2024 Toyota GR Corolla vs. Mazda3: Which Is the BEST Turbocharged Hot Hatch for Under $40K?

( www.alltfl.com/) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! For just under $40,000 (at least on paper), the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla and Mazda3 deliver turbocharged performance with AWD, though each car takes a notably different approach to the notion of a "hot hatchback". Still, both cars cost about the same and pack about the same amount of power...so which one is a better buy? Alex and Kase take a closer look at both and compare!
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#car #review #hothatch

[@luis.capsalot8124]

I want to see a race between these 2. Very disappointed that you didn't show this on this video !!! ☹️😞😤

[@jaytejada1861]

That’s what I’m saying!!

[@izaakwilliamz3120]

Wait! No race ? I wont watch it

[@julioangel1839]

I own a mazda and the infotainment is not hard to use at all if anything it's easier because you can use it without having to even look once you learn where everything is

[@brytonmunro5270]

The gripe about the infotainment using the dial like bmw and Audi also use, from reviewers that don’t actually live with the car, is absurd.

[@bryaninnc5511]

Agreed. I have no issue using the scroll wheel in Miata.

[@Talerigm]

Because they don't live with the car. there is some learning curve, but overall it's pretty convenient.

[@markcoopers1930]

My 22' Mazda3 Turbo HB has been great. Reliable, comfortable, practical. Interior isn't cut rate. Efficient on road trips, fun in the turns and back-roads. And apparently more confidence inspiring in a blizzard than the CR-V, MDX, and RAV4 i was stuck behind and had to get around a few months back. Price on mine was 33k new since it was the turbo without the top premium plus trim, no markup. Not a hot hatch. No manual transmission, and it relies on throttle to even out turns in spite if its rear suspension, but never eliminates understeer fully. Stability at speeds that shake hands with the limiter isn't the best (which, hey, probably not relevant for street use), so its no CTR or ITS competitor (but then it isn't priced like one either) "Warm" hatch feels appropriate, and given the mix of power, features, and value for the price, it offers something more as a package than you'll get from most of its competion. And I'd I'd take its reliability, power, and extra features over a similarly priced A3 (have to get an A4 45 S-line at $44k to match power, then add another $6-8k to match features, & reliability cannot be matched) or A-class. Spicier than a Civic Touring or anything the non GR Corolla offers. More comfortable and feature-full than the Elantra N and WRX. Its a unique mix that doesn't quite put it fairly in one category. But MOST importantly both of these are awesome because they're not a crossover.

[@Stuka87]

I disagree with your guys thoughts on the Mazda's infotainment. It is WAY easier to use while driving than a touch screen. You don't have to look where your hand is, you don't have to worry about clicking the wrong thing because of a bump. Their little dial setup actually works pretty good.

[@jason8897386]

I went with the Mazda and could not be happier. I was looking at Audi A3, Corolla GR, Subaru WRX and Mazda 3 Turbo. Bottom line is the Mazda gives you more for your money and the engine is bullet proof when it comes to reliability. As a daily driver its more in line with a luxury car but with the power and AWD can get you out of mud and snow situations. Not to mention it corners really well.

[@nonexistence7986]

Congrats, how do you like the seat comfort and how good is the cabin quietness?

[@Drewhasit]

Physical controls can become muscle memory. Trying to use a touch screen on a bumpy freeway is not as easy

[@Suction_]

They're more apples than oranges. The mazda is not a hot hatch. Yes its got a ton of power and a few subtle go fast looks, but it's more of a grand tourer. It's far more practical day to day than any corolla hatch being the rear seat room is easily worst in segment, as well as the laughable hatch cargo area. Mazda isn't great either, but it is significantly bigger. (I've owned both). Corolla is the true hot hatch, but it does come with the associated compromises that a hot hatch would carry. Also, the control knob is vastly superior to a touch anything.

[@KN-jw7ts]

Right?? What the hell kind of review was this?! WHERES TOMMY?!

