2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version maintained a conservative yet sophisticated look, while the hatchback, though not tested, promised a more aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with the Premium Plus trim offering luxurious touches like Nappa leather. The interior, especially in the tested sedan with white leather, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 saw no significant changes from its predecessor. It continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the 2.5 Turbo model standing out for its stealthy, mature appearance. The interior maintained its upscale feel with refined materials and polished metallic finishes. The hatchback, tested in the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim, provided a sophisticated driving environment, though the back seat remained cramped for taller passengers. The overall design aimed to deliver more value than entry-level luxury cars, despite lacking some perceived cachet.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout in terms of performance. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, shared with other Mazda models, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the car offered a smooth, predictable, and exhilarating driving experience. The turbocharged powertrain added only 120 pounds to the car, significantly enhancing performance without compromising handling. The car's dynamic tuning, including stiffer front suspension springs and improved steering, made it a joy to drive, though fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the base sedan, producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, and excelling in fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, the most popular choice, featured a 2.5-liter engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft, available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission option in the hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, like its predecessor, offered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. Despite its fun-to-drive nature, the turbo model averaged 23.1 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating. The car's handling, steering, and balance were exceptional, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, felt luxurious. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities such as air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate but limited, especially with the optional wireless smartphone charging pad occupying the center console bin. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to prioritize the driver with a low seating position and snug fit. The front seats offered excellent support and comfort, with many versions featuring an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The back seat remained cramped for taller passengers, lacking rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin, though the wireless charging pad's location was still a drawback. The hatchback's cargo space was practical, offering 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

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 significant drawbacks. The system relied on a control knob and steering wheel controls, which were not always intuitive. The 12-speaker Bose sound system offered good audio quality, though it struggled with certain music genres. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, providing essential information without distracting the driver.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 retained the Mazda Connect system, with the same 8.8-inch display and control setup. The lack of a touchscreen and the voice recognition system's limitations remained issues. However, running Apple CarPlay or Android Auto could mitigate some of these frustrations. Mazda Connected Services continued to offer remote access and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard audio system included eight speakers, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. The Active Driving Display was also available, enhancing the driving experience with essential information projected onto the windshield.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) designed to support the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added exclusive features like a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The car received top five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, though the IIHS had not yet carried over its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from 2020.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer comprehensive safety 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 with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The car performed flawlessly in crash tests, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS.