2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic yet sophisticated styling. The sedan version, while more conservative, still offered an eye-catching design that appealed to those seeking a blend of elegance and sportiness. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a range of interior options, including luxurious leather finishes. The interior was designed with a focus on the driver, featuring high-quality materials and a clear, legible set of gauges. Despite some use of hard plastics, the overall quality and attention to detail were evident, making it a strong contender in the entry-luxury segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Sentra presented an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. Available in a variety of vibrant colours, the Sentra's design was both modern and expressive. Inside, the Sentra offered a spacious and well-organized cabin, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in higher trims. The seats, known for their comfort, made long drives more enjoyable, and the inclusion of features like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat in higher trims added to the overall comfort. The Sentra's trunk space was generous, and the split-folding rear seats provided additional flexibility for cargo.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, which enhanced corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3's suspension and steering were tuned for sportiness, and the car's dynamic tuning met the engineers' goals for smoothness and consistency. Despite its performance focus, the Mazda3 Turbo managed a fuel consumption of 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, though this was influenced by driving style.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It came with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available in Canada. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its adequate performance for daily commuting, and its fuel efficiency was commendable, with consumption figures ranging from 7.1 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the model and transmission. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfort over outright performance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo offered a luxurious interior with leather upholstery and heated front seats. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver-focused cabin provided a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. Trunk space was competitive at 374 litres, with the hatchback version offering significantly more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with features like a traditional gear selector, open cupholders, and ample storage spaces. The inclusion of multiple USB ports and a 12-volt outlet added convenience, while the Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys. The Sentra's trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, and the split-folding rear seats allowed for additional storage flexibility.

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 were notable drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality. The Premium Package included a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system that included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims offered a premium Bose system with eight speakers. The infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen in the base model, with an 8-inch screen in higher trims. While navigation was not available, smartphone integration provided access to navigation apps.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped 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, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, and a high-definition surround-view camera. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a robust array of safety features, including a comprehensive airbag system, tire pressure monitoring with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.