The Toyota Corolla has been around for a very long time and is a well-known name in the automotive industry. It has been in production for almost six decades and is currently in its twelfth generation. Very few cars have been able to stick around this long and continues to deliver on its promise of being an affordable, dependable, and reliable means of transportation. Steady improvements over the years have ensured it has remained the bestselling car of all time with over 50 million units sold. But there’s a new kid on the block who may not have the Corolla's pedigree but is a worthy rival.
The Mazda 3 is barely a young adult when compared to the Corolla, but it is becoming a serious rival. It has been quite a popular choice since its launch in 2003. Now in its fourth generation, every aspect has been improved with new features and a sleek design. But let’s see if that will that be enough to bring us to Mazda’s side or stick to the trusty Toyota.
Sporty Corolla And A Stylish Mazda
- Toyota Corolla Apex and Nightshade editions have been discontinued for 2023.
- Hatchback versions are also available for the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3.
Toyota has taken a somewhat aggressive approach to the Corolla’s styling. For 2023, it has some updates to the front and rear styling which gives the car a sportier look. The updated LED headlights look cool with the large grill, but the rest of the vehicle is quite normal with its approach. 16-inch wheels come standard on the base model but higher trims have the option of bigger 18-inch wheels. Toyota has gone a bit bold with this generation’s design and this may appeal to people who want a commuter that looks sporty.
Vehicle Dimensions
Vehicle | Toyota Corolla | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
Length | 182.3 inches | 183.5 inches |
Width | 70.1 inches | 70.7 inches |
Height | 56.5 inches | 56.9 inches |
Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 107.3 inches |
Wheel size | 16-inch | 16-inch |
Weight | 2,995 pounds | 3,100 pounds |
On the other hand, the Mazda 3 is a good-looking car, its design gives it a premium look which is Mazda’s aim for this compact sedan. They want it to be the premium option among their competitors. Place both cars in one place and the Mazda’s design makes it more appealing and pulls off the premium look quite well. Its design has remained unchanged since its launch in 2019, but when it looks this good there is no need to make changes.
The Mazda 3 Has A Premium Feeling Interior
- The Mazda 3 has more interior room with 92.8 cubic feet of passenger space while the Corolla makes do with less at 88.6 cubic-feet.
- Trunk space is similar but the Mazda 3 is bigger by an inch at 13.2 cubic feet.
The Mazda’s interior does not betray its exterior look. Its layout and use of materials make it feel a bit more premium than the Corolla. Although the Mazda does not get a fully digital instrument cluster, the current display has great integration with a configurable center tach with physical gauge pods on each side. The 8.8-inch center display is bigger than the Corolla’s but the bezel design makes it look much bigger than it is. Unfortunately, it makes use of a knob instead of a touchscreen. But you do get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a 12-speaker Bose audio system which is optional.
The Corolla’s interior has been designed for simplicity and functionality. A simple gauge cluster with a four-inch display, but higher trims like the XSE gets a bigger seven-inch digital cluster with minor updates for 2023. Every Corolla now gets the eight-inch center touchscreen as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features. Optional extras include a nine-speaker JBL premium audio which is standard on higher trims. You can also opt for a wireless charging pad and ambient lighting.
Other available features on both vehicles include starter buttons, keyless entry, cruise control, lane departure warning, parking assistance with rearview cameras, and many more. The interior room is more in the Mazda which makes sense since it is a slightly bigger vehicle. But these are ultimately small vehicles with back seats that may not be suitable for large adults. Both cars have ample cargo room which can fit a similar amount of luggage.
The Corolla Is Boring But Fuel Efficient
- With a 13.2 gallon tank available in both cars the Corolla has a huge range advantage with a maximum of 540 miles.
- The Mazda has a maximum range of only 420 miles on a full tank of gas.
Only one engine option is available for the Corolla models which is the base 2.0-liter engine. It is a very efficient unit that is paired with a CVT transmission which is great for the application but offers no fun driving in the process. A hybrid model is available, but that comes with a 1.8 liter inline four which makes 138 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. It may be less powerful but gets better gas mileage at 50 MPG and has the option of four-wheel drive.
Engine Specifications
Vehicle | Toyota Corolla | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
Engine | Inline-four | Inline-four |
Displacement | 2.0-liter | 2.5-liter |
Power | 169 Horsepower | 191 Horsepower |
Torque | 151 pound-feet | 186 pound-feet |
Transmission | CVT Automatic | Six-speed manual/automatic |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive/All-wheel drive |
Fuel Economy (MPG) | 32/41 City/Highway | 28/37 City/Highway |
The Mazda powertrain is much more exciting with two available engine options. A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and the turbocharged version with 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While the base Mazda engine does produce more power than the Corolla, it does come at a cost of worse gas mileage. There is no hybrid powertrain, but you do get the option of four-wheel drive in higher trims. While a six-speed manual is still available, you can only get that with the non-turbo front-wheel drive variant. Other models come standard with the six-speed automatic.
Warranty And Safety
The Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 have both earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award which is the highest standard of safety given to motor vehicles. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is now available on all models which adds enhancements to its safety features. Hatchback and sedan models of both cars have the same safety ratings.
Toyota Corolla Vs Mazda 3 Warranty
Model | Toyota Corolla | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
Full Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years |
Full Warranty Miles | 36,000 | 36,000 |
Powertrain Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Powertrain Warranty Miles | 60,000 | 60,000 |
Maintenance Warranty | 2 Years | None |
Maintenance Warranty Miles | 25,000 | None |
Roadside Warranty | 2 Years | 3 Years |
Roadside Warranty Miles | Unlimited | 36,000 |
Corrosion Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Corrosion Warranty Miles | Unlimited | Unlimited |
When it comes to reliability, Toyota has a well-known track record with great warranty packages. The Mazda 3 has a great warranty that is on par with cars in this segment but Toyota is the only one offering complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Would You Have The Mazda 3 Or Toyota Corolla?
- Corolla prices start from $21,700 for the base trim and a bit over $27,000 for XSE with some options.
- The Mazda 3 has a higher MSRP of $22,000 and $29,400 for the non-turbo versions.
Toyota has continued to improve on the Corolla and this one is no different some optional features and updates are now standard. The safety tech has now been further improved and adds value to its already affordable price. It also has great fuel economy with the standard engine but even more with the hybrid version. The EPA has also certified the Corolla as a Green choice, it is among the 20 percent lowest-emitting passenger vehicles. It meets the daily needs of a commuter with a good range, decent technology, and updated safety features.
The Mazda 3 is a great alternative to the Corolla, interior features are better integrated with those classy dials and infotainment. You do have to sacrifice better fuel economy for that premium-feeling interior and surprisingly a more dynamic and engaging drive than the Corolla. A more powerful engine is available with the turbo version at $34,000, but at that price point, you’re very close to the Toyota GR Corolla which is a a proper hot hatch.
Mazda has refused to bring back the “Speed” version which would have been a direct competitor to the GR Corolla. The Mazda 3 does command a slightly higher price than the Corolla, but the tradeoffs will be worth it for a better-looking and feeling vehicle. Overall, the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 are great choices in the compact car segment with almost no compromise in features and reliability.