2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since its current generation launched in 2019, aimed to shed its reputation for blandness with a bold exterior design. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesive design of the Honda Civic. Different trim levels offered varied styling elements, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade Edition added blacked-out trim. The Apex Edition, with its subtle body kit and model-specific 18-inch wheels, stood out in Cement Grey, exuding a "Fast and Furious" vibe. Despite its efforts to appear more than just basic transportation, the Corolla's interior remained simple, with standard cloth upholstery and optional SofTex leatherette on higher trims. The fit and finish were up to Toyota's standards, but the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 presented a striking design with rakish headlights and a large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the hatchback was particularly daring, with its futuristic design featuring rear angles that curved up around the rear window and doors. The interior continued this clean, futuristic theme, with a simple yet elegant cabin design. The conventional shifter and easy-to-use climate controls were welcome features, while the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant design. The Mazda3 offered various trim levels, including the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with options for manual or automatic transmission and FWD or AWD. Standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE models were equipped with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, along with the Apex Edition, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, enhanced by a sport exhaust system in the Apex Edition. A CVT was standard with the smaller engine, while the 2.0-litre engine offered a six-speed manual gearbox with rev matching or a CVT with paddle shifters. All 2022 Corolla models were FWD, with AWD expected in 2023. The SE Apex Edition, with its manual transmission and model-specific suspension, offered improved handling and a sportier driving experience, though it lacked significant power upgrades.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, came with a base Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. The optional 2.5-litre engine on the GS and standard on the GT delivered 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with AWD available. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, optional on the GT, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD were standard with this engine. The Mazda3's driving experience was enhanced by well-weighted steering, a responsive transmission, and excellent handling. The turbo engine provided a satisfying sound and performance, particularly in Sport mode, where the transmission held gears longer and offered more forceful steering feedback.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered headroom and legroom similar to the Honda Civic, with a low beltline aiding visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard limited forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, though long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla sedan provided 371 litres of cargo space, less than competitors like the Civic and Sentra. Standard features included a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, air conditioning, and keyless entry. Storage space was limited, with a thin centre console and small phone tray.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. Rear seating was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid was frustrating to use. The Mazda3's ergonomics were user-friendly, with sizable cupholders and a well-designed front seating area.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on other trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, with a nine-speaker JBL audio system on the XSE and XLE. The interface was easy to use, but the graphics looked dated, and there were no wireless options for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Corolla lacked novel tech features like a digital key.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a centre console dial, which was a weak point. The menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of a touchscreen made it difficult to use. The system's learning curve was steep, particularly when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control, with upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system available.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received top safety ratings, with an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured eight airbags and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was standard from the LE trim.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features on higher trims. The GS added forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning, while the GT included adaptive headlights and a 360-degree parking camera. The Mazda3's design presented a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a safety concern. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.