So, not an exciting pic by any means but here are some thoughts on the 2021 versus the 2018.
Overall, the ride and feel feels very similar to the 2018 model. From a noise point of view, there actually seems to be some more tire and engine noise as compared to my 2018. I had put new Pirelli tires on my 2018 and it had made a huge difference in both driving and noise, so that might be clouding my judgement.
I miss the old auburn leather seats and dash. I really liked that. I have the chesnut brown and it is nice but does not have the same wow factor as the auburn.
The steering feels lighter as compared to the 2018 for some reason, not sure why. And the whole feel is harsher. Might have to check tire pressure.
The 360 camera and new screen are fantastic and the whole system starts up much faster. Car play is on immediately. I also notice that the plugs seem to keep charging your phone even after the car has been turned off. I don't believe my old car did that.
The wireless charging pad is nice but it is at a 45 degree angle, So my phone just slides off and can't charge. Silly if you ask me.
One thing that I did notice is that the infotainment system is still very basic as compared to what is found in the Mazda 3. The look and layout is the same but the content is very different. This version has the same basic content as my 2018.
The 2018 system had a bug were if you had auto headlights on, auto high beams on, and auto wipers on, if the wipers came on first and lights second, the auto high beam function would not work and the high beams would just come on. That is still in this version.
The seats feel narrower for some reason -almost as if I am sitting on the bolsters. Surprised at that.
The center dash is kinda a mess and not changeable in any meaningful way. I actually preferred my old 2018 dash set up.
The rear captain chairs are really nice. Very premium feeling. I don't think the old versions leaned as far back as these and you can really go to sleep back there!
One mistake I made was not realizing that the rear cargo cover had inserts that went into the car. I took the cover from my old car but not the inserts. When I went to put on the cargo cover, it seemed too short. Only then did I realize the covers just hide the holes, you need to put inserts into them for the cargo cover to fit. Got to see if I can get those somewhere!
The AWD system also looks to have been modified. With my 2018, with stock tires, if it was wet and I would make a hard left turn, I would get wheel spin. Well, with the 2021, doing the same basic thing had no spin, no torque steer, no nothing. Just went. Feels much better. I should mention that when I replaced the tires on the 2018 model, that wheel spin was reduced dramatically but this seems even better.
Overall, the 2021 represents the pinnacle of this model , but at the same time, makes you realize that this generation is ending its time. A lot of the cool design elements and features of the Mazda 3 will end up in the CX-9 and I already told the dealers I am trading this in for the new inline 6 CX-9 when it comes out!