[@tomaszregulski486]

it's 1.6 not 1.3 Engine🤷‍♂️😂

[@YoshimiPinkRobot]

Yeah. Came to the comments to make sure i wasnt going crazy

[@sneakhyperion9297]

5:34 i whole-heartedly disagree with having everything being touch screens

[@kore996]

You beat me to it with this comment. Touch screens are not there yet and in my opinion, buttons will forever be a better option for certain key features. I understand the usefulness of touchscreens and going deep into menus but for the basics there’s no way that they should ever get rid of physical buttons.

[@MavadoKen]

100% agree. Buttons are hard to get people to come in for service though. Having a screen that is constantly touched wears out much quicker and requires maintenance as opposed to scratching buttons.

[@KN-jw7ts]

I just caught that! PLEASE DONT EVER LET THIS GUY review a car moving forward. He has absolutely ZERO credibility. Lol. What. A. Dork.

[@GhenRD]

It actually is a touch screen when you are using android auto/apple car play, which realistically is what you will be using 90% of the time. Regardless, the dial/buttons work well for carplay/android auto and generally feel better to use.

[@seagrass7125]

I doubt folks are cross shopping these. Each cars mission is very different.

[@jason8897386]

I was. The lack of features and price drive me away from the Toyota.

[@ColJonSquall1]

I prefer the controls in the Mazda, and apparently the European Safety Commission agrees, they're now making it a requirement that in order to get their top safety pick, hard button controls have to be in the vehicle. Vehicles with all Touchscreens controlling everything, will not be considered because it is considered a distraction to the driver.

[@VroomNDoom2602]

That's actually so cool that Mazda didn't use a touch screen. I like the intuitiveness of the touch screen, but I think the physical controls are better overall. They're both gone now, but I think the Veloster N and Kona N still beat these for the price.

[@DannySarbs]

These 2 cars aren't even comparable. GRC rips this to pieces on the street and on the track.

[@mikelamberth9975]

Talk about apples and oranges. No one shopping for a GR would be looking at the 3, and vice versa. Totally different cars with totally different target customers.

[@DannySarbs]

These guys are so out of touch. Typical boomer energy from these guys. Weird comparison.

[@iluvcakes19]

"everything touch screen"...no, hell no! So glad this guy isn't in charge of anything.

[@jimsgaragetoys]

You guys need to stay current. The mark ups on the GR Corolla are mostly all gone. I see most people getting them at MSRP and even a lot of new owners below MSRP. I never understood all the complaints on any car and all the soft/hard touch surfaces. My hands are on the steering wheel, shifter, brake handle, and control buttons and knobs. Those are all perfectly fine on both cars. I don't drive down the road pushing on the dash as you did in the Mazda, ever, on any car. I also love the cloth seats in the GR Corolla, I've always preferred cloth seats as they just work better and I don't slide on them at all. I also don't burn my legs in the summer heat if I'm wearing shorts! I do have to disagree with you on the looks of the Mazda. I think it looks great until you get to the C pillar, and it goes terribly wrong from there. The C pillar is so huge and disproportionate that it looks odd to me and always has. I've never liked the way this generation HB looks in this regard, absolutely hideous. I've driven the Mazda3 Turbo and with a manual I think it would have been so much more fun. With an auto, it never had a chance for me. The bottom line is the GR Corolla is 10x more fun to drive, so it's wins this comparison hands down.

[@lazarushernandez5827]

You can get a Mazda 3 Carbon Turbo with the same drivetrain as the loaded Premium Plus in the comparison for a lot less.

[@joecool9739]

The Mazda is actually more luxurious than the Acura ILX...despite Acura being a "luxury brand" and Mazda not

[@gabrieliacoboni6951]

Touchscreens have improved. Literally gets in car with touchscreen and runs slower than the first Iphone. Understand the Corolla is a enthuiast product but that cheap interior, tiny engine being battered and bruised and lack of storage to say nothing of price. If i wanted a true enthusiast product worth the money Id either go with Honda or Hyundai and the end line.

[@atmartens]

Agreed. The N is the better value but the CTR or Type S would be the better choice.

[@GR_Papi]

I picked the the GR Corolla ❤

[@user-cy1kf4jl4q]

Alex and Case , excellent review ! Enjoyed y'alls perspective !

