2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its captivating design that balanced drama and sophistication. The sedan version, while more conservative, still offered an engaging visual experience with its sleek lines and refined details. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a choice of standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, featured luxurious Nappa leather and a high-contrast two-tone design, aiming to elevate Mazda's brand into the premium segment. Despite some use of hard plastics, the attention to design detail and the driver-centric cabin layout made the Mazda3 feel like a legitimate entry-luxury car.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i model, offered a blend of performance and luxury. The M340i's exterior featured exclusive design elements and high-performance tires, contributing to its sporty appeal. Inside, the M340i boasted power-adjustable sport seats and a driver-focused cockpit, providing both comfort and support. The rear seats offered adequate legroom for taller passengers, and the trunk provided a generous 17 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior design leaned towards a technical aesthetic, emphasizing driving enjoyment over plush elegance, yet still delivering quality materials and a well-thought-out layout.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software provided improved handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, during testing, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg, falling short of the EPA estimate.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and launch control, driving the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The car's handling was enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension, providing a precise and confident driving experience. The M340i returned 24.9 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with Nappa leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The cabin was driver-focused, with limited passenger comfort and storage space. The sedan offered a 13.2 cubic-foot trunk, while the hatchback provided more utility with up to 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered power-adjustable front sport seats and a driver-focused cockpit, providing comfort and support. The rear seats had adequate legroom for taller passengers, and the trunk offered 17 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with optional heated rear seats. However, ventilated front seats were not available. The 3 Series' interior storage was decent, and the back seat's 40/20/40-split folding design added utility.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, offering good audio quality. A head-up display was standard, providing useful driving information.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options and a gesture control system. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Intelligent Personal Assistant offered conversational voice recognition, enhancing the user experience. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver, with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive safety features, such as a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Driving Assistance Professional package offered lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving features. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.