2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Nissan Versa

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured rakish headlights framing a large, menacing grille, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. While the sedan had conventional proportions, the hatchback boasted a daring, futuristic design with rear angles curving up around the rear window and doors. Inside, the clean and futuristic design continued with a simple yet elegant cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The climate controls were easy to use, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. Trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury.

The 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed design elements from Nissan’s larger sedans, giving it an upscale appearance. The prominent V-Motion grille and sleek profile made it instantly recognizable as a modern Nissan. The Versa received some styling updates for 2023, including a new front end and wheel design for the SR model. Inside, the Versa showed creativity with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard. While most materials were plastic, the fit and finish were impressive. The SR trim added red stitching and upholstery inserts, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, making the economy car feel less dull.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. A manual transmission was also available on front-wheel drive Premium models. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a fantastic sound and engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The Mazda3 excelled in cornering, balance, and agility, making it a joy to drive.

The 2023 Nissan Versa featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive. The base Versa S came with a five-speed manual transmission, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was optional on the S and standard on the SV and SR trims. The Versa’s handling was satisfactory, with notable body roll in corners but remarkable grip. The steering was fairly responsive, and the ride was impressively comfortable for an entry-level model. The Versa felt more substantial than typical subcompact cars, with handling and refinement that exceeded expectations.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for front-seat use primarily. The front seating area had a decently sized center console compartment and helpful ergonomics, though the lid was frustrating to use.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a four-door sedan, offered 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space in the base S trim and 15 cubic feet in the SV and SR trims. This was more than the similarly sized Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedans. The Versa provided more headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants compared to its rivals, though rear-seat space was less generous. The front row felt spacious with good outward visibility, but the center console bin was small. The shifter was mounted on a raised platform, and the optional wireless charging pad was conveniently tucked away.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. This non-touchscreen system had a steep learning curve and clumsy menu navigation, making it a weak point. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Upgrades included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system with great sound quality.

The 2023 Nissan Versa S trim level featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Siri Eyes Free voice control, three USB ports, and keyless entry. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the S Plus Package or higher trims. The SV trim added a 7-inch driver information display and a wireless phone charging pad, while the SR trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect Services telematics. Despite the tech features, the touchscreens were small, and the graphics were outdated.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the confusing infotainment system posed a safety issue.

The 2023 Nissan Versa excelled in standard driver-assist tech, with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning on the base S trim. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SR trim included adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Versa a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover categories.