2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design, capturing the World Car Design of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2020. Its exterior styling was a blend of drama and sophistication, with the sedan offering a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo variant, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a premium interior with options like white leather, which added a touch of luxury. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior design was driver-focused, with a clear and legible gauge set and a well-integrated infotainment system.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, part of the sixth generation, maintained its sporty design with a low, wide stance and a distinctive V-Motion grille. The SR Midnight Edition, our test model, enhanced the Altima's sporty appeal with gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity seats and a well-organized instrument panel. While the interior materials varied by trim level, the overall feel was premium, especially in higher trims. The Altima's design was practical, with a spacious trunk and a comfortable cabin, though rear visibility was somewhat compromised by the high rear shelf and sloping roofline.

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 93-octane fuel. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, which enhanced cornering capabilities. The Turbo model featured stiffer suspension components for improved handling, and despite its sporty nature, it maintained a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3's performance was exhilarating, with a responsive powertrain and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, fuel consumption during testing was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's performance was modest, the Altima's standard all-wheel drive and Xtronic CVT provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The suspension, aided by Active Ride Control, offered a composed driving experience, and the cabin was notably quiet. However, the engine noise during acceleration and the CVT's struggle to deliver quick power were drawbacks. Despite these limitations, the Altima excelled in providing a refined and comfortable ride, suitable for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, giving it a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities such as air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cabin was driver-focused, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. Trunk space was competitive at 374 litres, and the hatchback variant offered more utility with up to 1,334 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four adults, with a spacious back seat and easy-to-use controls. Its trunk offered 437 litres of space, larger than some competitors, and the Altima's fuel tank was the largest among its peers at nearly 61 litres. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline affected rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not packed carefully. Despite these minor issues, the Altima's interior was practical and well-suited for family use or commuting.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The system relied on a control knob and had limited functionality, causing frustration during use. The Bose audio system delivered good sound quality, especially with FLAC files, but struggled with satellite radio. The Premium Package included a head-up display, which was useful and visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system in higher trims. The Altima's tech features, including ProPilot Assist and an Around View Monitor, worked seamlessly, providing convenience and safety. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the advanced drive-assist display allowed for easy access to various functions without taking hands off the wheel.

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, lane-centring assistance, and a high-definition surround-view camera. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also offered a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Altima received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. Its crash avoidance and mitigation systems were rated highly, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.