Consumers don’t buy compact cars as much as they used to — but notable exceptions are Mazda with the stylish Mazda3, as well as the Toyota Corolla. In this article, we highlight the strengths that the Mazda3 has compared to the Corolla. Here are four advantages that the 2023 Mazda3 has over the 2023 Toyota Corolla. 

2023 Mazda3 has more powerful engine options than the standard 2023 Toyota Corolla

The first advantage of the 2023 Mazda3 compact car over the 2023 Toyota Corolla is the Mazda3 has more powerful engine options than the standard Corolla model. The base-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the Mazda3 produces 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. And for even greater performance, you can get the available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. 

In comparison, the engines offered for the standard Corolla model are much weaker. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates just 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, while the available hybrid powertrain produces only 138 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. There’s a separate “hot hatch” version of the Corolla with the GR Corolla model, which has a higher engine output. However, the standard Corolla doesn’t match up well for performance compared to the Mazda3.

2023 Mazda3 has better driving dynamics than the 2023 Corolla

The second advantage of the 2023 Mazda3 over the 2023 Toyota Corolla is its better driving dynamics. Mazda has a much-deserved reputation for producing cars that are fun-to-drive — and the Mazda3 is no exception. Automotive experts, such as Car and Driver, rate the Mazda3 as one of the best non-luxury compact cars in terms of driving dynamics. 

The automotive site highlights the Mazda3’s “natural-feel steering and taut body control.” The Mazda3 also has agile handling that enables it to fluidly drive through curves and around corners. On top of that, it provides a refined and comfortable ride.

Mazda3 offers more passenger space than the Toyota Corolla

The third advantage of the 2023 Mazda3 compact car over the 2023 Toyota Corolla is it offers more passenger space. Both the Mazda3 and Corolla can seat up to five people. However, the Mazda3 has a total passenger volume of 92.8 cu-ft for the Sedan and 92.7 cu-ft for the Hatchback, compared to 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback. 

2023 Mazda3 has a more upscale cabin than the 2023 Corolla

The fourth advantage of the 2023 Mazda3 over the 2023 Corolla is its more upscale cabin. By nature, mainstream compact cars typically have a basic interior — in order to make them more affordable and appeal to budget-minded automotive shoppers. However, despite its low price, the Mazda3 has a cabin with a premium look and feel that one might expect to find in a luxury car. 

Additionally, the Mazda3 offers interior features that are not available in the Corolla. This includes a head-up display, an interior cargo shade, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, a seat memory function, and a dual-zone climate control system.

The 2023 Mazda3 has advantages over the 2023 Toyota Corolla for its powerful engine options, driving dynamics, passenger space, and upscale cabin. These are factors to consider when deciding which compact car to get.