Mazda MAZDA3 vs Volvo S60

The 2019 Volvo S60 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving from quirky to a more sophisticated and sexy aesthetic. The S60 borrowed its design cues from the larger S90 sedan, but with a more compact and athletic stance, making it a strong competitor in the small luxury segment against the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The exterior featured straight lines and precise angles, with a rear fender and C-pillar that contributed to its sporty appearance. Inside, the S60 offered a range of trims, including the Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each with its own set of luxury features and options, such as a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback particularly standing out for its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, which was more popular in the U.S., aimed to compete with upmarket sedans, offering a sleek and sculpted design with minimal straight lines. The interior of the Mazda3 was characterized by simplicity and minimalism, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. Despite its compact dimensions, the Mazda3 provided ample room for the driver and front passenger, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. The design was complemented by a range of premium features, including a head-up display and a sophisticated infotainment system.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered a range of powertrain options, designated as T5, T6, and T8. The base T5 engine was a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels. The T6 variant, which was tested, featured a twin-charged 2-liter engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft to all-wheel drive. The top-tier T8 was a plug-in hybrid, combining the T6's engine with electric power for a total of 400 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, offering a 21-mile all-electric range. The S60's performance was enhanced by an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing quick throttle and transmission responses, especially in Dynamic mode. The T6's fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, with real-world testing showing 23.2 mpg.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was an upgrade from the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine, offering improved performance. However, the Mazda3's suspension system was downgraded to a torsion beam setup, which, while cost-effective, did not provide the same level of ride comfort as the previous multi-link suspension. Despite this, the Mazda3 maintained precise steering and minimal body roll through corners. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with a manual option available only for specific hatchback models. The Mazda3's performance was adequate for everyday driving, though it lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged engines.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior design prioritized form over function, with a focus on aesthetics. While the steering-wheel-mounted controls were practical, some physical controls, like the starter and drive-mode selector, were awkwardly placed. The S60 featured a conventional shifter, which was a welcome choice in the luxury market. The rear seats offered decent space compared to competitors, and the trunk provided 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for the class.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, with its compact dimensions, offered a spacious interior for the driver, with plenty of headroom and supportive front seats. The rear seat, however, was tight on legroom, and the transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk had a capacity of 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment. Despite this, the materials and build quality were impressive, with the upholstery holding up well even after extensive use.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which took a tablet-like approach to menu navigation. While visually appealing, the system required multiple steps to access certain features, such as climate control, which could be cumbersome. The system occasionally lagged or froze, which could be frustrating for users. However, it included a volume dial and basic media controls for convenience.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system was designed with safety in mind, eliminating touch functionality in favor of a rotary dial controller. The 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard, providing a seamless look. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with faster performance and sharp graphics. The head-up display was upgraded to reflect off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel of the cabin.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It also offered advanced driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The optional Advance Package added features such as a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. These features were standard across the lineup, making the Mazda3 a strong contender in terms of safety.