[@KN-jw7ts]

WHAT?! That legitimately could have been the worst review I’ve ever seen. And I’m not trying to be mean, but the fact that he said “everything should be screens” shows how out of touch and clueless this character is, ppl like him being part of focus groups is why so many manufacturers have lost the plot. TOMMY…..come and get this guy outta here. While you’re at it, the other one isn’t much better.

[@bigcuce21]

The comment about touchscreens needed in the Mazda is a bit childish. You are using a car not an iPad, so keeping your eye on the road should be the focus. Physical controls give you tactile feedback so you don’t have to look down and see if you touched the screen in the right place.

[@user-yd1dx5qs4j]

Touch screens are also more prominent to fail and malfunction. Physical controls are the way to go.

[@mk3less]

I'm not sure what year mazda this is in the video, but i just picked up a 2024 mazda 3 turbo, and it does have a touch screen when using android auto or apple car play. I also prefer the control over touching the screen. Seems like these guys should have done a little more homework before reviewing the car.

[@kens8903]

The Mazda touchscreen works on Apple CarPlay

[@jason8897386]

For the 2024 model , I have a 2023. NO touch for anything. I don't care though. I was used to the Audi dial and it works very similar

[@kens8903]

@@jason8897386 I have the 2023, CX 50 and it’s touch on Apple CarPlay

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

1:02 It's 1.6L not 1.3L. One is a manual hot hatch. The other is an entry-level luxury hatchback.

[@christopherbassit2757]

Gr corolla all day. Had mine for over a year now

[@mazdarene]

GR 1.3L really bro? Nah I think you’re very wrong or something is 1.6L 3 cyl.

[@PhillioDoede]

Mazda needs a Mazdaspeed package for the 3. Drivetrain is fine but add a appearance package and firm up the suspension, maybe a MT option would be all it needs.

[@kiplonto7524]

$10 says this beats a speed 3 around a track.

[@PhillioDoede]

@@kiplonto7524 No doubt. Only problem is it doesn't look like should.

[@lannym]

@@kiplonto7524 Nobody is tracking a Mazda 3 AWD. Between the torsion bar rear suspension, auto trans, shit tires and brakes, this thing probably wouldn't even make it around a track...

[@MavadoKen]

5:40 "Tell us you love the Golf R without saying it."

[@Brandon-mf5uh]

Did you let the GR motor time to warm up? The car will not allow full boost until oil temp and coolant temp reaches the optimal threshold.

[@WestUCoog]

GR all day long!

[@enjoylife7030]

I love the styling and interior of the Mazda3. I am not a performance car shopper nor would I really consider either of these two in the performance category. For me they are both well overpriced for what you get new. I just found a '23 Mazda3 AWD with less then 20K miles selling for under $25K. For me a slightly used one in the 20-25K price range would be the way I would go.

[@lastnamefirstname520]

Is that a question? The Corolla is far superrior to anything else in the hot hatch market (even audi s3 or golf r)

[@thecrazyroker69]

The corolla is the new age sti, whilst the mazda is like an audi, more upscale and grownup,

[@russogc48]

I would like to see this mazda with coilovers and tune doing a track test

[@thecrazyroker69]

The mazda wins everything except that the corolla comes in a manual transmission, which would be my choice, hot hatches to me should at least be available with a manual

[@FeedYourGreed]

And you know, horse power and fun to drive factor. Not to mention the likely resale value being better on the Corolla.

[@thecrazyroker69]

@@FeedYourGreed fun factor is based on preference a miata barely has 180hp now and is one of the best and most fun cars to drive, resale i agree with you. Because the corolla will be the more limited production car,

[@thecrazyroker69]

@@FeedYourGreed fun factor is based on preference a miata barely has 180hp now and is one of the best and most fun cars to drive, resale i agree with you. Because the corolla will be the more limited production car,

[@boiipauly]

I love my gr corolla, i modified my core model with a little suspension mods, wheels and carbon fiber (bc the core doesnt come with the carbon roof). If i was older i probably would pick the mazda bc daily driving with a manual isnt always fun.

