2021 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, and adorned with the Nissan logo. Its overall shape was attractive, featuring a sloping “coupe-like” roofline that gave it a sleek, aerodynamic profile. The body design leaned more towards folds than curves, providing a taut and trim essence. However, the Altima's stance, with significant overhangs ahead of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels, gave it a mildly old-fashioned look. Modern features like standard LED lighting and wheel options ranging from 16-inch steel to 19-inch alloy helped maintain a contemporary appearance. The fit and finish were exceptional, with deep lustrous paint and rich chrome details available in nine exterior colors, some of which were premium and cost extra.

Inside, the Altima's dashboard was uncluttered and intelligently laid out, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen display positioned for safety and convenience. The instrument panel was shrouded by a cowl to reduce glare. While the base model felt stripped-down, higher trims offered improved interior materials, including stitching on the dash and seats, enhancing the overall hand feel. The Altima's interior was a testament to getting what you pay for, with higher trims providing a more luxurious experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, offering a range of models from the affordable 2.0 sedan to the speedy 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and a choice between FWD and AWD. The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model offering a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding the $1,015 destination charge. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with extra-cost Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810.

The Mazda3's appearance was not universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback design that some might call "hunchback." However, it had a certain artistry that could be appreciated. The 2.5 Turbo model emphasized stealth, lacking showy spoilers or body kits, and presented a mature, serious look. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design, adorned with polished metallic finishes, created an upscale, elegant environment. The Mazda3 offered more value for money compared to entry-level luxury cars, except in perceived cachet.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a Jekyll-and-Hyde experience with its powertrains. Most configurations featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all but the base S trim. The AWD system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine was 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined with FWD, and 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined with AWD.

The standout was the VC-Turbo engine, exclusive to the Altima SR VC-Turbo trim. This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used variable compression technology to deliver 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque with premium gas. It was only available with FWD and had fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The VC-Turbo made the Altima a much livelier performer, despite being only about 200 pounds heavier than the 2.5-liter model. All Altima models featured four-wheel independent suspension, with the VC-Turbo’s suspension being sport-tuned, though the difference was not easily felt. The electric-powered steering provided decent feedback and feel.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 started with the 2.0 sedan, featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. Most buyers opted for the 2.5 S model, which had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5 S offered FWD or AWD and a manual transmission option in the hatchback with the Premium package. Fuel economy for the 2.5 S ranged from 27 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the trim and powertrain.

The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with power output varying based on fuel type: 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel. It came with a six-speed automatic and standard AWD, achieving 26 mpg combined for the hatchback and 27 mpg for the sedan. Despite its impressive performance, real-world fuel economy was lower, averaging 23.1 mpg. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo offered a smooth and supple ride, nimble handling, flawless steering, and outstanding balance, making it a joy to drive. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, suggesting a need for an upgrade.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, which provided exceptional comfort even on long drives. Upper trims offered power adjustment, position memory, leather appointments, and electric heating. The front cabin had ample storage, including a big glovebox, center console storage bin, cupholders, and door pockets. The second row was roomy enough for two adults or three for short rides, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. Once inside, the front seats provided a snug but comfortable fit, with most models offering an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. The interior featured user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom for taller passengers and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came well-equipped with standard tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, cruise control, HomeLink, rear-view camera, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, and streaming audio/hands-free phone with Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the base S model. The base touchscreen was 7 inches, while other models had an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen. Higher trims featured a 7-inch advanced Drive-Assist display. The Altima also offered multiple USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose audio system on higher trims, and Active Noise Cancellation with the VC-Turbo engine. Nissan Door to Door Navigation and NissanConnect Services were available on upper trims.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display and center console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate some issues. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on SV and above, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition, intelligent driver alertness, and adaptive cruise control. An Intelligent Around View Monitor was also available. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 came with standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.