2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Nissan Altima

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. 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.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, a familiar product since its sixth-generation debut in 2019, received a new grille in 2023, giving it an imposing look. The Altima was available in four trim levels: S, SV, SR, and SL, with most models being front-wheel drive, though AWD was available on the SV, SR, and SL trims. The SR trim could be ordered with the more powerful VC-Turbo engine. Our test model, an Altima SL with AWD, featured Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior, though somewhat outdated, offered comfortable seats and easy-to-reach controls. The wireless phone charger and traditional PRNDL shifter were practical additions.

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. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with AWD available. A manual transmission was also available on FWD Premium models. Our test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 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's Sport mode enhanced the driving dynamics, making the steering feedback more forceful and the brake feel akin to a sports car.

The 2024 Nissan Altima's base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate performance, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The Altima SR VC-Turbo offered a more exciting option, with a 2.0-liter VC-turbo four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. However, this engine was not available with AWD. Our test car, equipped with Nissan's "intelligent" AWD system, provided good traction and fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimated 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The Altima's steering felt light, but the car's low center of gravity minimized body roll. The CVT managed the engine's power well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration.

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 only. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid's design was frustrating. The ergonomics and cupholders were helpful.

The 2024 Nissan Altima offered impressive interior space, with front seats providing more room than competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The rear seat offered 35.2 inches of legroom, matching the Kia K5 but falling short of the Accord and Camry. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and smartly placed cupholders and cubbies.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. This system was a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was confusing, and the dial scrolling was unintuitive. The Mazda3 also featured two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model included upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which provided great sound quality.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on most trims, with a 7-inch screen on the base S trim and a 12.3-inch display on the SL and SR VC-Turbo trims. The 12.3-inch screen offered crisp graphics and excellent resolution, with static icons for easy navigation. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless versions available on the larger screen. The available nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, but the NissanConnect suite of telematics features was a useful addition.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with a range of 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 features like 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 infotainment system's confusing layout posed a safety issue.

The 2024 Nissan Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored only four stars in frontal crash tests. The Altima's standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added a 360-degree surround-view monitor and traffic-sign recognition. ProPilot Assist, available on the SV trim and standard on the SL and SR VC-Turbo, provided semi-autonomous driving assistance.