2024 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Nissan Sentra

The 2024 Nissan Sentra underwent a styling update, enhancing its visual appeal. The wider grille seamlessly integrated with the headlights, which featured black interior bezel elements, and chrome trim accentuated the edges. Vertical elements resembling air vents were positioned at the front fascia's edges, creating a broader appearance. The Sentra maintained its balanced design, avoiding the eccentricity of some competitors while offering more flair than others. The interior boasted large round air vents inspired by the Z sports car, a plunging dashboard, and distinctive red-orange accent stitching on the SR models.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, retained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork positioned it alongside luxury vehicles. The front featured squinting headlights with LED turn signals and stylish round lighting elements. Available in sedan and hatchback forms, the Mazda3 offered a premium feel, especially with the red leather interior option. The interior was awash in leather trimmings, with a delicate steering wheel and shift knob wrapped in black leather, providing a sophisticated driving environment.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive. In Canada, a six-speed manual transmission was available on the S and SR grades, while a CVT was standard elsewhere. The CVT was reengineered for smoother operation and improved fuel efficiency, complemented by an engine start-stop system. The Sentra offered a pleasant driving experience with precise steering and a comfortable suspension, though the CVT exhibited an unexpected surge of acceleration at higher speeds.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged version with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, paired with an intelligent AWD system, provided an exhilarating drive. Fuel economy varied across configurations, with the turbocharged powertrain offering 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, with tight steering and minimal body roll, making it a joy on back roads.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra provided decent interior space, particularly in the front. It offered competitive front-row headroom and legroom but lagged behind in rear-seat legroom. The Zero Gravity seats were notably comfortable, and the cabin design allowed for excellent forward visibility. The Sentra featured 404 litres of trunk space, surpassing some rivals, and included practical elements like heated front seats and mirrors, remote engine start, and dual-zone climate control.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while visually appealing, sacrificed practicality for style. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, with a total of 1,333 litres, but rear passenger space was limited. The sedan's trunk space was only 374 litres. The design created significant blind spots, impacting rearward visibility. Despite these drawbacks, the Mazda3's interior was beautifully crafted, offering a premium feel.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra's tech offerings were functional but somewhat outdated. The base model featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch version. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though not wireless. The SV and SR models added a six-speaker audio system and additional USB ports. The graphics on the screens appeared dated, but the system was user-friendly, retaining physical knobs for volume and tuning.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a rotary controller for its infotainment system, which required some adjustment but offered a safer alternative to touchscreens. The standard 8.8-inch display could be upgraded to a 10.25-inch screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on upper trims. A wireless charging pad and a Bose audio system were available. The system was well-equipped, though the screen's positioning limited its touchscreen functionality.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra received mixed safety ratings. It earned a "Good" rating in the original side-impact test but only "Acceptable" in the updated version. Front crash prevention scored "Advanced" during the day but "Basic" at night. The Sentra included standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard. Higher trims added automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist.