2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Nissan Altima

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 conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and curves around the rear window and doors gave it a forward-thinking appearance, though this design had its drawbacks. Inside, the cabin continued the theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant layout. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The climate controls were straightforward, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Altima maintained a more conservative look, with a new grille introduced in 2023 that added an imposing touch. The Altima was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The U.S. specification model tested had a red exterior and 19-inch alloy wheels, giving it a nice appearance despite its aging design. The interior felt outdated, with soft yellow overhead lights and wood trim reminiscent of older vehicles. However, the seats were comfortable and supportive, and the layout of cupholders and cubbies was practical. The wireless phone charger and traditional shifter added convenience, though the leather upholstery and some plastic parts felt subpar.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four, available on the GS and standard on the GT, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The top trim, the GT Turbo, featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 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 impressive handling. The turbo engine provided moderate acceleration, shining in second gear and Sport mode. The Mazda3's handling was precise and refined, offering a balance of agility and comfort.

The 2024 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration was adequate, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The Altima's intelligent AWD system provided power to the rear wheels when needed, contributing to its fuel efficiency. The steering felt light, but the low centre of gravity minimized body roll. The brakes were predictable, and the CVT managed power output well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration. The Altima's noise insulation was generally good, but engine noise was noticeable during spirited driving.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. However, rear seating was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decent centre console compartment and ergonomic design.

The 2024 Nissan Altima excelled in interior space, offering more front seat room than several competitors. The rear seat provided 895 millimetres of legroom, surpassing some rivals. The trunk offered 437 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The Altima's interior was user-friendly, with comfortable seats and well-placed storage options.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a centre console dial. The system was not user-friendly, with a steep learning curve and confusing menu navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but their integration was flawed. The test model included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch display available on higher trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and easy navigation, with static icons and an organized home screen. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available with the larger screen. The nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, and the SiriusXM interface appeared cluttered. NissanConnect telematics features were standard on higher trims, offering remote access and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT trim offered adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Nissan Altima earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-impact and rollover test results. However, it scored four stars in frontal crash tests and did not receive a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Altima came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver assist systems, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except the base S, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities.