Let’s compare their base engines first. Under the hood of the Mazda3 is a Skyactiv®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. It pumps out 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. With juice like that, you can easily pass other cars on the highway or get up to speed in a few seconds.

The Corolla, on the other hand, equips a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which falls short of the Mazda at 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This is a good first impression from the Toyota; however, the Mazda makes the lasting impression.

As for their available engines, the Mazda3 sports a Skyactiv®-G 2.5L Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine, which is just that—dynamic. When properly fueled, this engine can generate up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

While the Mazda chooses power, the Toyota chooses efficiency. The Corolla can also be equipped with a hybrid powertrain, comprised of a 1.8L engine and an electric motor that produces 134 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.

This difference begs the question: Do you prioritize dynamism or efficiency?

In either sedan, you’ll have just over 13 cubic feet of trunk space to fill up with your work gear, your kids’ backpacks, or your picnic supplies. However, their cabin space is a different story.

The Toyota boasts 88.6 cubic feet of passenger space, which is ample room for you and your crew. However, the Mazda3 makes sure everyone on board is comfortable with 92.8 cubic feet of passenger space. The added wiggle room makes each seating appointment adult friendly.

The Mazda3 and the Corolla both have configurable cabins. In fact, you’ll find similar upholstery in either model, including cloth, leatherette, or genuine leather! To further customize your comfort, you can opt for heated front seats in either vehicle, which helps you stay cozy even on the chilliest drives.

Both models conform to you; however, with the Mazda’s added space in mind, you may be able to sink into comfort more easily in the Mazda3.

i-Activsense® and Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 are the standard safety suites on the Mazda3 and the Corolla. They’re designed to make you feel safe on the roads and confident behind the wheel. Plus, they even share a few brand-specific driver-assist features in common:

For further protection, you can opt for Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert in either sedan. These features help you stay away from sights unseen.

Which model helps you feel the most at peace? That will be the Mazda3 since it includes even more driver-assistance aids than the Toyota Corolla.

Standard and available systems include:

While the Toyota has its comprehensive safety suite, you may find the added driving systems on the Mazda to be more confidence inspiring.