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2020 Corolla Hatchback vs. Mazda3 Hatchback Comparison

For decades the Corolla line has been as dependable as Toyota itself. The 2020 Corolla Hatchback continues this tradition.

Known for reliability, Kelley Blue Book® recognized Toyota with the Best Resale Value: Brand award for 2017, 2018, and 2019. In comparison, Mazda 3 introduced the hatchback version in 2003. Mazda also won some awards. It was the US News & World Report’s 2020 Best Brand. And Kelley Blue Book® named Mazda the 10 Coolest Cars under $20,000.

Both reliability and price prove to be compelling categories in this Mazda 3 Hatchback vs. Corolla Hatchback head to head.

The base Corolla Hatchback has a starting MSRP of $20,290 while the Mazda base trim starts at $20,640. The XSE and Nightshade editions for the Corolla Hatchback SE have lower MSRPs than the base Mazda trim. In this comparison, we’ll test Toyota’s reputation to see how the Mazda 3 HB stacks up in the key categories of price, performance, and reliability.

Published Date: 02/20/2020

2020 Corolla Hatchback parked at a gas station

Price

  • 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback offers two-tone roof and body color options.
  • XSE with manual transmission and Nightshade editions for the 2020 Corolla Hatchback have lower starting MSRPs than the base Mazda 3 trim.
  • The base Corolla Hatchback trim has a retail MSRP of $20,290 while the Mazda 3 Hatchback base trim starts at $20,640.

One of the most important factors when car shopping is how the vehicles you’re researching fit into your budget. Cars that deliver more for their starting price tag can offer more value. This isn’t limited to what’s under the hood.

Road Appeal and Fuel-Efficiency for Less

The base Corolla Hatchback trim has a retail MSRP of $20,290, while Mazda 3’s base trim MSRP starts at $20,640. In fact, even the XSE with 6-speed manual transmission and Nightshade editions of the 2020 Corolla Hatchback have lower starting MSRPs than the base Mazda 3 Hatchback trim. The Nightshade Edition also features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an 8-in. touch-screen display, and more.

The Toyota Corolla offers striking color options including unique two-tone roof and body color options like Midnight Black Metallic and Classic Silver Metallic. On the other hand, the Mazda 3 has three out of six available colors that come at no added cost. However, there are no two-tone color options available for the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

Drivers looking for a fuel-efficient hatchback with a lower overall MSRP might prefer the 2020 Corolla Hatchback vs. the Mazda 3 Hatchback.

Isolated red Corolla Hatchback against a white background

Performance

  • The Mazda 3 Hatchback has a higher 186 horsepower rating vs. the Corolla Hatchback which has 168 horsepower, but the Mazda 3 HB has lower EPA-estimated MPG ratings.
  • Manual transmissions only come on the Premium Mazda trim, while multiple Corolla Hatchback grades offer a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT).
  • A 2020 Corolla Hatchback with manual transmission delivers an EPA-estimated MPG of 28 City/37 Highway vs. Mazda 3 Hatchback’s EPA-estimated 26 City/35 Highway.

The 2020 Corolla Hatchback carries a legacy of sleek lines in its curb appeal. Under the hood, the base trim has 168 horsepower. The Mazda 3 Hatchback does have a higher 186 horsepower rating, but it is less fuel efficient.

Performance at the Pump and On the Road

When it comes to saving at the pump, the Corolla Hatchback has better MPG. A Corolla Hatchback SE with CVT transmission has an EPA-estimated 32 City/41 Highway MPG. The base trim equipped with a manual transmission delivers an EPA-estimated MPG of 28 City/37 Highway MPG. The base trim Mazda 3 Hatchback gets an EPA-estimated 26 City/35 Highway MPG.

If you love being in control of your ride, the base trim of the Corolla Hatchback offers an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with rev-matching capability. Drivers who want a manual transmission on a Mazda 3 Hatchback will need to look to the Premium trim. The base trim and the Preferred trim only offer automatic transmissions.

The 2020 Corolla Hatchback also delivers an optimized suspension to keep its center of gravity low, enhancing stability and responsiveness during turns. Your car will perform on work commutes and weekend adventures alike.

interior of 2020 Corolla Hatchback

Reliability

  • Kelley Blue Book® awarded Toyota the Best Resale Value: Brand award for 2017, 2018, and 2019.
  • ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance lasts for two years and unlimited miles with a no-cost scheduled maintenance program that lasts two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Mazda offers a maintenance program, but it costs extra depending on which one you choose.

The IIHS chose the Corolla Hatchback with LED projector headlights as a Top Safety Pick for 2020 and the 2020 Mazda 3 Hatchback as a Top Safety Pick+. Mazda has won more IIHS awards than Toyota. However, the Mazda 3 misses out on a key thing only Toyota vehicles have: brand resale value awards from Kelley Blue Book®.

Roadside Assistance and Awards

Kelley Blue Book® awarded Toyota the Best Resale Value: Brand award for 2017, 2018, and 2019. This means that, according to KBB, Toyota vehicles depreciated less than other makes they surveyed. Mazda did not receive this award for 2019.

Both the Toyota Corolla Hatchback and the Mazda 3 Hatchback have Roadside Assistance programs. The Mazda Roadside Assistance program lasts for three years or 36,000 miles. Toyota’s Roadside Assistance lasts for two years and unlimited miles.

However, ToyotaCare also includes a no-cost scheduled maintenance program that lasts two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mazda does offer a maintenance program, but it costs extra depending on the maintenance program you choose. See a Mazda dealer for more details.

isolated 2020 Corolla Hatchback in blue

Conclusion: Corolla Hatchback vs. Mazda3 Hatchback

  • 2020 Corolla Hatchback trims cost less than the base Mazda 3 Hatchback’s starting MSRP of $20,640 except for the 2020 Corolla Hatchback XSE with CVT.
  • Manual and CVT Corolla Hatchbacks get better overall EPA-estimated MPG ratings than any Mazda 3 Hatchback.
  • Every lease and purchase of new Toyota vehicles includes ToyotaCare. A comparable Mazda plan could cost more depending on the plan. See a Mazda dealer for details.

A hatchback can be a sleek and fuel-efficient option for many drivers. In this Mazda 3 Hatchback vs. Corolla Hatchback head to head, we compared the two in important categories including reliability, performance, and price.

The 2020 Corolla Hatchback has several key advantages over the Mazda 3 Hatchback including starting MSRP, EPA-estimated MPG ratings, ToyotaCare benefits, color options, and overall reliability.

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes at a more affordable price than the Mazda. A base trim Corolla Hatchback starting MSRP is $20,290, while Mazda’s base trim has a starting MSRP of $20,640. The 2020 Corolla Hatchback Nightshade Edition comes in at a lower starting MSRP of $22,290, as well. It features standard 18-in. black alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and more. Corolla Hatchback (except the all-black Nightshade edition) also features unique color options complete with color-keyed car features such as outside door handles, rear spoilers, and more.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE with a CVT also delivers better EPA-estimated MPG ratings with 32 City/41 Highway MPG. The base trim Mazda 3 Hatchback only gets an EPA-estimated 26 City/35 Highway MPG. Even with a manual transmission, the base Corolla Hatchback SE still gets better MPG at an EPA-estimated 28 City/37 Highway MPG.

All Toyotas have a no-cost scheduled maintenance program called ToyotaCare. ToyotaCare lasts two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Mazda does offer a maintenance program, but it costs extra depending on the maintenance program you choose.

With Toyota’s long history of reliability and quality, it’s for these reasons and more that the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback takes the lead in this head to head.