2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to captivate with its award-winning design. Its bodywork exuded a blend of drama and sophistication, making it a standout in its class. The sedan version, while more conservative, still offered a visually engaging experience. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a choice of standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather and a high-contrast two-tone design, aiming to elevate Mazda's brand into the premium segment. Despite some use of hard plastics, the attention to design detail and driver-focused cabin layout made the Mazda3 feel like a legitimate entry-luxury car.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated look, following its 2020 facelift. Its design bore a strong resemblance to the smaller Jetta, offering a more conservative appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors. The Passat's aerodynamic shape contributed to its fuel efficiency, though not dramatically. The interior followed a clean and functional design approach, with analog controls and a focus on ease of use. While the materials were not particularly luxurious, the fit and finish were commendable, aligning with the Passat's positioning as a value option. The driving position, however, was noted as uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and thigh support.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a performance standout, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, offering a transformative driving experience. The six-speed automatic transmission, paired with Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, provided smooth and predictable power delivery. The car's dynamic tuning, including stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, enhanced its sporty character. Despite its performance focus, the Mazda3 maintained a balance of comfort and agility, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, offered a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda6. The ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional. The Passat's focus was more on being a plain midsize sedan rather than delivering excitement or comfort.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, exuded a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The cabin was driver-focused, with limited rear-seat space and storage options. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided more utility with up to 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 39.1 inches of rear legroom, though it fell short of competitors like the Honda Accord. The front legroom and headroom were also below average, contributing to an uncomfortable driving position. The Passat offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. The layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs for easy use, though the cabin storage was limited.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system relied on a control knob and had a steep learning curve. The head-up display was a useful feature, providing essential driving information.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system on R-Line models. The system was straightforward, with physical controls for basic functions. However, it lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit and newer MIB3 system found in other VW models.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with top ratings from the NHTSA and a comprehensive suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS features. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive safety technologies like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The ADAS operated smoothly, enhancing driver engagement and safety.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top scores from the IIHS in crash tests, though its headlights were rated "marginal." Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System for added safety.