2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Dodge Charger

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had more conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The rear angles of the hatchback curved up around the rear window and doors, creating a clean and forward-thinking aesthetic. Inside, the cabin continued this theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant design. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Charger retained much of its design from 2015, with a sleeker nose and sharper LED taillights. Despite its age, the Charger looked distinct and modern compared to other sedans like the Accord and Camry. The base model was somewhat plain, but the V8 versions, especially the Scat Pack with the widebody kit, had a commanding presence. The Swinger model featured flared fenders, a large hood scoop, and deep-dish bronze wheels. The interior, however, felt dated, with a small touchscreen and plasticky knobs. Despite this, the Charger offered a basic yet adequate space, with some unique touches like green stitching and a Swinger badge on the dash.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was available, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The standout was the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a performance-oriented feel. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering a perfect blend of precision and refinement, while the turbo engine provided a satisfying sound and performance.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, on the other hand, was known for its powerful engine lineup. The base model featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. However, the real excitement came from the Hemi V8 engines. The Charger R/T had a 5.7-litre V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The Charger SRT Hellcat models took it to another level with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, producing up to 807 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. The Charger offered impressive acceleration and handling, with a poised and precise feel, although it was a large car that required careful handling.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, which was smaller compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, making it more practical. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more comfortable, with a decently sized centre console compartment and helpful ergonomics.

The 2023 Dodge Charger, despite its size, felt tight inside. Headroom was adequate, but the footwells were cramped, and the transmission tunnel limited rear legroom. The trunk, however, was spacious, offering 470 litres of cargo space. The Charger's controls were straightforward and easy to use, with large buttons and switches for climate control, lighting, and audio systems. The interior was familiar and not distracting, with little to relearn.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. This system was a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were confusing, and the system's layout presented a safety issue. The Mazda3 also featured two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control, with available upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2023 Dodge Charger lacked the latest Uconnect infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance features. However, its 8.4-inch touchscreen offered fast and logical menu structures, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. The Charger SRT Dashboard app allowed customization of various performance settings, and the Performance Pages feature provided real-time data on power and torque. The Charger also offered unique features like launch control and line lock for drag racing.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features such as forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT grade included adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 received high safety ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick and the NHTSA giving it five stars in front crash and rollover tests.

The 2023 Dodge Charger performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving four out of five stars overall. However, it lacked standard safety features, with options like forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on Hellcat models and some lower grades. The IIHS ratings were based on the 2015 Chrysler 300, which shared the same chassis.