[@user-do9ir8lv2m]

There is NOTHING wrong or cheap about the Toyota or it's screen

[@anthonykiedis1765]

You are 100% correct. But compared to the Mazda3, the Toyota interior looks cheap.

[@drjekyll5922]

It's a hot hatch it's supposed to feel cheap and faster than shits you take after taco Tuesday

[@anthonykiedis1765]

@@drjekyll5922 every other hot hatch on the market has a nicer interior (Type-R, Type-S, Golf R). Toyota just decided to put a 25k interior in a 45k car for some reason.

[@DragonKnightX12]

​​​​​@@drjekyll5922That's because hot hatches were supposed to be dirt cheap. Now they cost the same as a turbo 4 BMW or Mustang GT. Markups pushing these cars into the $50k range.

[@user-uo6zg2eh2h]

I’d buy the toy just because of the manual. I miss having that option.

[@gabepettinicchio7454]

Never understood why the sportier hatch would not have a manual as a choice, but the more conservative sedan does. Does anyone know Mazda's reasoning behind this? Also, the price difference would be few $1000 less (manual & AWD). Also, to consider is that the AWD system has the weight of an additional 200lb human being. I could never get by with an info. screen the size of my bedroom tv. It's a sore thumb!

[@davidhoover2446]

Based on the corollas I’ve driven they usually have a lot of harshness coming up from the road vibrating my feet and legs. I don’t like that and it feels cheap. So, I probably wouldn’t even look at the toyota.

[@user-tg8do2kr4v]

Thee are NOT harsh and they certainly don't feel cheap

[@XristosAnastasios]

1.6 3 cylinder not 1.3 🤦

[@seumasmackinlay]

Have to disagree about the touch screens. I’m totally fine with and even like screens for instrumentation, but not for stuff I have to actively control

[@pernell4351]

Manual all way its say mazda does it offer a manual in that trim? Now the Honda Civic Will work too. Civic SI manual 6SP for $30,000

[@DanielKeithMorrison]

Im glad mazda has no touch screen.

[@user-tg8do2kr4v]

Both are best in class and BOTH will sell like hotcakes

[@barrycrosby8602]

The Japanese make the best cars on the planet, nothing comes close to quality refinement and reliability, simply because they have engineers running their companies rather than pen pushing accountants

[@fredwinter2978]

That's an old phrase. Where did you copy it from?

[@michaelpopp6340]

I really dislike the corollas small 3 cyl. They at least need to make it a 1.8 to 2.5 liter 4cyl, so its not so maxxed out and overworked in stock form. It's rare to see any cars making 3 horsepower per cubic inch and rare to see 100 horsepower per cylinder like the gr. I just dont expect this engine to be reliable long term and it also leaves very little room for growth in upgrading this powerplant. 2 horsepower per cubic inch is a much more stable and reasonable level for a turbo engine in stock form.

[@atmartens]

The c pillar on the Mazda makes me not a fan of it. The front looks great, but then again it’s a corporate grill so the front of every Mazda looks clean and nice. The interior is nice but I couldn’t do the rotary. I personally prefer the touch screen. The Toyota being a 3cylinder is wild to me. It’s great but just not my cup of tea in regards to interior styling. I really think for 35K, I’d do an Integra.

[@getlosttoday4045]

Sorry but the manual seals the deal!

[@InfiniteMishaps]

Seems like the Type R would be a better daily than either of these. Although it is more expensive and lacks awd.

[@miketwotwenty]

Type r is more of a track hot hatch! Mazda is honestly the better daily!

[@lilripsta911]

Fwd sucks

[@InfiniteMishaps]

@@miketwotwenty The weird knob controlled display would be a no go for me. Otherwise I like it.

[@InfiniteMishaps]

@@lilripsta911 AWD is great but not necessary. I'd take the extra room in the Civic over AWD. That said I do feel the Type R, or Type S should have had an AWD option.

[@frankmartinez6880]

Make it a Mazdaspeed3 with a manual transmission and I'll buy one. Until then, I'll take the gr or the gti.

