2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Toyota Camry

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a renewed focus on quality and appeal, aiming to reclaim its reputation for reliability and value. Its styling was more expressive than previous models, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that hinted at sportiness. The interior featured high-quality materials, creating a driver-focused cockpit that felt upscale, especially in higher trims. Despite not being a luxury car, the Camry offered a sense of refinement that was a step above its mainstream competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was celebrated for its dramatic and sophisticated design, winning awards for its styling. The sedan version was more conservative, while the hatchback had an aggressive stance. The interior of the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was lined with leather and featured a high-contrast two-tone design, aiming to elevate the brand into premium territory. Despite some missing features, the attention to design detail and quality materials made it feel like a legitimate entry-luxury car.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, including a 3.5-litre V6 producing 301 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided smooth and powerful performance, especially in the XLE trim. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 203 hp (206 in XSE trim) and was praised for its responsiveness, especially with the lighter front end. The Camry also introduced AWD, enhancing traction without significantly impacting fuel efficiency, with consumption ratings ranging from 7.6 to 9.4 L/100 km depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp with 93-octane fuel and 227 hp with 87-octane. It was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an advanced AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added significant performance without much weight, transforming the driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo was tuned for smooth and predictable performance, with Sport mode enhancing driving dynamics. Despite its sporty nature, the fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and increased front legroom and hip room. However, rear legroom and trunk space were reduced compared to competitors, offering 428 litres of cargo space. The addition of AWD did not compromise interior space, maintaining the same rear seat and trunk dimensions as the FWD versions.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo offered a luxurious feel with leather upholstery and heated features, but lacked some premium details like ventilated seats and rear USB ports. The trunk space was 374 litres, competitive for compact sedans, while the hatchback version offered significantly more utility with up to 1,334 litres of space with seats folded.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a functional touchscreen and optional upgrades like a 10-inch HUD. The infotainment system, though responsive, felt dated compared to smartphone navigation. Higher trims offered additional features like Remote Connect and a larger multi-information display.

Mazda Connect in the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch display with smartphone integration but lacked a touchscreen, relying on voice commands that were less effective than competitors. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering good sound quality. The Premium Package included a useful HUD, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense, including emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with additional features like Bird's Eye View available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and Traffic Jam Assist. It also received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with advanced features like a surround-view camera and reverse automatic braking in the Premium Package.