2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a daring yet refined appearance. The sedan version, which was tested, provided a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, came with all-wheel drive and offered a range of trims, with the Premium Plus trim adding a touch of luxury. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus version, featured high-quality materials like Nappa leather, and the design focused on the driver, creating a premium feel despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was often seen as having an adolescent aesthetic, with its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid giving it a sporty appearance. The WRX's interior, however, was more utilitarian, resembling other Subaru compact cars from the past decade. While it offered a function-first cockpit, it lacked the refinement seen in competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Limited offering leather upholstery and additional features. Despite its sporty exterior, the interior design and materials did not match the level of sophistication found in the Mazda3.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 horsepower with 87-octane. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added significant performance without compromising smoothness and predictability. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software provided a natural driving experience, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. While the WRX was the most powerful among its rivals, mastering the revs was essential to extract its full potential. The manual transmission was less precise, with a vague clutch feel, while the CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring enhanced cornering precision, but its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with Nappa leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuding a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, but the wireless smartphone charging location reduced storage capacity. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it provided a comfortable driving position and decent rear-seat space, its interior packaging felt outdated. The WRX's doors couldn't accommodate larger water bottles, and the center console cupholders could obstruct shifting with the manual transmission. Despite these limitations, the WRX's sedan layout allowed it to accommodate four adults comfortably.

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 were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, offering good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Active Driving Display provided useful information, remaining visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering ease of use despite dated graphics. The Limited trim's option package included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, delivering solid sound quality. While the WRX's tech was not cutting-edge, it was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver, offering a comprehensive list of features. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive safety features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet carried over its "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control and other features, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Additional safety options were limited to the range-topping Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.