2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic yet sophisticated styling. Its bodywork exuded a sense of daring refinement, earning it accolades such as the World Car Design of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2020. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. 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 interior design focused on the driver, with high-quality materials and a clear, legible gauge set, although it did incorporate some hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra, largely unchanged from its 2020 redesign, presented a modern, low-slung appearance reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The Sentra's design was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a sleek and coupe-like silhouette. The interior of the Sentra was a highlight, with a simple yet functional layout that combined form and function effectively. The cabin featured a touchscreen as the visual centrepiece, and the controls were user-friendly. The Sentra was available in various trims, each offering a range of features, from basic amenities in the S trim to more advanced options in the SR trim, including a Midnight Edition package with dark accents.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 horsepower with 87-octane. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's 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 featured Sport mode for precise shifts and improved cornering, with stiffer suspension to handle the added weight. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 maintained a balance of performance and comfort, with an average fuel consumption of 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, with a CVT available. The Sentra's performance was consistent, providing satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway performance. The steering was well-weighted, and the suspension handled most road conditions adequately. While not a performance standout, the Sentra was suitable for commuting and occasional road trips, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a leather-lined interior with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuding a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The cabin was driver-focused, with limited in-cabin storage and a competitive trunk space of 374 litres. The hatchback version offered more utility with 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, surpassing many small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although it created a ledge that could hinder loading larger items. The Sentra's interior offered spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and cupholders, enhancing practicality.

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 drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering good sound quality. The Premium Package included a head-up display, providing useful driving information.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy menu navigation and conventional hard buttons. The system lacked wireless connectivity, which was becoming more common in non-luxury vehicles.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace 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, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra also boasted a robust list of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick" award.