Mazda MAZDA3 vs. Toyota Corolla Review

Utility
When comparing sedans, the Corolla comes out ahead with more luggage room, as the Mazda3 offers about identical passenger room. However, the Mazda3 comes in a wagon form with 4.7 more cubic feet of luggage room than the Corolla has to offer.

Performance
Powering the 2010 Toyota Corolla is your choice of a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline-four or a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 dominates with a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter or a 167-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-four. Both vehicles offer five-speed automatics and five-speed manual, while the Mazda3 gets an optional six-speed manual and the base Corolla features a four-speed automatic.

Fuel Economy
Corolla gets the efficiency win by posting 22-26 mpg city and 30-35 mpg highway to the Mazda3's 21-25 mpg city and 29-33 mpg highway results. On CO2 emissions, the Corolla wins again (as CO2 emissions and mileage are closely tied together) with 6.1 to 7.3 metric tons per year beating the Mazda3's 6.6 to 7.7 tons per annum.

Technology
The base-model Corolla comes with more power features than the entry-level Mazda3 I SV sedan does, while both offer a CD player and four-speaker audio system. Both sedans offer Bluetooth technology. The top-end trims of both sedans offer standard/optional equipment including a sunroof, satellite radio, navigation and high-watt audio system upgrades.

Safety
Both sedans have available antilock brakes with brake assist, as well as a full set of airbags, but the Mazda3 has disc brakes all around while the Corolla comes with inferior drum brakes in the rear. The Corolla got Four-Star ratings in three of four government crash tests, while the Mazda3 triumphs with Five-Star ratings in three of four impact tests.

Other
The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 adds more excitement with a fresh redesign for the 2010 model year. A fair competition exists between the Toyota Corolla and Mazda Mazda3, with similar entry-level prices and equipment levels. The Corolla offers more room than the Mazda3 sedan, along with better fuel economy, but the Mazda3 is safer, quicker and much more fun to drive. Finally, the Mazda3 wagon gives you space you simply can't buy with a Corolla nameplate on it.