2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Subaru Impreza

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 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 easy to use, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. Trim levels in Canada included the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with various features and drivetrain options available.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Impreza had a more aggressive and sporty style compared to its predecessor. The larger, angular grille and narrower headlights gave it a serious look, while the RS trim added side skirts for a low-slung appearance. The rear haunches featured flared fenders, suggesting a wider and more athletic stance. Inside, the Impreza had a modern look with a vertical 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on higher trims. The RS trim added racy red stitching and accents, while materials quality was commendable. The rear seats were more accommodating than expected, and the cargo area offered 578 litres of space. The Impreza's design was more of an evolution, with a focus on usability and practicality.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options in Canada, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was optional on the GS and standard on the GT, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on the GT trim, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a fantastic sound from the turbo engine. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering precision and refinement, while the Sport mode enhanced steering feedback and transmission response.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza came with two engine choices. The Convenience and Touring trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The RS and Sport-tech models upgraded to a 2.5-litre engine with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, and all-wheel-drive was standard. The RS model was the sportiest, with responsive acceleration and paddle shifters for manual control. Handling was sporty, aided by AWD, and the ride quality remained comfortable. The Impreza's performance was comparable to the Honda Civic Si and base Mazda 3 hatchback, with the added traction advantage of AWD.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area had a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid was frustrating to use. Ergonomics were helpful, and the cupholders were sizable.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza's front-seat passengers enjoyed a spacious cabin with logically placed controls and good outward visibility. The RS trim included a wireless charging pad and a large centre armrest bin. The rear seats were more accommodating than expected, with ample headroom and legroom. The cargo area offered 578 litres of space, and the seatbacks folded down for a total of 1,586 litres. The Impreza also accepted various roof racks for outdoor activities.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured 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. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Upgrades included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza boasted an 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system that was easy to use, with large on-screen buttons and physical knobs for volume and tuning. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. The RS and Sport-tech trims included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with smartly organized menus.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GT grade included adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza came with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitor and automatic emergency steering. The safety features performed well, with no false alarms. Crash-test results were not yet available, but Subaru aimed for a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.