2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, with its sleek bodywork and refined aesthetics. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with the Premium Plus trim offering luxurious touches like Nappa leather. The interior, especially with the white leather option, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX, while wider and slightly more streamlined than its predecessor, maintained a more subtle and functional design. The front end featured a small hexagonal grille and signature hood scoop, while the side profile was less busy, with black plastic cladding designed to improve aerodynamics. The rear showcased dramatic fender flares and quad tailpipes. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sport seats and premium materials like Ultrasuede in higher trims. The overall design aimed to balance comfort and performance, making it a practical yet sporty choice.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, delivered a smooth and predictable driving experience. The car’s suspension and steering were finely tuned for maximum driving pleasure, with stiffer front springs and dampers to handle the added weight. Despite the lack of a manual transmission option for the Turbo model, the car’s performance was transformative, offering stunning speed and a natural driving character. However, fuel economy during testing fell short of the EPA estimate, averaging 20.4 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power increase over the previous model was minimal, the WRX’s performance was still commendable. The car came standard with AWD and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission, which was tested, provided a satisfying driving experience with precise shifts and a forgiving clutch. The new WRX also benefited from the Subaru Global Platform, which improved suspension tuning and ride quality. Despite some minor power shortcomings, the WRX handled well on challenging roads, maintaining stability and control.

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. In-cabin storage was adequate but limited, especially if opting for wireless smartphone charging. 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 Subaru WRX, while not offering a hatchback option, improved its cargo capacity to 12.5 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional space. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery depending on the trim. The WRX’s interior was practical and well-suited for daily commuting, with standard AWD adding to its versatility.

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 was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which offered good sound quality but struggled with certain audio sources. The car also included a useful head-up display, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, particularly in premium trims, impressed with its 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display, similar to those in newer Subaru models. The system included physical controls for essential functions, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration had some quirks. The base trim featured a less elegant dual 7-inch display setup. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available in higher trims, promising excellent audio performance.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3’s i-ActiveSense suite of ADAS included features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and low-speed reverse automatic braking. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru WRX’s safety features varied by transmission. CVT models came with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Manual models lacked EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The WRX’s new platform improved crash energy absorption, and the car came standard with seven airbags.