Compare the2025 Mazda 3VS 2024 Toyota Corolla

Safety
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mazda 3 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Toyota Corolla doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Mazda 3 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Corolla doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Mazda 3 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Corolla doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus has standard Smart Brake Support that use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The Corolla doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Mazda 3 offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Corolla doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus has a standard 360-Degree Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Corolla only offers a rear monitor.

The Mazda 3 has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Corolla’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Mazda 3 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking on the Turbo Premium Plus automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Toyota charges extra for Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on the Corolla and the Corolla’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the Mazda 3 and the Corolla have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda 3 is safer than the Toyota Corolla:

	Mazda 3	Corolla
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	89	187
Neck Injury Risk	17%	27%
Neck Stress	214 lbs.	243 lbs.
Neck Compression	27 lbs.	50 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	205/212 lbs.	330/310 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	153	356
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Compression	20 lbs.	86 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	178/201 lbs.	301/156 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Mazda 3 is much safer than the Corolla:

	Mazda 3	Corolla
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda 3 is safer than the Toyota Corolla:

	Mazda 3	Corolla
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.9 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	239 lbs.	330 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	10 inches	12 inches
HIC	199	239
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	32 G’s
Hip Force	527 lbs.	623 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mazda 3 Sedan is safer than the Corolla:

	Mazda 3	Corolla
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	89 lbs.	134 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1004 lbs.	1339 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.87 in	1.38 in
Shoulder Force	268 lbs.	312 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.87 in	1.1 in
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	335 lbs.	1026 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mazda 3 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Corolla was last only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023 but no longer qualifies.

Engine

The Mazda 3’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 22 more horsepower (191 vs. 169) and 35 lbs.-ft. more torque (186 vs. 151) than the Corolla’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Mazda 3’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 81 more horsepower (250 vs. 169) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 151) than the Corolla’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda 3 4 cyl. is faster than the Toyota Corolla (manual transmissions tested):

	3	Corolla
Zero to 60 MPH	6.9 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93 MPH	87.5 MPH

As tested in Car and Driver the Mazda 3 is faster than the Toyota Corolla (automatics tested):

	3 4 cyl.	3 turbo 4 cyl.	Corolla
Zero to 60 MPH	7.2 sec	5.6 sec	8.2 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	19.6 sec	14.3 sec	22.8 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.7 sec	6.4 sec	8.8 sec
Quarter Mile	15.6 sec	14.1 sec	16.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91 MPH	99 MPH	87 MPH
Top Speed	131 MPH	134 MPH	118 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Mazda 3 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The Corolla doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Mazda 3’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Corolla:

	Mazda 3	Mazda 3 AWD	Corolla
Front Rotors	11.02 inches	11.61 inches	10.8 inches
Rear Rotors	10.43 inches	10.43 inches	10.2 inches

The Mazda 3 stops much shorter than the Corolla:

	Mazda 3	Corolla
70 to 0 MPH	164 feet	179 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	128 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	134 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Suspension and Handling

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Mazda 3 is 1.4 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Corolla.

The Mazda 3 Premium Hatchback AWD handles at .88 G’s, while the Corolla XSE pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Corolla XSE (26.7 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Mazda 3’s turning circle is .8 feet tighter than the Corolla’s (34.8 feet vs. 35.6 feet).

Chassis

The Mazda 3 Sedan is 6.9 inches shorter than the Corolla, making the Mazda 3 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Mazda 3 Premium Hatchback is quieter than the Corolla:

	3	Corolla
At idle	40 dB	42 dB
Full-Throttle	74 dB	77 dB
70 MPH Cruising	69 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The Mazda 3 Sedan has 4.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Corolla (92.8 vs. 88.6).

The Mazda 3 Sedan has .3 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front hip room, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom, .3 inches more rear legroom and 1.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Corolla.

Cargo Capacity

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Mazda 3 Premium Hatchback has a standard power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Corolla doesn’t offer a power trunk.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Mazda 3 Preferred/Carbon/Premium, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Corolla doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Mazda 3 Premium has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Corolla doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Mazda 3 has standard Push Button Start that allows you to start the engine without removing the key from the pocket or purse. The Smart Key System costs extra on the Corolla.

The Mazda 3’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Corolla’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Mazda 3 2.5 S’ standard variable intermittent wipers have an adjustable delay to allow the driver to choose a setting that best clears the windshield during light rain or mist. The Corolla’s standard fixed intermittent wipers only have one fixed delay setting, so the driver will have to manually switch them between slow and intermittent. The Mazda 3 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Corolla SE/Nightshade/XSE’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Mazda 3 Premium has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Corolla doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the Mazda 3 Preferred/Carbon/Premium is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Corolla’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Mazda 3’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Corolla doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

On extremely cold winter days, the Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus’ standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Corolla doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Corolla doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Mazda 3 and the Corolla offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Corolla doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to the Toyota Corolla, the Mazda 3 eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Mazda 3 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Mazda 3 will cost $995 less than the Corolla over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Mazda 3 is less expensive to operate than the Corolla because typical repairs cost much less on the Mazda 3 than the Corolla, including $89 less for a starter, $44 less for fuel injection and $665 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Mazda 3 has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	Mazda 3	Corolla
Consumer Reports® Recommends	Top Pick	TRUE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	FALSE

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its October 2021 issue and they ranked the Mazda 3 Carbon Edition Sedan AWD four places higher than the Toyota Corolla.