2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

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, with its sleek bodywork and refined aesthetics. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with the Premium Plus trim offering luxurious touches like Nappa leather. The interior, especially with the white leather option, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a modern and coupe-like exterior, reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The Sentra's interior was a highlight, with a simple yet functional layout, easy-to-use controls, and a visually appealing touchscreen centerpiece. The SR trim, which was tested, added sporty touches and a Midnight Edition package with dark accents. The Sentra's cabin offered spacious seating and practical storage solutions, making it a comfortable choice for daily commutes and road trips.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo stood out with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. Even with 87-octane, it produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a smooth and predictable driving experience. The car's dynamic tuning, including stiffer front suspension springs and improved steering feel, made it a joy to drive, though it fell short of its EPA fuel economy estimate, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not exceptional, the Sentra's powertrain provided satisfactory performance for both city and highway driving. The Sport button on the shifter offered minimal performance enhancement, but the Sentra's consistent performance across different driving conditions was commendable. The steering was well-weighted, and the suspension handled most road imperfections well, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, aimed for a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities such as air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage was adequate but limited, especially with the optional wireless smartphone charging occupying the center console bin. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback variant provided more utility with up to 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra excelled in practicality with 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable via a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. Though the rear bench created a ledge, the trunk's remote opening feature was convenient. The Sentra's spacious seating in both rows, along with ample in-door storage and cupholders, made it a comfortable and functional choice for passengers and cargo alike.

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 subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, especially with FLAC files, but struggled with satellite radio. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, providing essential driving information.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with the SV and SR trims upgrading to an 8-inch screen. Both sizes included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy menu navigation and conventional hard buttons. The system's graphics could use an update, and the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a minor drawback. However, the overall user experience was positive.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) aimed to support rather than replace the driver. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive features like a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and blind spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control, though responsive, had abrupt braking at its closest distance setting. The Sentra earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, securing a "Top Safety Pick" award.