Small Car Shootout! Mazda 3 vs Toyota Corolla 2023 Comparison Review: Which Hatch Is Best?

Detailed comparison of the 2023 Toyota Corolla hybrid and 2023 Mazda 3 hatch, including engines, fuel economy, ride quality, handling and features.
The Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla are two very popular small cars in Australia and around the world. Both offer hatchback and sedan versions but today we’re comparing the five-door hatches. The Toyota Corolla is in SX hybrid hatch guise ($34,280) while the Mazda 3 is a G20e Evolve mild hybrid hatch ($33,460). Both are automatic and FWD.
These small cars compete with rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Kia Cerato, Hyundai i30, Subaru Impreza, Skoda Scala and others.
Time codes:
0:00 - You don’t need an SUV
0:10 - Budget Direct
0:17 - Hatchbacks are good value
0:30 - The cars on test
0:44 - Toyota Corolla SX hybrid
0:52 - Mazda 3 G20e Evolve
0:58 - Mid-spec trim grades
1:10 - In this video
1:19 - Mazda 3 styling
1:44 - Toyota Corolla design
2:14 - Standard features
2:35 - Toyota Corolla interior
4:16 - Toyota Corolla back seat
4:58 - Toyota Corolla boot space
5:15 - Mazda 3 interior
6:54 - Mazda 3 back seat
7:27 - Mazda 3 boot space
7:58 - Both claim to be hybrids
8:40 - Mazda 3 driving dynamics
9:00 - Mazda 3 fuel economy
9:15 - Mazda 3 engine
9:40 - Mazda 3 handling
10:00 - Mazda 3 ride quality
10:30 - Toyota Corolla hybrid engine
11:11 - Toyota Corolla fuel economy
12:28 - Toyota Corolla handling
12:55 - Toyota Corolla ride quality
13:20 - 0-100km/h tests
13:46 - Warranty
13:56 - Servicing costs
14:15 - Fuel costs
14:25 - Verdict
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.
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[@chasingcars]

You can no longer order the G20e mild hybrid version of the Mazda 3 in Australia - that doesn't make much of a difference, given it saved virtually no fuel when compared to the standard G20 engine that continues on.

[@jeet778866]

Hi will there be a big difference in G20 Evolve and non hybrid Toyota Corolla Ascent both 2.0 ltr? Your answer will help me a lot to make a decision. Thanks in advance!

[@roteroktober360]

hope they end up making a mazda 3 with a hybrid system like toyota, that would really improve fuel consumption in city driving.

[@stevenlam4802]

It's quite easy to tell what each target market both focus on. Mazda, luxury and handling focused. Toyota, running costs and simplicity. Both are extremely reliable, capable small cars. There's really no going wrong depending on what you're looking for.

[@mrEz87]

It's funny that mazda is targeting more luxurious and handling and still cheaper. I like both manufacturers, but for value, I think the Mazda wins hands down!

[@allenparks8706]

@@mrEz87I agree..

[@zerokool-2058]

@@mrEz87 I like both and I’m torn. Just the back pillars on the Mazda 3 hb are hard to see and creates a big blind spot. I test drove it. Still haven’t decided on what to get.

[@mrEz87]

@zerokool-2058 I'd choose mazda, but you won't go wrong with either I think.

[@joepowell7025]

I'll take the Mazda any day ...

[@prabhjeetsran88]

I will pick Mazda anyday, I love the handling and power delivery of Mazda. I bought Corolla kept for 3 months and sold, I didn't like the screaming CVT.

[@pl45689]

I don't know if I would trust a dumbass who bought a car for over 30,000 and only kept it for 3 months....would have thought you would be able to pick up that you don't like it before that...

[@MikeyyPham]

@@pl45689 dude everyone is different 30k isnt that much why judging

[@pl45689]

@@MikeyyPham generally people have a good think before spending 10s of thousands of dollars

[@anthonymindel5861]

I love both ,but prefer the sedan versions. Bigger boots ,roomier interiors ,and better looking ,expecially with the Mazda. Please do another comparison,with those models

[@potassiumsuperoxide]

The delivery time is a big problem.

[@Mexxx65]

First Toyota are a long way ahead in the game with hybrids than any other car manufacturer.

[@kane4013]

Damn!!

[@Ederson9926]

And a long way ahead in waiting time😂

[@kane4013]

@@Ederson9926 I’ve been told 16 months from a Brisbane dealer. Have you heard anything else?

