Mazda3 vs GR Corolla
Same class, different makers. The Mazda3 (Mazda) and the GR Corolla (Toyota) are built for the same kind of buyer. By our tally, the GR Corolla leads 2 of 5 areas. The engine & performance section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the Mazda3.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance GR Corolla wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Mazda3 wins
- Space & Practicality GR Corolla wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Mazda3 wins
- Engine & Performance2.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality4.4
- Engine & Performance9.1
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
- Space & Practicality6.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The GR Corolla has 109 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the GR Corolla wins comfortably with 300 hp against 191 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The GR Corolla has 35% more cargo space
It’s a lopsided result (17.8 cu ft for the GR Corolla, 13.2 cu ft for the Mazda3) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The GR Corolla’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Mazda3 has better fuel economy
The spread here is large: 31 mpg on the Mazda3 versus 24 mpg on the GR Corolla. Expect to notice it. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The GR Corolla has 109 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the GR Corolla makes its strongest case: 295 lb-ft against 186 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Mazda3 has better highway fuel economy
The Mazda3 clearly leads on fuel economy (highway), and 37 mpg versus 28 mpg is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
- Mazda3 183.5 in × 70.7 in × 56.9 in
- GR Corolla 173.6 in × 72.8 in × 58.2 in
The GR Corolla is physically larger, so the Mazda3 will be the easier fit wherever space is limited.
Dimensions
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5 in | 173.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.7 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 58.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
GR Corolla leads
In this area the GR Corolla has a lead the Mazda3 can’t close. Here the GR Corolla offers 109 hp more power. The GR Corolla’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Weighing only engine & performance, the GR Corolla comes out ahead.
Total system output
Mazda3: 191 hp GR Corolla: 300 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Mazda3: 186 lb-ft GR Corolla: 295 lb-ft The GR Corolla’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Mazda3 leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Mazda3. The Mazda3 takes this one with better fuel economy. The Mazda3 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the Mazda3 is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
Mazda3: 31 mpg GR Corolla: 24 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
Mazda3: 37 mpg GR Corolla: 28 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
GR Corolla leads
The space & practicality comparison is one-sided. The GR Corolla leads where it counts. The GR Corolla comes with 35% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the GR Corolla is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Mazda3: 13.2 cu ft GR Corolla: 17.8 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the Mazda3 and the GR Corolla barely differ. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Mazda3 leads
The Mazda3 has the slight upper hand on safety & tech. The Mazda3 gives you a bigger 10.3 in touchscreen. The Mazda3’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. If this section decides it for you, choose the Mazda3.
Largest touchscreen
Mazda3: 10.3 in GR Corolla: 8 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 1.6L turbo I3 |
| Total system output | 191 hp | 300 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (8-speed automatic available) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (GR-FOUR) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.2 cu ft | 17.8 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 10.3 in (winner) | 8 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | Mazda i-Activsense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5 in | 173.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.7 in | 72.8 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 58.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Mazda3 | GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $40,520 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Mazda3 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (37 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (27 mpg vs 21 mpg in the city)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (10.3 in vs 8 in)
Choose the GR Corolla if…
- you want more power (300 hp vs 191 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (17.8 cu ft vs 13.2 cu ft)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 186 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the GR Corolla?
The GR Corolla makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is better fuel economy.
Which is larger, the Mazda3 or the GR Corolla?
It’s the GR Corolla that is larger: 173.6 × 72.8 × 58.2 in, versus 183.5 × 70.7 × 56.9 in for the Mazda3.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Mazda3 and the GR Corolla feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. The GR Corolla wins me over with 109 hp more power. Add 35% more cargo space to the list, and the GR Corolla looks even better. Don’t write off the Mazda3 entirely: it has better fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize fuel economy & range will be happier with the Mazda3, and those who prioritize engine & performance with the GR Corolla.
My pick: the GR Corolla. The Mazda3 only comes out ahead if you value better fuel economy above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.