2024 Toyota Prius vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

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 forward-thinking aesthetics of the hatchback were among the most innovative in the market, excluding some electric vehicles. Inside, the cabin continued the 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 2024 Toyota Prius retained its familiar wedge-shaped profile but introduced distinctive and appealing styling with aerodynamically optimized bodywork. The 19-inch aluminum wheels added to its attractive appearance. Inside, the Prius remained quirky, with instrumentation moved in front of the driver. However, the digital panel was positioned close to the windshield, and depending on the seating position, visibility could be an issue. The interior featured hard plastics, leading to creaks and a flimsy feel, despite Toyota's reputation for durability. The Prius continued in Canada with XLE and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $40,645 to $46,785.

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. 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 four-cylinder 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 performance-oriented feel. The turbo engine provided moderate off-the-line acceleration, shining in second gear with Sport mode enhancing the driving dynamics. The handling was precise and refined, offering a balance of agility and comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Prius, following its redesign, boasted a significant power boost. It featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 83-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined output of 196 horsepower. The hybrid system offered impressive fuel efficiency, rated at 4.8 L/100 km in city driving and 4.7 on the highway. The Prius accelerated from 0 to 96 km/h in seven seconds, showcasing its improved performance. However, the steering felt artificial, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) could groan during hard acceleration. Despite these drawbacks, the Prius offered a more enjoyable driving experience than previous models, with enhanced handling and energetic acceleration.

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, though not as much as many small SUVs. The rear seating area 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. Ergonomics were helpful, and the cupholders were sizable.

The 2024 Toyota Prius, with its dramatic exterior styling, had a snug interior compared to previous generations. The driver’s seat was comfortable, but the base of the windshield and gauges felt distant. The 7-inch display panel was crammed with information, and the steering wheel could block part of it. The rear seats were cramped but comfortable for two passengers. The Prius offered 575 litres of cargo space, though the cargo cover limited its usability. Toyota innovated with a wireless smartphone charging slot, but it was prone to collecting dirt and dust.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system was not user-friendly, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was confusing, with the Home button not functioning as expected. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Upgrades included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which offered great sound quality.

The 2024 Toyota Prius featured a Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system with an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim. It included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Prius offered four connected services plans with varying trial subscriptions. The Limited trim had an exclusive eight-speaker JBL premium sound system, though it was bass-heavy and left something to be desired. The Prius Limited also offered a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a semi-autonomous parking assistance system.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 in Canada included standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The GT grade added adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 hatchback had a significant blind spot due to its massive C-pillar. The 2023 Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA in front crash tests and rollover tests.

The 2024 Toyota Prius came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. TSS 3.0 included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a road sign recognition system. The Prius earned high marks in crash tests, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA in every assessment except for rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named the 2024 Prius a Top Safety Pick+.