[@bangguppong4022]

@@kane4013 I ordered ascent hybrid sedan last year May and dealer just email me it will be on production this month maybe delivery Jun or July.

[@zerokool-2058]

I wish Toyota brings the Camry hybrid system to this Corolla hb xse.

[@coffeeaddictgaming2883]

Good review

[@spiro5327]

Although not tested here my pick would be the G25. Prefer the extra power over fuel economy

[@aygeeninty771]

The g25 auto gets 7.2 litres per 100km mixed driving.

[@tanbui7569]

same. I tested drive both the Mazda3 and Corolla in both hydrids and petrol models. In the end, i chose the G25 due to the extra power and handlings. Mazda's interior is also way ahead that of a corolla and they do have my favourite head-up display and way more features for that same price range.

[@Atenza5]

Exactly, you get a 10% claimed fuel use increase but like more than 10% extra power and torque

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@aygeeninty771 I have the G25 manual - it gets 8.0L/100km in the Real World.

[@RodneyW]

@@jeremybean-hodges6397 I also have the G25 manual and love the driving experience. People with automatics don't know what they are missing out on! It's decently economical - averaging 7.7 l / 100 km over 9000+ km (80:20 split of urban:rural driving, usually with 2-3 people on board). On a recent Melbourne-Sydney drive (driver only) it averaged 6.0 l /100 km. My best ever full tank result so far is 5.5 l/100km from some relaxed cruising at 80-100 km/h around the Riverina area.

[@therealjeffg]

Great review thanks. Side by side comparison tables would make the review even better. Corolla for me.

[@stephengrainger248]

Great report, thank you. I prefer the look of the Mazda but, judging by your report, the Mazda hybrid system isn’t what I’m after. Cheers. PS: I agree that they’re both good cars for what they are.

[@RideMelburn]

Literally shows footage of the digital speedo on the Mazda after he says there isn’t one.

[@sshalini18]

Can you do a comaprison between Mazda3, Corolla Hybrid, Skoda Monte carlo, VW Golf, Peugot 308?

[@rc70ys]

The RRP you quoted for the Toyotas are being asked and paid on the used market ! 2018-2021 models !! And certainly dealers are asking much more on the new market way over rrp.

[@robme3660]

My family has both of these (non-hybrid). I prefer the Rolla. It's less claustrophobic, the seats are more comfortable, it's a softer ride, has fewer rattles, and visibility is much better. I just wish that it had Mazda's sound system and big armrest.

[@lux5547]

Ottima recensione.... e finalmente la verità sul motore Sky Active di Mazda. Quindi???? TOYOTA FOREVER!!!!!😊

[@FlameMirage]

I have owned both cars. Mazda 3 > Toyota Corolla for sure.

[@mharro88]

Not the hybrid

[@Rally4Life1982]

The boot is a deal breaker. And also the waiting time.

[@Alpha_7227]

You could have mentioned the wait times at the moment for either car because that would be a deal breaker as well no mention of either of the safety features.

[@jamesvanderbilt201]

it seems like you know something. you could have just commented your info instead of this pointless comment.

[@christianu]

Why don't these reviews ever mention delivery times. No mention in the review of the year+ wait on a new Toyota, and that they will make you pay the price when delivered, not the price agreed to when signing the contract from what I am told. These two factors immediately rule out the Toyota for me. As others have mentioned this review is already out of date as the mild hybrid 3 is no longer available.

[@chasingcars]

Ring around and there's a good chance you will stumble upon a cancelled order eventually. As for the "review being out of date", that's hyperbolic when nearly every piece of assessment of the Mazda is equally applicable to the G20 engine and the Evolve trim.

[@upijhaj]

I bought the flagship Mazda3 AWD TWIN-Scroll-TURBO, (with the OEM 5-Piece Aero-kit) and my wife and I LOVE IT. Quick as snot, looks amazing in Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and fully loaded (with an AMAZING 12-speaker BOSE audio system {yes… BOSE !} with Traffic Jam Assist- which centres your car in the lane and uses radar cruise control for hands free driving up to 64 km/h ). The Mazdas interior blew us away. This is our 4th Mazda 3 and fully decked out, it’s a steal compares feature to feature with any Japanese or German equivalent. -Much Love from TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA 🇨🇦 !!!

[@lukuscannon9697]

Without even watching this review hands down I would choose the Mazda but it would be the sedan, not the hatch

[@jcdenton8750]

I watched carexperts comparison and they concluded that the Ford Ranger is better.

