2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold design precedent for Nissan's lineup. Its distinctive styling, featuring a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, was later adopted by other Nissan models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its aggressive front end and large grille, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition added a two-tone exterior with Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, a black roof, and gloss-black alloy wheels, enhancing its bold appearance. Inside, the dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces provided a stylish, retro vibe, emphasizing the Maxima's unique character.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a more understated yet artistic design. Available in both sedan and hatchback forms, the Mazda3's deeply sculpted flanks and sleek lines gave it a mature and serious look. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, exuded a sense of stealth and sophistication. Inside, the Mazda3's refined materials and polished metallic finishes created an upscale atmosphere. The interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug yet comfortable fit, although rear-seat space was limited for taller passengers. The Mazda3's design was both elegant and practical, appealing to those seeking a stylish yet functional vehicle.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While it wasn't a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its quick acceleration and impressive V6 engine sound. The CVT was one of the better examples, providing responsive power delivery. However, the Maxima's handling revealed its limitations, with a lack of steering feel and precision, and susceptibility to torque steer. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with its 2.5-liter engine, delivered 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with either FWD or AWD. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged engine, offered up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was characterized by its smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent steering feel. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, indicating a need for improvement. Overall, the Mazda3 provided a fun and engaging driving experience, with a balance of performance and comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat space was limited, with rear headroom and legroom among the lowest in its class. The interior design focused on the driver, with a low window line and large mirrors providing excellent visibility. The "Zero Gravity" front seats, inspired by NASA research, offered good support but could have benefited from more thigh bolstering. The Maxima's trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, making it less practical for cargo compared to hatchback competitors.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug yet comfortable fit. The front seats provided excellent thigh and side bolster support, with user-friendly controls and a well-designed instrument panel. However, the back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing more versatility than the Maxima. Despite its compact size, the Mazda3's interior was thoughtfully designed, offering a balance of comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed signs of aging, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was functional but not user-friendly. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. However, the system's graphics were dated, and small icons made navigation difficult. The Maxima also offered an 11-speaker Bose audio system, but the overall infotainment experience was hindered by unpleasant notification sounds and a lack of intuitive controls.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, instead using a collection of controls on the center console and steering wheel. While this reduced distractions, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for tech-savvy users. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions, and higher trims included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and an Active Driving Display. Despite some shortcomings, the Mazda3's technology package was comprehensive and modern.

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

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+." The driver-assist features performed reliably, instilling confidence in the technology and ensuring a safe driving experience.