2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its award-winning redesign in 2019, continued to impress with its dramatic yet sophisticated styling. The sedan version, while more conservative than the hatchback, still offered a visually engaging experience. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and a range of interior options, including luxurious leather finishes. The attention to design detail, from the metallic accents to the clear gauges, aimed to elevate the Mazda3 into the premium segment, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, set a bold design standard with its distinctive "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The Maxima's styling was aggressive, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive, and it stood out among its peers. The 40th Anniversary Edition, although not available in Canada, showcased elements like gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design was clearly intended to be sporty, though it shared some visual quirks with competitors like the Toyota Avalon.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a performance standout, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. When using 93-octane fuel, it delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane fuel resulted in slightly lower figures. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's advanced i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3's dynamic tuning, including stiffer suspension components, contributed to its sporty character, while the brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels ensured confident handling.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, produced 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a satisfying sound. The CVT was responsive, and the Maxima handled corners well, though it exhibited some torque steer and lacked steering precision. Despite these limitations, the Maxima remained a competent performer, particularly during relaxed highway cruising, where its quiet cabin and comfortable ride shone.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with leather and equipped with heated front seats, exuded a luxury feel. However, it lacked certain premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The driver-focused cabin offered a 10-way power-adjustable seat, but the front passenger seat was less accommodating. Trunk space was competitive at 374 litres, with the hatchback variant providing significantly more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom, but rear-seat passengers faced cramped conditions. The cabin design centred around the driver, with excellent visibility and Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats providing support. However, the centre console's proximity to the driver created a slightly cramped feeling. The Maxima's cargo space was limited to 405 litres, the smallest in its class, but the sedan's conventional trunk design was practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology detracted from the user experience. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with useful information.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system, while covering basic features like an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone compatibility, felt dated in terms of graphics and functionality. The system included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system, but the touchscreen's small icons and jarring notification sounds were drawbacks. Nissan provided analog controls for convenience, but the overall infotainment experience was less than ideal.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) designed to support the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, reinforcing its reputation as a safe choice.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also earned high safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Maxima lacked Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.