2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork exuded a blend of drama and sophistication, capturing both daring and refinement. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus version, showcased high-quality materials like Nappa leather and a design focused on the driver, aiming to elevate Mazda's brand into the premium segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, maintained a modern yet menacing exterior design from its 2015 facelift. While the exterior updates were significant, the interior felt dated with its thick bezels and chunky controls. Despite this, the Charger offered ease of use with its straightforward layout. The model lineup included various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat variants with supercharged V8 engines. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, transformed the Charger into a well-rounded performance machine, combining power with improved handling.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout in terms of performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When fueled with 93-octane gas, it produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while 87-octane resulted in slightly lower figures. The 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 further improved handling, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 in the SXT and GT models, producing up to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim introduced a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower, while the R/T Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 485 horsepower. The Charger SRT Hellcat, with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8, delivered an impressive 717 horsepower, with the Redeye and Jailbreak variants pushing output even higher. All engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard. The Hellcat's Widebody setup improved handling, allowing for better power delivery and cornering precision. The Charger Hellcat accelerated from zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, offering thrilling performance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, but the wireless smartphone charging location reduced center console capacity. The sedan offered 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space, while the hatchback provided more utility with up to 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered ample legroom in both rows, though headroom was limited, especially in the rear. The high center console and performance bucket seats created an intimate front-seat experience. Storage options were limited, with smaller bins and trays compared to modern sedans. The Charger provided 16.5 cubic feet of trunk space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger combined sports-car performance with practicality, offering a usable trunk and four doors.

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 subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, offering good audio quality, especially with FLAC files. A head-up display was standard, providing useful information to the driver.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons for easier use. Both screens included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology blended well with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) aimed to support rather than replace the driver. The Premium Plus trim added features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The backup camera's image quality was poor, highlighting the Charger's aging technology.