2023 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

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 and futuristic design, with rear angles curving up around the rear window and doors. This clean, forward-thinking design extended into the cabin, where simplicity and an organically rising infotainment system created a stylish environment. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls added to the appeal, though the steering wheel was somewhat cluttered with controls.

Trim levels for the Mazda3 included the 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Standard features on the 2.5 S included 16-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, keyless entry, two USB ports, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, moonroof, heated front seats, and more. The top trim, 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus, included reverse automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking monitoring, and other driver assistance features.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, once badged as the Impreza WRX, had evolved significantly. The current-generation WRX, riding on the Subaru Global Platform, featured distinct front- and rear-end styling, wide-body sides, and functional hood scoop feeding air to an intercooler. Base models had 17-inch wheels, while other trims had 18-inch wheels with standard summer tires. The WRX's exterior styling conveyed its performance capabilities and Subaru heritage, with a tuner aesthetic fitting Subaru's design theme.

Inside, the WRX's interior was basic but durable. GT models featured Recaro Performance Design front seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, red contrast stitching, and Ultrasuede upholstery for the front seats and dashboard cover. The WRX's interior was practical, with good outward visibility and a low dashboard, but lacked a proper place for a modern smartphone, which was a surprising ergonomic flaw.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with power routed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) was also available, and a manual transmission was offered on front-wheel drive (FWD) Premium models. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in our test model delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, with AWD and automatic transmission as standard.

The turbo engine provided a fantastic sound and engaging driving experience. The well-weighted steering, precise handling, and agile performance made the Mazda3 a joy to drive. Sport mode enhanced the driving dynamics, with the transmission holding gears longer and providing more forceful steering feedback. The brake feel was akin to a hardcore sports car, and the handling struck a perfect balance of precision and refinement, making the Mazda3 agile yet comfortable.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, with its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, produced 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This placed it between the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, and the Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R in terms of output. The WRX featured AWD and offered a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), branded as the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT).

The SPT/CVT, standard on the GT trim, provided quick throttle responses and simulated gear shifts, though the fake shift shock was unnecessary. The WRX's electronically controlled dampers and drive mode select system offered multiple settings for steering, engine, AWD system, driver aids, and climate control. The WRX's well-mannered character made it a pleasant daily driver, with confidence-inspiring grip from its AWD system and standard summer tires. However, the driving experience felt muted, with quiet exhaust, blunted acceleration, and laid-back steering.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was small compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, usable but not as spacious as many small SUVs. The rear seating area had limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for occasional use only. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid's sliding mechanism was frustrating. The ergonomics and cupholders were helpful.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with a bit more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si, though the Civic provided more rear-seat space. The WRX's 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space was less than the Civic Si, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Hyundai Elantra N. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, but Subaru didn't quote a cargo-space number with the seat folded. Roof-rack mounts were standard. The WRX preserved good outward visibility with low window-sill lines, thin forward roof pillars, and a low dashboard. However, the lack of a proper place for a modern smartphone was a significant ergonomic flaw.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console, which was a major weak spot. The menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of touchscreen functionality made it confusing. The learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was frustrating. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model had upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which provided great sound and stylish speaker covers.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Subaru Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models had dual 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims had an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen displayed icons and text clearly, but physical buttons and knobs would have been appreciated. The menus were mostly easy to navigate, though the SiriusXM interface required too many steps, and the system took a long time to load on startup.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with numerous safety features, including 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. The C-pillar design created a massive blind spot, and the confusing infotainment system presented a safety issue by distracting the driver.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured Subaru's EyeSight safety system, available only with the CVT. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Other available safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and steering-responsive headlights. The WRX received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.