[@StardustADV]

I like the corolla, manual would be fun on the local twisty mountain roads. If only toyota dealers could stop going insane with the mark ups.

[@TomZ23]

Every time someone gripes about the control knob for the entertainment system, it tells me they haven't used the system for more than a couple of days. Once you learn your way around it, the system is great. You can pretty much do everything without moving your eyes from looking forward. I have been using it for a couple of years, and I love it.

[@markpanda9761]

1.6

[@billermanthegreat]

The mazda looks pretty tough from the front angle shot. It's a pretty car even if it looks like a dog squatting

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥

[@craig8638]

I love touch screens.

[@kiplonto7524]

you must be a bot.

[@craig8638]

@@kiplonto7524😂😂😂

[@mtvisdead7208]

You can easily get a few K off the sticker on the Mazda in most areas.

[@liberty193]

Toyota will hold its value better

[@cpftank09]

No drag race!? That’s what everyone came to see. Lol

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

This might be the only review I've seen where the big bulbous, ill-defined, rearward visibility constricting rear end of the Mazda Hatch is complimented...I don't know, maybe it looks better in person, but it's not for me. I feel like the last few generations of the 3 hatch, Mazda either gets the front or back end designs right, but not both at the same time.

[@GhenRD]

Mazda 3 is not a hot hatch, and the screen is a touch screen when using apple carplay/android auto, which is realistically what you will be using 90% of the time.

[@nickletoon9854]

How to compare cars with different gear-shift?? But Mazda is much better)

[@craig8638]

Torque on the Mazda is impressive.

[@stevenwhitt4446]

It's 1 second faster to 60😂big difference

[@davidhoover2446]

Keep up the good work giving your subjective opinions. I’d rather have that than a “review” video where you rattle off facts. I like to hear the professional opinions.

[@IndependentObserver-eb9pv]

Mazda 3 is looking sexy as always.

[@elliottlee1050]

The guy who "really wanted heated seats, I mean not like he was asking for ventilated..." in an ATV is A-O-Kay with no heated seats in a $63k COROLLA(as priced real 🌎)😂 Sure Jan - personally The GR bc it's just neater looking. & non of ya better be taking a snow day tomorrow with all your 4wd Mister Manly trucks 😂since we all hear how One "needs" it. So don't 🐈‍⬛️out & stay home cuz ya know snow. Waving from La La land 😂

[@biosupdate7449]

I’m whippin an 08 charger RT, and I love it for its giant amount of room, and the 5.7 HEMI is just such a fun time, but honestly I think an AWD Hot hatch would be so awesome too! Good mpg, speed, maneuverability, looks and cargo space all in a cozy little package! All at the cost of a few comfort features and driver/passenger space though… good day to be a small guy🤣

[@drnick40]

Mazda always gives more for less. The quality of Mazda could be better as well.

[@joecool9739]

Mazda has awesome quality

[@NismoFinder]

Am I missing something? Why the Hell are these two cars being compared? They're not even close to being the same. Other than both being a hatch, the GR is in an entirely different league. GR is a performance oriented hot hatch that runs circles around that Mazda in almost every situation. This is silly.

[@kejorafall]

Vs with no race is plane boring

[@robervin9107]

❤. Tremendous job guys. Absolutely incredible. I would pick the sedan version of the Toyota. Awd.

[@TomZ23]

5:27 This guy is so out of touch with safety. To use a touch screen you have to look at it. To use common controls like those in Mazdas is much safer and it keeps your eyes on the road.

[@ComptechTypeS]

I own a 23 Mazda3 Turbo and to call it a HOT hatch is more than a stretch.

[@wanee8039]

I was just at a Mazda dealership a couple days ago and it does have a manual transmission available in the premium version turbo. 🤔

[@brentvance3958]

That front grill is fugly

[@kore996]

Mazda 3 hatchback… I just can’t get over the back end looking pretty bad and like they rushed the design. I really like the older versions like the Mazda Speed I think it was called. I am currently running a GR corolla circuit edition 🇨🇦.

