2018 Mazda3 Sedan vs. 2019 Toyota Corolla Sedan
The Toyota Corolla is one of the big names in the affordable sedan market, but it is by no means the best. The Mazda3 sedan is just as stylish, just as dependable, and just as fun to drive – if not more so. In fact, if you put the 2018 Mazda3 sedan next to the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan, few people would be able to tell you which was which without seeing the nameplate on one of the bumpers.
When you look a little closer, some more subtle differences start to emerge. By examining those differences carefully, you can make a better decision about which sedan might be the better choice for you. Here's a closer look at the 2018 Mazda3 sedan and the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan:
Size Comparison
Both the 2018 Mazda3 sedan and the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan will seat five passengers comfortably. Most of the dimensions for head and leg room are within less than an inch of each other between the Mazda3 and the Toyota Corolla, so passengers will enjoy a comfortable ride in both sedans.
The 2018 Mazda3 is 180 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 57 inches high, making it just a tide wider and shorter than the Toyota Corolla.
You'll get 12.4 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk of the 2018 Mazda3 sedan, compared with 13 cubic feet in the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan. Overall, the sizing on the Mazda3 is a bit lower than the Toyota Corolla, but the numbers are so close that most people won't notice the difference unless they have very particular needs.
Interior Differences
Neither the Mazda3 nor the Toyota Corolla is meant to be a luxury vehicle, but you'll enjoy stylish interiors and a range of features in both compact sedans.
The 2018 Mazda3 sedan has beautiful interior finishes, and great attention had been paid to the ergonomics of the design, ensuring that your ride is smooth and everything is easy to reach and use. The infotainment system comes with an impressive 7-inch touchscreen display, and a central rotary controller on the console makes changing options easy. There are also steering wheel-mounted controls. The infotainment system includes voice commands, an auxiliary input, a USB connection for charging and streaming, and Bluetooth streaming for phone calls and music. A navigation system is optional.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan has upgraded its infotainment system for the new year with an 8-inch touchscreen display. The system also integrates with Amazon Alexa and Apple devices. Other interior features include adaptive cruise control, a USB connection, and auxiliary audio input.
You'll enjoy plenty of convenience features in either the 2018 Mazda3 or the 2019 Toyota Corolla, and you'll have the option to upgrade with additional features by choosing higher trim levels or by investing in options packages. Whether you are just driving to work in the morning or heading out for a long road trip, you'll have a great time and feel comfortable the whole way.
Performance
Sedans aren't known for their prowess, but both the 2018 Mazda3 sedan and the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan offer zippy performance that will make driving fun.
The 2018 Mazda3 sedan comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. With the Grand Touring trim level, you get a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G DOHC four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that puts out 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but you can get a six-speed automatic transmission as optional.
The smooth handling and sporty performance will have you loving your drive to work!
The 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan comes standard with a 2.0-liter Inline4 engine that puts out 168 horsepower, which is an upgrade over the previous model's powertrain. The six-speed manual transmission also comes standard on the Corolla, but you can upgrade to a continuously variable transmission.
Whichever sedan you choose, you'll love driving wherever you have to go. You'll be looking for excuses to get in your sedan and go for a drive!
Pricing
Maybe you're starting to get an idea of which sedan you might prefer. Now, which can you afford?
The 2018 Mazda3 sedan starts at just $18,095, which most will find affordable for their budgets. Meanwhile, the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan starts at $18,700.
With both sedans being so affordably priced, you may find that you have it in the budget to invest in a higher trim level or to spring for an options package.
If you are on a tight budget, going with the more affordably priced 2018 Mazda3 sedan would be the better choice for you. Make sure you talk to the dealership about the available offers and financing options. You may be able to afford more than you think you can.
Which is Right for You?
One of the best ways to determine which of the two sedans is better for you is to schedule a test drive of both. You'll get a feel for how they handle, and you'll experience the comfort of the interior and the ease of the convenience features for yourself. You may be surprised at how much better certain features of these sedans are in person.
Right now is a great time to shop for the 2018 Mazda3 sedan. The 2019 models will soon be hitting the dealerships, which provides an incentive to sell the remaining 2018 models. You may be able to get a fantastic deal through rebates, special offers, or better financing terms. Visit your local Mazda dealership to find out what specials are being offered and what kind of deal you might be able to get, specifically.
While you are there, make sure that you check out the more luxurious Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. You'll get enhanced convenience features, a premium interior, and more with these trim levels, and you won't have to pay much more. You'll drive off the lot feeling like you just scored a luxury vehicle for a bargain!