2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 MINI Cooper

The 2021 MINI Cooper stood out with its iconic styling, featuring a rounded shape, compact dimensions, and a wide array of color choices. Customization options were plentiful, including exterior and top graphics like the Union Jack flag, and hidden Easter eggs such as Union Jack taillights. Despite its small size, the MINI Cooper was larger than the original Mini, with various wheel and trim upgrades available. Inside, the MINI Cooper continued its unique design language with circular shapes dominating the seats, dash, and center stack. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted inside a circular light ring, and the cabin, though high quality, lacked space, making the back seats more suitable for packages than passengers.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, offered a range of models including the affordable 2.0, the popular 2.5 S, and the speedy 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety with five trim levels and a choice between FWD and AWD. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback featured extra-cost Polymetal Gray Metallic paint and an MSRP of $35,810. While the Mazda3's appearance wasn't universally appealing, its deeply sculpted flanks and mature, serious look were appreciated by many. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale, elegant environment, making it a compelling choice for those seeking more value than an entry-level luxury car.

The 2021 MINI Cooper offered four powertrain options. The base model featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 134 horsepower. The Cooper S had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 hp, the John Cooper Works (JCW) had a 228-hp turbo-four, and the John Cooper Works GP boasted a 301-hp turbo-four. All models came with FWD, with a six-speed manual standard for the Cooper and Cooper S, and a seven-speed automatic available. The JCW GP had an eight-speed automatic. The MINI's small size made it feel spritely and energetic, with the turbocharged four-cylinder engines providing noticeable power, especially at highway speeds. The JCW GP model offered the best acceleration. However, the MINI's stiff ride could be tiresome on long drives, and small road imperfections felt larger. The car's agility and readiness to change direction made it fun to drive, but it wasn't the most comfortable. EPA fuel economy varied, with the most efficient being the Convertible at 28/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's most affordable version was the 2.0 sedan, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, returning 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, the most popular, had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The 2.5 S Premium hatchback offered a six-speed manual. Fuel economy for the 2.5 S ranged from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with power output depending on the fuel type: 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane. Turbos achieved 26-27 mpg combined. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was fun to drive, with smooth power delivery, a supple ride, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving. The Mazda3's driving experience was praised for its quality, style, and attainable price, though a brake upgrade was suggested for high-performance driving.

The 2021 MINI Cooper's interior continued its heritage with a rear seat more suitable for cargo than passengers. The front seats were comfortable with decent head and legroom for average adults, though taller drivers might struggle with knee placement due to the dash shape. Interior storage was tight, with a small center console and door pockets. The Hatchback models offered decent cargo space with foldable back seats, while Convertible models had limited cargo space under the folding top compartment.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, was difficult to enter and exit, with small door openings. Once inside, the front seats provided a snug but comfortable fit, with most versions offering an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. The controls were user-friendly, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat was less comfortable, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 MINI Cooper wasn't generous with standard features. The base screen was a 6.5-inch unit, with an optional 8.8-inch unit offering SiriusXM satellite radio and Apple CarPlay. Optional features included a Harman Kardon sound system, automatic climate controls, and LED headlights. MINI included more physical controls, improving the technology experience, but did not offer Android Auto. The infotainment system used BMW's software with a physical iDrive controller, though the tight space made it difficult to use.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and primary controls on the center console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. The system's shortcomings could be mitigated by using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2021 MINI Cooper missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring top "Good" ratings in crash tests but "Acceptable" or "Poor" ratings for headlights. The standard front crash prevention systems earned "Advanced" scores, and the LATCH system received a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not rated the 2021 model. Standard driver-assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors, with optional features like front parking sensors, a parking assistance system, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars on the road.