[@naveenthemachine]

Mazda or Honda or VW or Hyundai are the best. Not Toyota

[@dnice362]

50k for a for Corolla is criminal

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Not if it’s built to roast a BMW.

[@dnice362]

@@mrgurulittle7000 lol you can do that with a lot of other cars and built haha so no warranty?

[@dnice362]

The 50k plus plus the money to build you can just buy a m2 with warranty

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@dnice362Then buy an M2. The Corolla has its own charm and its own driving dynamics that would attract its own fan base.

[@dnice362]

@@mrgurulittle7000 oh I would I will not pay 50k for a Corolla at 39k it’s great car

[@blackduncan9812]

Not sure if the buyer of these cars are cross shopping these two. Ones a sporty hatch like a mini cooper s, civic si, ect while the other is a rally "homologation" special.

[@valentinorossi7771]

The corolla is 1.6 and NOT 1.3. Do your research before making the video.

[@kiplonto7524]

touch screens for everything. Sorry dude you lost all credibility with me.

[@huang221]

The comparison of these two cars are meaningless.

[@cartopia6161]

Mazda3 turbo for styling, livability, and reliability. Owned several Mazdas all easily going over 150k+ with no issues.

[@amatiphone9644]

Mazda is vanilla

[@brentvance3958]

I would pick a Mustang

[@Baldingbry]

Uuuum golf R…?!?!

[@cwclarkephotos9551]

I don’t like chicken grease so my screen

[@phillipbruni2434]

$40k +, how can the average person afford this sh!t?!? The average price of a new car is $46-47k, wtf?!?

[@phillipbruni2434]

Oh and one note, in 10 years, that Toyota will just be broken in while that Mazda will be a money pit

[@markcoopers1930]

​​@@phillipbruni2434 Bet. Send a note in 8yrs, I'll have a full Excel sheet of my costs.

[@davidjernigan8161]

The tiny little engine in the Toyota will not last as long, and lacking the option to run on regular is another hit.

[@petermavus4131]

Both in your face stickers

[@palebeachbum]

Neither is worth $40k to me, but if I were looking to buy something like this, it would be the Mazda. It's going to be a better daily drive. It's vastly better looking. The interior design and quality are much better. It's got more space. 250hp is plenty enough in a car like this to get you in trouble. Sorry, but the Corolla is effing ugly and the interior is crappy.

[@gabrieliacoboni6951]

You can get the Mazda with hefty discounts because dealers will negotiate. The Corolla, good luck.

[@palebeachbum]

@@gabrieliacoboni6951 excellent point.

[@raymikes1234]

The Mazda has questionable quality, and they all have big rust issues. Get the Toyota

[@gabrieliacoboni6951]

@@raymikes1234 Yes, but unlike the GR the Mazda is using a tried and true decade old drive train and the vehicle itself has a track record running back multiple years. The GR is either only in its second or third year and thus that makes it hard to assess its reliability.

[@nicholasmendez2291]

​@gabrieliacoboni6951 understandable but regardless of the platforms age, one is a toyota, and the other is a mazda. When was the last time toyota released a vehicle that turned out to be unreliable? I think it deserves the benefit of the doubt given toyotas reputation. I loke mazda but you cant necessarily say the same about them. In the end I don't really think these cars are very comparable anyways. The corolla is a manual and more sporty car that can put up impressive times on a track while the mazda is a more tame and daily drivable car with a splash of a sportyness.

[@makecorollagreatagain1876]

Why do car companies have to do stupid ish like that just put a damn 6 speed manual in it. And Toyota needs to bring back the manual in the Apex. That little engine in the GR is going to ware out much faster far as I'm concerned they still have not made Corolla great again 😪

[@sao007]

Vw gti

[@bionicwolf3342]

Chrome trim is a deal breaker. Hate it.

[@tonyoliver2330]

Mazda will age better and be a way better car to live with. The GR Corolla will be the next Focus RS, forgettable.

[@chemjam92]

The Mazda is ugly and will break down in 5 years. The Corolla looks better and will last 20 years. The Mazda is ugly interior and no touch screen. Auto can't be considered hot hatch.