2023 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Nissan Altima continued Nissan's long-standing tradition in the family car segment, building on over 50 years of experience. With the Maxima's impending discontinuation, the Altima aimed to fill the gap with its updated front styling, featuring a revised grille and new wheel designs. The higher trim levels, equipped with 19-inch wheels, enhanced the Altima's visual appeal, although the wheels' flush design made them susceptible to damage. In Canada, the Altima was available in four trims: S, SR, SR Premium, and Platinum, and it stood out as the only mid-size sedan offering standard all-wheel drive. However, the variable-compression turbocharged engine was exclusive to the U.S. market. The Altima's interior, while stylish, was marred by hard plastics, though the new double-stitched seams added a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, showcased a bold design with rakish headlights and a large grille. The hatchback, in particular, boasted a futuristic design, though it came with some practical drawbacks. Inside, the Mazda3's cabin exuded clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant layout. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls added to the car's appeal. The Mazda3 offered various trim levels in Canada, including GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with options for manual or automatic transmission and front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Standard features included 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT Turbo trim, available in the hatchback, provided a more powerful engine, making it a top choice for performance enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The standard all-wheel-drive system could deliver up to half of the engine's output to the rear wheels. The Altima's performance was adequate, with torque arriving at 3,600 rpm. The CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, and the SR Premium trim featured paddle shifters for added driver engagement. Fuel economy ratings were 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 6.5 on the highway, and 7.9 combined for the base trim. The Altima's ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. In mountainous terrain, the Altima displayed commendable grip, but the steering felt lifeless, and the brakes heated up easily.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.5-litre engine, standard on the GT trim, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 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 engaging, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The turbo engine provided moderate off-the-line acceleration, but the car truly shone in second gear. Sport mode enhanced the driving experience, with the transmission holding gears longer and providing more forceful steering feedback. The Mazda3's handling was precise and refined, offering a perfect blend of agility and comfort.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was simple and easy to use, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the sticky leather upholstery detracted from the experience. The Altima featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit challenging. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was reasonable, but the floor mats' design was problematic. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some competitors, but the space was usefully shaped.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 569 litres. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for occasional use only. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid's design was frustrating. The Mazda3's ergonomics were helpful, and the car provided sizable cupholders.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard on SR Premium and Platinum trims, included a navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Bose nine-speaker premium audio system was available on higher trims, though its performance varied. The 12.3-inch infotainment system represented a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and voice recognition technology.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system's menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of touchscreen functionality was a major drawback. The Mazda3 came with two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's standard safety features included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist, available on SR Premium and Platinum trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. The GT grade included adaptive headlights and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA in front crash and rollover tests.