[@mharro88]

Don't get the obsession for that thing

[@kane4013]

You should absolutely follow their judgement. Say, is it okay if I talk to you about Jesus?

[@adamclayson5347]

Hahaha so glad someone said it. My god its painful listening to him bang on about it in every second video

[@elliomboty7344]

Lol

[@joepowell7025]

@@kane4013 Why should we ????

[@stevebarila9917]

How can you even compare that shoe box on wheels Corolla) with the Mazda?!! That's just way hilarious!!

[@garysouthwell5762]

Spot on Review. Practicality, Comfort, Toyota all the way. Sports Car? Get an 86!

[@jonathanfgh1]

Toyota hybrid drive system is the BEST in every way.

[@b-radn2164]

The only reason I have a small SUV is because the roads in Sydney are atrocious and parramatta road feels like its made of gravel..

[@nobass_stub1394]

Interesting comparison when the crux of the review felt like fuel economy/cost exercise and not a fit for purpose comparison. That's the difference between Apples and Oranges I guess :P

[@TalismanPHX]

Mazda 3 please, in Soul Red

[@dystopia-usa]

Not really a fan of either one's styling in certain respects. If Mazda built & sold an premium-sporty trim Mazda2 hatch in the USA, I would choose that over either of these two - but then I like the subcompact segment when available in good, sporty trims (even though the entire segment is totally dead & buried in the USA these days). Also, my old-school tech 2015 Yaris SE hatch 5-MT was a much better car IMO than my (problematic) 2020 Corolla SE sedan 6-MT was, despite the Yaris SE costing less. Toyota doesn't build them like they used to.

[@panaoutsios1990]

I like both Mazda has amt 6 speed Corolla has cvt For city is better corolla but if you drive highways and cities is better mazda

[@allenparks8706]

MZ3 ❤

[@NurIslam-wo8co]

No disrespect to the Corolla, I love corollas. But comparing them with Mazda 3, nah man...Mazda over anything else anyday for my money. It's just in a league of it's own, elegant, timeless and dependable.

[@richierich087]

The g20e evolve is not available anymore. Mazda canned their hybrid and SkyactivX engines from the Mazda 3 lineup.

[@chasingcars]

No great shame as it turns out - saved virtually no fuel compared to a regular G20

[@maxuk5023]

I'll have to one without a CVT.

[@patapojsubsoonthorn3717]

Best​ quality​ Mazda3

[@club1fan552]

The bitch fight between these two rivals hasn't changed in over 50 years. Back then the equivalent Mazda, the 1300, trumped the Corolla for it's incredible performance, but the Corolla had actually better interior appointments with such luxury as reclining front seats and even a tape player was available!

[@WildDanHibiki]

I wish the corolla had more boot space and I wish the Mazda infotainment screen was a touch screen when it's connected to Android auto.

[@Visbalalam]

I’m pretty sure it is touchscreen you just have to enable it in settings

[@thelifeofjk6668]

Overseas they sell a wagon version wirh more boot space. I wish toyota brought the carolla touring to australia

[@bangguppong4022]

That's why I ordered corolla sedan even though it looks ugly :)

[@know916bound]

​@@Visbalalamyep.

[@thelifeofjk6668]

@@bangguppong4022 its crazy the corolla touring(wagon) looks great and also comes in a hybrid. Have seen them over in Japan and would buy one if I could. Also would buy the Sienta hybrid but it is a little ugly but very practical for a family in the city

[@Polarbear2829]

Its hatchback! Is'nt it?

[@Z4d0k]

I’d pay more for a car with no screens and no driving sensors, but this doesn’t seem to be an option anymore :(

[@GAZZA55]

I see some body has been stealing the Toyota badge off the engine valve cover seen this on a few now what is going on.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Are people shrinking? How else can Toyota and Mazda justify those tiny back seats? 🤨

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

I own one and have sat in the other. They are fine - no smaller than in previous decades IMO.

[@benhubert8925]

Mazda and Toyota have packaged these cars with the assumption that either it’s a second, runaround car, or it’s simply a ploy to get buyers to upgrade to the slightly larger ‘off-road’ variants (CX-30 and Corolla across respectively). And it clearly works as I nearly upgraded from my 3 to a CX-30 🤣

[@russellchristison8425]

Shrinking boots too

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@russellchristison8425 Yes. I don't know if Mazda sells a 3 wagon somewhere but part of the Corolla hatch's cramped interior can be explained by the spacious Corolla wagons sold in Japan and Europe.

