2021 Mazda3 vs 2021 Corolla

2021 Mazda3 vs 2021 Toyota Corolla | San Juan Capistrano, CA

The compact car segment isn’t usually known for excitement. By and large, most offerings vie for the best fuel economy and safety ratings. Both of those things are important, to be sure, but as Mazda has shown with the Mazda3, you can have those things and an engaging driving experience.

Below, you’ll find our head-to-head comparison of the 2021 Mazda3 Sedan Select and the 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan SE. In the table, you’ll find numbers and specs. Below that, you’ll find some more in-depth comparisons.
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2021 Mazda3 Sedan Select

vs

2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan SE

$22,700

MSRP

$22,475
2.5L 4-cyl

Engine

2.0L 4-cyl

186 hp / 186 lb-ft

Horsepower / Torque

169 hp / 151 lb-ft

6-speed auto

Transmission

 CVT
FWD or AWD

Drivetrain

 FWD
26/35/30

Fuel Economy

 31/40/34

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More Powertrain Options

With the 2021 Corolla, there’s just the one option: CVT or six-speed manual gearbox. That’s it. You’re stuck with an underpowered and underwhelming 2.0L four-cylinder and FWD. The 2021 Mazda3 is a completely different story. You can choose from one of three engines: the 2.5L four-cylinder listed above, a 2.0L four-cylinder, and a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder. The 2.0L produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque; it gets 28/36/31 mpg. The 2.5L turbo-four gets up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. It gets 23/32/27 mpg. The 2021 Mazda3 is also available in both FWD and AWD options.

2021 Mazda3 close-up grille
2021 Mazda3 cockpit showcase

Engaging Driving Experience

No matter which powertrain you pick, the 2021 Mazda3 feels better to drive. Even the 2.0L four-cylinder has more get-up-and-go than the Corolla. The 2.5L turbo-four in particular offers a jolt of adrenaline rarely seen in this automotive segment, but the naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder holds its own. The precise steering and agile handling combine with the powertrain to make for an unrivaled driving experience.

2021 Mazda3 rear exterior view

For more details on the 2021 Mazda3, give Capistrano Mazda a call.

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