2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model in recent history. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition further amplified these design peculiarities. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid, available in LE trim, provided an affordable path to achieving over 50 mpg. The Corolla SE and XSE, priced at $22,375 and $25,825 respectively, were the sportier versions with a more powerful engine and sportier features. The XSE trim, in particular, boasted a well-crafted interior with soft leatherette and a minimalist design, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, was celebrated for its dramatic and sophisticated design, earning the World Car Design of the Year award for 2020. The sedan version was more conservative, while the hatchback had a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The sedan, with Premium Plus trim and Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $33,890. The interior, lined with Nappa leather, exuded luxury, though it lacked some premium features like front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities. The Mazda3's design focused on the driver, with a high-contrast two-tone interior and attention to detail. Despite the use of hard plastics, the cabin maintained a premium feel. The Mazda Connect infotainment system, though not touch-sensitive, was integrated into the dashboard, emphasizing the driver-centric design. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was a legitimate entry-luxury car, offering a refined and engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT), paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. The CVT, with its mechanical first gear, provided a smooth driving experience, though it occasionally exhibited characteristic droning. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/40 all-season tires, enhancing their sporty appeal. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and a fun driving experience, similar to a Honda Civic or a standard Mazda3. The EPA estimated the Corolla XSE's fuel economy at 34 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 31.1 mpg.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm with 93-octane fuel. With 87-octane gas, it produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, transforming the driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo's Sport mode adjusted the transmission and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. The car's steering feel and response were enhanced, and the suspension was tuned for added weight. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was delicately calibrated for maximum driving pleasure, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. During testing, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg, reflecting the spirited driving style during the test.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. This feature provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 17.8 cubic feet. However, the sedan's trunk lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a luxurious interior with Nappa leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. In-cabin storage was adequate but limited, and the optional wireless smartphone charging location reduced storage capacity. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also offered a free year of Safety Connect services and a Wi-Fi hotspot trial. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE benefiting from Service Connect and Remote Connect. The nine-speaker JBL premium sound system was available, though it lacked clarity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

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. A WiFi hotspot was available, and the MyMazda app allowed remote operation of the car. However, the system was not touch-sensitive, and its voice-recognition technology was lacking. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, though satellite radio performance was subpar. The Active Driving Display provided useful information, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a rear cross-traffic warning function. The 2020 Corolla received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the 2021 model required re-testing due to new airbags.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the i-ActiveSense suite of ADAS, designed to support the driver. It included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet carried over its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from 2020.