2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. The SE and XSE trims added sporty design elements like sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a body kit, twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint with a blue undertone further enhanced its appeal. However, some design aspects, such as the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Apex Edition amplified these stranger design elements. The Corolla L, LE, and XLE trims offered a more anonymous look, while the Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to 50+ mpg.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued with its 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 top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810. While the Mazda3's deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design were not universally appealing, the car's mature and serious appearance, both inside and out, was appreciated. The interior featured refined materials, sophisticated design, and polished metallic finishes, creating an upscale and elegant driving environment.

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 CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. A six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching was also available for an extra $200. The CVT, with its mechanical first gear, provided a smooth driving experience, although occasional droning was noted. 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. The Corolla XSE demonstrated predictable handling characteristics and was engaging enough for a compact car. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 34 mpg, but real-world driving averaged 31.1 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options. The 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, achieving 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ratings between 27 mpg and 30 mpg. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, with a combined fuel economy of 26-27 mpg. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo provided a smooth and gradual power build-up, combined with nimble handling, flawless steering, and outstanding balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving on challenging roads. Despite this, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was praised for its exceptional driving experience and quality.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE trim offered numerous upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver’s seat adjustment. This feature provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but had tight 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.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, was difficult to enter and exit, with small door openings. However, once inside, the front seats provided a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The interior featured user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat offered decent comfort and legroom for shorter passengers but was cramped for taller individuals. Storage space was adequate, with large door panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also included a free year of Safety Connect services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE also offering Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE trims could be equipped with a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, dynamic voice recognition, dynamic navigation, and Destination Assist service. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display and primary controls on the center console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available to mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 included 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, 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 assessments and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.