2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, having entered its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a serious look, while the availability of vibrant paint colours and two-tone schemes added flair. Inside, the Sentra offered a spacious and well-organized cabin with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and roomy second row enhanced comfort, although the centre seat was less accommodating. The trunk provided 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split rear seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, maintained its reputation for artistry in design, though its deeply sculpted flanks were not universally appealing. The hatchback, in particular, had a unique silhouette. Inside, the Mazda3 focused on driver-centric design, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and refined materials. The snug fit of the front seats provided excellent support, but the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Cargo space in the hatchback was 569 litres, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded, while the sedan offered 374 litres in the trunk.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, though a six-speed manual was available in Canada. Weighing between 1,349 and 1,411 kilograms, the Sentra offered adequate performance for daily driving, with fuel consumption ratings of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for the S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners, making it a competent commuter.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower. Most buyers opted for the 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, exclusive to AWD models, produced up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. While the turbo model was less fuel-efficient, averaging 10.2 L/100 km, it delivered a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery and nimble handling. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It included multiple USB ports and a spacious glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long drives, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium trim offered additional features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a moonroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was driver-focused, with a snug fit and excellent support from the front seats. The infotainment system, however, was less intuitive, lacking a touchscreen interface. Rear seat space was limited, especially for taller passengers, and storage options were adequate but not exceptional. The hatchback offered more cargo space than the sedan, but the design limited its practicality.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in the base model and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Bluetooth and hands-free text messaging. A premium Bose audio system was available in the SR Premium trim.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display controlled via a centre console dial. While Mazda's approach aimed to reduce distractions, the lack of a touchscreen and cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and higher trims offered a Bose audio system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also boasted excellent safety features, though many were optional in Canada. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional options like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It received top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.