2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured a design that was consistent with the rest of Nissan’s lineup, characterized by the signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, culminated in quad-tip exhaust finishers at the rear. The Maxima SR models added a sporty rear spoiler, while the Platinum trim, which was tested, included 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Goodyear all-season tires. Inside, the Maxima’s cabin was spacious and filled with materials typical of Nissan’s standard, with the Platinum trim veering into premium territory. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the cabin remained roomy and comfortable.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, particularly the 2.5 Turbo sedan, showcased a design that won the prestigious World Car Design of the Year for 2020. Its bodywork reflected drama and sophistication, with the sedan offering a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The interior of the Mazda3 Turbo, especially in Premium Plus trim, featured high-quality materials like Nappa leather and bright metallic accents, creating a premium feel. The driver-focused cabin revolved around the person in control, with a design that emphasized both aesthetics and functionality. Despite some use of hard plastic, the overall quality and attention to detail were impressive.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more of a comfortable cruiser, with Sport mode and paddle shifters available only in the SR trim. The Maxima handled road imperfections well and featured active noise cancellation in SL and up trim levels. It was front-wheel drive with an 18-gallon fuel tank, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. Despite lacking all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Maxima’s performance was solid for its class.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When using 93-octane fuel, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane fuel resulted in 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. The turbocharged powertrain added significant performance without compromising smoothness and predictability. The Mazda3 Turbo featured Sport mode, improved steering feel, and stiffer front suspension springs and dampers. Despite averaging 20.4 mpg during testing, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience with its well-calibrated dynamics.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The thick center console limited the feeling of spaciousness up front, but the cabin remained comfortable with large front seats. The Maxima provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which was less than competitors like the Sonata, Avalon, and Accord. Passenger space was also less than rivals, with 98.5 cubic feet compared to the Avalon’s 104.3 and the Accord’s 105.6. Despite these limitations, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing, proving practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo’s interior was lined with Nappa leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, creating a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium details like front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities such as air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. In-cabin storage was adequate but limited, especially if opting for wireless smartphone charging. The sedan’s trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, competitive with other compact sedans. For more utility, the hatchback version provided 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. While functional, these screens were not particularly modern in appearance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with NissanConnect Services available on the Platinum grade. The Maxima offered a Bose Premium Audio system, Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry. USB-A and USB-C ports were available in the front and rear, making charging on the go easy.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. A WiFi hotspot and the MyMazda smartphone app were also available. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, and the voice-recognition technology was subpar. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which offered excellent sound quality. The Mazda3 Turbo also included an Active Driving Display (HUD) that remained visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were standard on all but the base model. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, earning top ratings in front crash prevention.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with i-ActiveSense, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The adaptive cruise control featured stop-and-go capability, and the automatic high-beam LED headlights included an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in NHTSA crash tests, earning top five-star ratings in every assessment.