2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2020 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked memories of majestic marine life, with its lidded headlights, bulging curved hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversize grille giving it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and rising to $56,000 for the M340i with xDrive, the 3 Series was praised for its driving experience, particularly the M340i trim. The interior offered a variety of colors and materials, with high-quality leather and a design that emphasized quality, making the high sticker prices more palatable.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, was noted for its special and unique design, particularly the hatchback with its curves and distinctive silhouette. The sedan, while more traditional, still stood out with its sculpted side profile and premium interior design. The interior was minimalist and elegant, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused design. However, the rear dimensions felt a bit out of proportion, and the sheet metal construction felt less sturdy compared to more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series addressed previous criticisms of its driving dynamics with significant structural and suspension changes, making it a joy to drive. The M340i trim, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offered exhilarating performance. The car's handling was enhanced by variable sport steering, a rear M Sport differential, and M Sport brakes. Despite the lack of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic transmission, combined with paddle shifters, provided a thrilling driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, while visually appealing, compromised on performance with a torsion beam rear suspension instead of a multi-link setup. This cost-cutting decision affected the ride quality, but the precise steering and minimal body roll still made it enjoyable to drive. The 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, offered decent performance but lacked the punch of a turbocharged engine. The manual transmission was available only in specific configurations, making the six-speed automatic the more common choice.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered simple and supportive front seats, with high-quality leather and heating options, though ventilated seats were not available. The rear seats were comfortable but had awkward entry and exit. The interior featured a mix of intuitive and cryptic controls, with a well-integrated widescreen infotainment system and excellent voice recognition. Storage space was generous, with a 17-cubic-foot trunk, though it appeared smaller than typical family sedans.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, with a sedan length of 183.5 inches and a hatchback length of 175.6 inches, provided ample room for the driver and front passenger, though rear legroom was tight. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with high-quality materials that held up well over time. The rear middle seat was compromised by a large transmission hump. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive and easy to use, with multiple ways to interact. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard, eliminating touch functionality in favor of a rotary dial controller. This design aimed to reduce distractions while driving. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, adding to the premium feel.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required two Driving Assistance option packages for the full suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). While the systems were accurate, they lacked smoothness. The lane-keeping assist was abrupt, reminding drivers to stay engaged. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and good ratings for LED headlights in the Premium Package. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Mazda3 came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more, often as standard equipment.