[@TheSergio1021]

Small Japanese people lol

[@lukelawrence6007]

Bought time

[@vhr199]

Nice Review! I don't get it why is the Toyota compare to Mazda 3 when not to MG. That should be a right comparison. I do acknowledge the comparison required between Toyota & Hyundai- Not Mazda. BTW, I drive a Toyota "HYBRID" during work and know,feel the difference of owning a Mazda3 as well

[@_SemperFidelis_]

Just something more to go wrong with a hybrid wouldn't own one personally.

[@marksakowski9272]

Toyota has a CVT transmission therefore is out of any competition.

[@DesignVisStudios]

manual 3!

[@wosamosman9814]

I don't understand why anyone buys a non-hybrid Toyota 😅

[@sheyone9075]

Next Hyundai i30 vs Tyta Corolla vs Mazda 3 vs Peugeot 308 vs VW Golf

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

The Mazda hybrid option is pretty pointless, so let's rule that out of the conversation. Generally speaking: if I'm buying a car for me, it's the Mazda 3. If I'm buying a car for Joe Average, it's the Corolla.

[@MikeyyPham]

and let me guess its the Joe Average winning every time?

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@MikeyyPham nah, because I actually bought a 3 :D

[@nnoddy8161]

CVT is a show stopper in Corolla. Absolutely crap!

[@waynehobbs5175]

Shame you left the best segment seller i30.

[@kane4013]

True. How do you think it’d fair?

[@chasingcars]

Probably not all that well with the 2.0L engine’s double-digit urban fuel consumption, but happy to include it in the next one if you like.

[@kane4013]

@@chasingcars This is probably apropos of nothing, but, I just vomited for the first time in at least twenty years!!

[@chasingcars]

Wow

[@pauld6556]

Lol doing a review on an engine variant (Mazda 3) that is no longer a available in Australia. Do your homework better guys.

[@GlowingTube]

Both these hatchbacks have rubbish rear seats and boots... I would much rather buy Cerato or i30 for practicality. If I wanted the best efficiency and could live with tight rear pews and boot, the 'rolla would be my pick in Hybrid form.

[@remco3819]

You call these cars small ?😂

[@rapfan97]

I‘ve owned a Mazda 3 and it‘s really awful.. the rattles in the interior are just bad and everywhere.. just google it und beware from buying.. sold it after 5 Months and was really happy

[@mdrafiqul2898]

Corolla is too noisy

[@tungstencarbide7255]

The Toyota is disappointingly boring.

[@yan5362]

you are right. but the higher HP and better economy is something to consider on the corolla. to note that here, we have the 1.5 L skyactive mazda 3 and 1.8 hybrid corolla hatch.

[@thomasconc]

the i30 is a better car than both of these.

[@ianhargreaves6258]

I disagree profoundly.

[@know916bound]

😂

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

The interior of the i30 is light years behind both, at least in hatch form.

[@deet4895]

🤣🤣🤣🙄

[@thomasconc]

@@deet4895 I would go with space - front cabin, rear seats and boot. And yes I do agree the Corolla is a bit better inside the front cabin, and the Mazda engine is a bit better. But overall I think the i30 has them both for practicality.

[@Maggieismydog]

Mazda is overrated. Loud cabin and hard ride. Sick of reviews comparing them to euro cars. After owning BMW and Mercedes, Mazda is absolutely NOTHING like them. Looks good but that’s it. Really unimpressed when I test drove it. Toyota is a much better choice.

[@brickmissing8295]

Test drove both and found the Toyota interior cheap and nasty - cheap scratchy plastics and loose wobbly switch-gear everywhere. By comparison the Mazda 3 felt like climbing into a Rolls Royce.

[@Maggieismydog]

@@brickmissing8295 you obviously have never been in a Rolls.

[@yan5362]

comparing mazda with a BMW and merc is already a win for the mazda.

[@MikeyyPham]

go check your ears mate there is probably a noisy insect inside

[@Maggieismydog]

@@MikeyyPham must of touched a sore point for you, must be a Mazda owner!

[@TheCaleww]

they are just not the same class anymore ,mazda is a premium car ,it is made for people who love design and the feeling of love towards the interior and driving dynamics ,as well who dont care of fuel economy if you have a feel like driving a golf cart like the toyota and all the rest. in a few years you will not compare it to these overpriced shitboxes anymore,thank god .

[@brickmissing8295]

Precisely. If you work out how much money you’ll save on fuel in a Toyota hybrid it just isn’t worth putting up with the cheap plastic interior and the whining CVT engine. Mazda 3 for the win.