2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada in S, SV, and Platinum trims, presented a sleek and modern design, especially in its Platinum version. The car's exterior was enhanced by 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, contributing to its appealing look. Despite a few design quirks, such as the placement of door handles and the rear diffuser panel, the Altima's interior was a model of ergonomic simplicity. The dashboard featured a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system with stereo knobs, and the climate controls were straightforward. The materials used in the cabin were on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its award-winning redesign in 2019, boasted a dramatic and sophisticated exterior. The sedan version, while more conservative than the hatchback, still offered a visually engaging experience. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, available with all-wheel drive and a Premium Package, featured a luxurious interior with white leather upholstery and metallic accents. Despite some use of hard plastics, the cabin was designed with the driver in mind, offering a high-contrast two-tone interior that supported Mazda's premium aspirations. The Mazda3's design and attention to detail were evident, making it a legitimate entry-luxury car.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. This setup aimed to make the Altima more competitive against SUVs. The car featured a strut front, multi-link rear suspension, dual-pinion electric steering, and 4-wheel-disc brakes. The Altima's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, which adjusted engine torque and applied brakes for a smoother experience. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it could produce sudden power surges.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 horsepower with 87-octane. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a transformative driving experience. The car's performance was further enhanced by Sport mode, which adjusted transmission shifts and G-Vectoring Control Plus for improved cornering. The Mazda3 Turbo's steering and suspension were tuned for sportiness, and despite using a torsion beam rear axle, the car delivered maximum driving pleasure. The Mazda3 Turbo's performance was smooth, consistent, and predictable, making it a joy to drive.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired seats providing a sensation of weightlessness. However, the lack of a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. The Altima offered heated front seats, side mirrors, and an optional heated steering wheel, but rear-seat passengers missed out on heated seats. The car provided substantial in-cabin storage, though it lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk offered 436 litres of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

In comparison, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a leather-lined interior with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuding a luxury feel. However, the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment, and rear-seat passengers faced cramped conditions without air conditioning vents or USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, and the trunk offered 374 litres of space. The hatchback version provided more utility, with 569 litres behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded down.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and physical and virtual buttons for easy use. It came standard with Bluetooth, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The system's voice recognition technology, however, required specific commands for desired results.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which offered good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and more. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driver assistance technology, was available but proved difficult to trust. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's safety philosophy focused on supporting the driver. Its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.