Mazda3 Hatchback vs Toyota Corolla (2023) Comparison / Choose Your Compromise

While they won't make moving out any easier, these two hatches offer distinct takes on what cheap, new transportation can look like. Today I'll show the highlights and nuances to so that you can try to decide which is better. Also, if you need a practical hatch, just find a honda civic bro.

Thank you, Royal South Mazda Volvo, for letting me test drive the Mazda3 for today’s video.

I'd also like to thank Royal South Toyota for giving me some time with the Corolla!

Full Mazda3 Review

Mazda3 MT Review

Mazda3 AWD test

Full Toyota Corolla Review

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Intro: 00:00
Price / Exterior: 00:18
Cargo: 03:09
Interior Toyota: 03:46
Interior Mazda: 06:15
Mazda Drive: 09:27
Toyota Drive: 14:41
Reliability: 19:15
Wrap-up: 20:08

[Realistick]

Small correction, peak turbo power in the Mazda3 comes in at just 5, 000 rpm (not 5, 500)

[Chriskary]

I’d choose the Mazda! Mazda just has a cool factor and a sporty feeling to it!

[markcoopers]

I know many rag on the Mazda rotory style infotainment, and I'm biased as an owner. But memorizing the button locations around the rotory knob makes navigating both the standard UI and AAuto much quicker than trying to only use the knob (as many reviewers present as the only way to use it). Home, back, navigation, favorites, and music buttons jump you right to the appropriate app or page, and the buttons themselves are located right around the rotory knob which is where your hand naturally rests.

Combine that with a play/pause/skip toggle on the steering wheel and navigation of they system is quick and I never have to adjust my shoulder away from where it needs to be for my normal driving position like you may have to if you were reaching up and over to a touch screen in the center dash.

[StopWhatYerDoing]

If the Mazda offered a manual in the lower trims, I would've definitely gotten it instead. However, the 2022 Corolla offered a manual on both trims, so I saved myself some money and got an SE six speed. However, the Corolla doesn't feel cheap, it's got good visibility, and the shifter feels notchy and precise. I don't think I've heard of anyone else say it feels light and disconnected. The clutch is light, but it's not hard to find the bite point and I'm never guessing what gear I'm in. Also, for the segment, 169hp is honestly plenty decent. Sure more power would be nice, but it's got enough power and can move quickly if you need to. I also love the visibility and independent rear suspension on the Corolla, it rides really well and I think for the price point, is a very well rounded car and shouldn't be quickly dismissed. However if all hatchbacks only came in automatics, I'd hands down get the Mazda, as I'd prefer a traditional automatic over a CVT. They both have their merits and drawbacks, but they're both great cars. It just depends on what the customer values more.

[VBar]

I was torn between these two and the civic. After test drives I went with the Mazda 3 HB due to the premium feel of the interior and a proper 6 speed automatic transmission. Though all three are great I am very happy with the Mazda.

[andrewp]

I test drove both before my purchase. However slightly different variants in the UK, there is no turbo Mazda 3, just a 186bhp 2.0l e-skyactive-x and a 122bhp base model. The Corolla is a 1.8 or 2.0 l 195bhp hybrid CVT only which gives some serious MPG. However I chose the Mazda for 3 reasons: 1) the more premium cabin 2) bose sound system with sub woofer 3) most importantly the Mazda was quieter on road noise despite the more sporty feel.

[arbaz]

Love my Mazda 3! Got it in February of this year

[stingrayl]

I'm like the only person on the internet that really likes the (nonGR) Corolla hatch. I guess it all just comes together right for me.

[justincarlson]

16, 000km into my 2023 Mazda hatch turbo. Love it

[vlj]

Man, that shot at 14:50, the huge difference in outward visibility, when the camera view switched to the Corolla.

[stoutlager]

Well this is timely. I'm shopping now and narrowed it down to these two. Currently leaning towards a manual mazda 3. I haven't been able to test drive the Toyota yet. It would be a harder choice if the Toyota had a manual option.

[mylifethaidiy]

I would choose the Corolla. I prefer the traditional hatchback shape and flat lying seats are a must for me, for hauling cargo. The self cleaning of the valves on their direct injection is also a must, compared to other manufacturers that have the added expense of constantly having to have the engine tore down to physically clean the carbon off the valves to get rid of engine misfires that contribute to plugged catalytic converters and then you don't pass the emissions test.

[genzigzag]

Thanks for the review! I've been helping my niece buy her first new car. It's going to be an entry level sedan and or hatchback. She sat in the Mazda3 hatchback, loved everything about the interior but the rearward visibility was far from acceptable...

[bag]

Hi, I'm happy for your recent great success and hope you are doing good. I'm not sure why people would buy Corolla hatch, maybe Mazda 3 C pillar is bad looking, but if I were to buy one car of this class it would have been Mazda 3 Turbo for sure( if they offered it with manual it would have been perfect).

[samt]

With a manual that Corolla is a completely different car, because the power band is so high you work for the power vs having it rubber band all over the place. Wish they kept the stick in the Corollas. Also with a short shifter and bushing upgrade it is a very engaging manual to drive. I love mine!

[christopherhurtle]

I just purchased a 2022 Toyota Corolla xse it handles phenomenally yeah it doesn't have the most amount of power it has plenty of good features the interior feels amazing I am truly loving this vehicle and the Toyota reliability for me seals the deal I know this Toyota will Outlast that Mazda

[noahhoffman]

Thank you for making the comparison!! I was racking my brain with all the different specs and features.

[frankgyure]

I just bought the Mazda CX30 Premium. Love it. Hard to find a Mazda 3 in stock.

[OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

Tip - instead of patting your head to show the head height, consider tur ing your hand tall wise: this will show "fingers-high" instead of us guessing "well, his hand appeared to move X distance". 👍

[riseabove]

First time here. You ARE a good reviewer. Subbed so I can watch more.