2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out due to its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, however, was more popular among U.S. shoppers aiming for an upmarket feel. The test vehicle, a sedan with the Premium Package and AWD, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille, and round running lamps. The side profile was sculpted without being angular, unlike many competitors. The rear design of the sedan felt somewhat disproportionate, but the hatchback's rounded shape mitigated this issue.

Inside, the Mazda3 leaned towards a premium feel with a minimalist design. The test vehicle had creamy white leather, slim steering wheel buttons, and a cockpit-style feel due to the air vents' placement. Materials were soft and padded, though not quite luxury-grade. The cupholders' new position allowed for an extended armrest, enhancing the driver-focused design. However, the sheet metal felt low-quality, with doors and trunk closures sounding light and hollow.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured a bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, and a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a sloping roofline. The body had more folds than curves, giving it a taut appearance, though the stance was somewhat ungainly due to the overhangs. Modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept the look contemporary. The fit and finish were exceptional, with deep paint and rich chrome details. Nine exterior colors were available, some with premium pricing.

Inside, the Altima's dashboard was uncluttered with an 8-inch touchscreen display. The instrument panel had a cowl to reduce glare. As trim levels increased, so did the quality of materials, with added stitching and better hand feel. The base model felt stripped-down, but higher trims offered a more luxurious experience.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's redesign included a cost-cutting torsion beam rear suspension, replacing the previous multi-link setup. While this decision affected ride quality, the precise steering and minimal body roll remained. The 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation. The engine was predictable but lacked the punch of turbocharged motors. A six-speed manual transmission was available only in specific FWD hatchback models, while most cars came with a six-speed automatic.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered two powertrains. Most models had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. FWD was standard, with AWD available. Fuel economy was 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for FWD and 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined for AWD. The SR VC-Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering a more engaging drive. The VC-Turbo was FWD only, with fuel economy of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. All Altima models had four-wheel independent suspension, with the VC-Turbo's being sport-tuned.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was 175.6 inches long. The interior offered ample room for the driver, though rear legroom was tight. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with materials holding up well even after 10,000 miles. The rear middle seat had a large transmission hump, affecting comfort. The sedan's trunk had 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. Upper trims offered power adjustment, memory, leather, and heating. The front cabin had ample storage, including a large glovebox, center console bin, and door pockets. The second row was roomy for two adults and could accommodate three for short trips. The rear seats folded flat in a 60/40 split, expanding the 15.4 cubic feet trunk space.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's 8.8-inch infotainment display was integrated into the dashboard, eliminating touch functionality in favor of a rotary dial controller. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM were available. The system was faster and had sharp graphics, with a head-up display reflecting off the windshield.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the base model. The base touchscreen was 7 inches, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. Upper trims also had a Bose audio system and Active Noise Cancellation. Nissan Door to Door Navigation was standard on the Platinum trim.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on SV and above, including automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.