeply-angled front end and massive grille. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, black trim, and red leather upholstery, adding a unique touch. The interior, with its dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces, provided a stylish and functional environment. However, the Maxima's design, while bold, was toned down in subsequent models, and its overall street presence was comparable to competitors like the Toyota Avalon.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 hp with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, the car delivered a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Turbo model's stiffer suspension and improved steering response enhanced its sporty character, while the brakes and 18-inch wheels provided solid performance. Despite averaging 20.4 mpg during testing, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling and engaging drive.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima's V6 engine provided quick acceleration and a pleasant sound. The CVT performed well, offering responsive power delivery. However, the Maxima's handling revealed its limits, with imprecise steering and torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these issues, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a 13.2 cubic feet trunk in the sedan and up to 47.1 cubic feet in the hatchback.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima provided generous front-seat space, with the highest headroom and legroom in its class. However, rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions, with limited headroom and the worst legroom among full-size sedans. The inboard seat positioning created a confined feeling, despite the spacious front area. The Maxima's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, less than its competitors, but the front seats, designed with NASA research, provided excellent comfort and support.

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 of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology detracted from the experience. The 12-speaker Bose sound system offered good audio quality, but the infotainment system's usability issues were frustrating. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, providing clear information even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Despite covering the basics, the system's dated graphics and small icons made it difficult to use. The 11-speaker Bose audio system was available, but the overall infotainment experience was less pleasant. Nissan provided analog controls for climate and audio, but the notification sounds were jarring and confusing.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense safety suite included a comprehensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. Features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist were included. The Mazda3 earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system were available. However, the Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system found in other Nissan models.