The competition for the compact car segment is heated, but the Toyota Corolla continues to be the best-selling model for the segment. View the strengths that the Corolla has compared to the Mazda3, one of its compact car rivals. Here are four advantages of the 2023 Toyota Corolla over the 2023 Mazda3. 

2023 Toyota Corolla has higher fuel economy than the 2023 Mazda3

The first advantage of the 2023 Toyota Corolla over the 2023 Mazda3 is its higher fuel economy. Considering how expensive gasoline is these days, an efficient car like the Corolla translates to a great deal of savings at the pump.

The fully gas-powered Corolla has an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, compared to 28 city/37 highway mpg for the Mazda3. And for even greater efficiency, there’s the Corolla Hybrid. It gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 53 city/52 highway mpg. 

Unlike the 2023 Mazda3, the 2023 Corolla offers a high-performance ‘hot hatch’

The second advantage of the 2023 Toyota Corolla over the 2023 Mazda3 is, unlike the Mazda3, the Corolla offers a high-performance “hot hatch.” This comes courtesy of the first-ever GR Corolla. It features a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, which delivers 300 horsepower. In comparison, the most powerful engine that the Mazda3 offers is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which generates 250 horsepower.

The GR Corolla is geared toward driving enthusiasts, for a six-speed manual is the only type of transmission available. It also offers a sporty rear spoiler, a vented bulge hood, and limited-slip differentials.

Toyota Corolla is more reliable than the Mazda3

The third advantage of the 2023 Corolla over the 2023 Mazda3 is reliability. The Corolla earned a higher J.D. Power reliability rating than the Mazda3 — with a score of 85/100, compared to 74/100 for the Mazda3.

With its high reliability, drivers of the Corolla can have the peace of mind that the compact car will probably run strong for many miles and years — and not leave one stranded on the side of the road. The reliability also means there will likely be less maintenance and repair needs, resulting in savings over the long haul.

Unlike the 2023 Mazda3, the 2023 Corolla offers a complimentary maintenance plan

The fourth advantage of the 2023 Corolla over the 2023 Mazda3 is, unlike the Mazda3, the Corolla offers a complimentary maintenance plan. All new Corolla models have ToyotaCare, which is good for two years or 25,000 miles. ToyotaCare for the Corolla includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, multipoint inspections, and topping off of fluids. 

Also, there are more Toyota dealerships than Mazda dealerships. This makes servicing the Corolla a more convenient endeavor for most owners.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla has advantages over the 2023 Mazda3 for fuel economy, a high-performance “hot hatch model,” reliability, and a complimentary maintenance plan. When considering which compact car to get, these are factors to keep in mind.