2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork was a blend of drama and sophistication, offering a daring yet refined appearance. The sedan version maintained a conservative look, while the hatchback, known as the Mazda3 Sport, presented a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo sedan, which was tested, came with a Premium Package and Machine Gray Metallic paint, priced at $36,881 Canadian. The interior, with its white leather, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its understated styling from the previous year's facelift, resembling the smaller Jetta sedan. Its design was more subdued compared to competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry. The Passat's aerodynamic shape contributed to a drag coefficient of 0.28, though it didn't significantly enhance fuel efficiency. The interior followed a clean, functional design with analog controls, enhancing usability. However, the materials were mostly plastic, with leatherette upholstery, aligning with its value-oriented market position.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout in performance, 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 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an 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 Turbo's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software further improved handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, its fuel consumption averaged 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, higher than the estimated 8.8 L/100 km.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, though Sport mode improved responsiveness. The driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The Passat offered a plain ride, with good but not exceptional ride quality and cabin noise levels.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, providing a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cabin offered adequate storage, and the sedan's trunk space measured 374 litres. The hatchback version provided more utility, with 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted roomy back seats with 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. Front legroom and headroom were below average, and the driving position was uncomfortable for many. The Passat's cargo space was 450 litres, more than some rivals but less than others like the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, and door bottle holders were poorly designed. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, 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 a head-up display, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The Execline model added navigation and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. The touchscreen was small but functional, with pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit and MIB3 system found in other VW models, but its simple approach suited drivers seeking basic functionality.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The adaptive cruise control included stop-and-go capability, and the GT trim offered an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Package added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, though its headlights were rated "marginal." The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System were also standard.