2025 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2025 Toyota Camry

The 2025 Toyota Camry showcased a refined and cohesive front design, reminiscent of the new Prius and Lexus models, with its "hammerhead front face." Standard LED headlights and daytime running lights added to its modern appeal. The Camry's profile remained largely unchanged, but the extended rear window surround emphasized its coupe-like roofline. The hood's forward extension met the grille's vertical line, giving the Camry a more assertive stance. Wheel options varied across trims, with the base LE featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, while the SE and XLE sported black 18-inch wheels. The XSE trim boasted 19-inch wheels in black and Smoke Gray. Sporty elements like front air ducts and rear diffusers were present in the SE and XSE trims. The XSE also offered a two-tone paint option, including the new Ocean Gem color.

Inside, the Camry's interior departed from its predecessor with a new dash layout. The center touchscreen's housing flowed across the passenger side, camouflaging the vents. However, the quilted Dinamica microfiber in the XLE test car was a concern due to its light gray color and placement in high-touch areas. The base LE trim featured fabric seating, while the SE had SofTex synthetic leather. The top XSE trim offered perforated leather seats in Cockpit red or black with blue accents.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback featured an organically shaped design with a long hood, tapered greenhouse, and stubby rear. Its sheetmetal swells created S-shaped reflections, hinting at its agility on winding roads. Depending on lighting and angles, the hatchback's proportions could appear unconventional. The test car's Polymetal Gray paint over red leather was striking. The interior focused on the driver, with a clean design and high-quality materials. However, the gloss black plastic trim on the center console showed wear easily. The test vehicle included metal speaker grilles, analog climate controls, and clear gauges.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback offered two model series: 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The S lineup included base, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium trims, while Turbo models featured Carbon Turbo and Premium Plus trims. Prices ranged from $25,150 to $37,150, excluding the $1,185 destination charge. The 2.5 S Premium hatch was the only version with a manual transmission. The test car had additional features like extra-cost paint, a rear bumper scratch guard, and a rear hatch spoiler, bringing the MSRP to $33,045 with destination.

The 2025 Toyota Camry marked a significant shift as all models were hybrid, featuring Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system. This system combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) Camrys had two electric motors, producing a total of 225 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) models had three motors, generating 232 horsepower. The electronic AWD system provided extra traction with minimal impact on fuel economy, estimated at 50 mpg combined for AWD models and 51 mpg for FWD. The Camry offered two suspension tunings, with the XLE and LE focused on comfort. The hybrid system seamlessly switched between gas and electric power, though engine noise was noticeable at higher speeds. The braking system felt normal, akin to a traditional gas-only sedan, with an EV mode available for speeds under 25 mph.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 equipped its 2.5 S models with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the Skyactiv family, producing 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Turbo models featured a turbocharged version of the engine, delivering 250 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm with premium gas. Regular gas reduced output to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The standard engine provided ample power, smoothness, and refinement. Most Mazda 3s had a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and manual shift control. The Premium trim offered a six-speed manual gearbox, though not with AWD. The manual achieved an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined, with a test average of 29.1 mpg. The Mazda 3's clutch required acclimation, but gear shifting was effortless. G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling and stability, though the torsion-beam rear suspension magnified road imperfections. The steering response was precise, but road noise was elevated at highway speeds.

The 2025 Toyota Camry's XLE test car featured a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a six-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, standard on both X grades. Heated and ventilated front seats were optional for XLE and XSE trims, while dual-zone climate control and rear-seat air vents were standard. A panoramic moonroof was available on the top two trims. Interior dimensions were expected to be similar to the 2024 model, with front-row legroom comparable to the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid. Trunk space was estimated to remain around 15.1 cubic feet.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 felt compact, with snug seating and limited stretch-out room. However, the seats were comfortable, and the test car's eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat allowed for an ideal driving position. The red leather upholstery was soft, and heated front seats provided warmth. Forward visibility was excellent, aided by large heated exterior mirrors. The long and low nose compromised rear visibility, and the reversing camera lacked guidance lines. Rear-seat legroom was tight, with complaints about the absence of air vents, USB ports, and storage space. The front offered a sizable center console storage bin with USB ports. Cargo space was practical, with 20.1 cubic feet behind the back seat, accommodating two full-size suitcases and additional carry-ons. The folding rear seat expanded cargo capacity, though Mazda did not provide a maximum measurement.

The 2025 Toyota Camry came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and managing two simultaneous Bluetooth connections. A wireless charging pad and five USB ports were standard, with both USB-A and USB-C options. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver information display. A 10-inch head-up display and a nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system were available for XLE and XSE trims. Subscription services included 4G Wi-Fi connectivity and Drive Connect, though voice recognition struggled with commands.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system, with display sizes of 8.8 inches or 10.25 inches, integrated into the dashboard but out of easy reach. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be used via touchscreen, but physical controls and voice recognition were necessary for other functions. Alexa Built-in required internet access, and the native voice-recognition system had limitations. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended, with a USB-C cable needed for connectivity. The test car's 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio system delivered excellent sound. Other features included Wi-Fi hotspot access, mobile 911 emergency notification, and a one-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The test car's wireless charging pad was non-functional.

The 2025 Toyota Camry featured the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and road-sign assist. The Premium Plus Package added front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, parking assist with automatic braking, and a panoramic view monitor. The lane-keeping assist system was firm yet deferential. While crash testing was pending, the 2024 Camry earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and performed well in NHTSA tests.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five stars in all NHTSA crash tests. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The test car had adaptive cruise control, though without stop-and-go capability due to the manual transmission. Lane centering assist was unavailable. The lane departure warning system issued inaccurate alerts, and the adaptive cruise control system reacted smoothly in traffic. The head-up display showed blind spot warnings, and the automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive front lighting system enhanced safety.