2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to shed its legacy of being an uninspired, generic-looking sedan by incorporating numerous stylistic elements. Some features were successful, such as the flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights that widened the car's appearance. The SE, XSE, or TRD trims, however, adorned the car with superfluous fake vents that added visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims boasted a smoother, yet still massive, grille. The underlying TNGA-K platform was shared with models like the Avalon sedan and RAV4 SUV. The 2021 model year saw slight changes to the front fascia, most noticeable in the TRD model with its unique styling elements, including a larger rear spoiler. The Nightshade Edition, based on the SE trim, continued from the 2020 model year with a blacked-out exterior trim and wheels, offering 17-inch alloy wheels on the base LE trim, with 18-inch and 19-inch wheels available on other models.

On the inside, the Camry’s dashboard looked chaotic, mixing different trim elements like contrast stitching, piano black plastic, and some that mimicked carbon fiber. The SE Nightshade Edition's aesthetic seemed disjointed, and some materials felt low-quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 carried forward with minimal changes. Offered in both sedan and hatchback forms, it had variants like the 2.0, the 2.5 S, and the performance-oriented 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S offered a range of five trims with options for FWD and AWD, while only the 2.5 S Premium hatchback provided a manual transmission.

The Mazda3's design was not universally loved, especially with its deeply sculpted sides that could reflect light in odd ways, and the hatchback version earned the moniker "hunchback" from some. Yet, there was an undeniable artistry to its design that many could appreciate. The 2.5 Turbo trim refrained from boastful displays, opting for a mature, serious look without gaudy spoilers or flashy paint jobs. Inside, the Mazda3 exhibited refined materials and polished metallic finishes, creating an almost elegant driving environment. It struck a balance between being loaded with high-quality materials and demonstrating class through simplicity. This interior managed to feel considerably upscale, even more so than some entry-level luxury vehicles without the perceived cachet these luxury brands offer.

The 2021 Toyota Camry was powered initially by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, dubbed the “Dynamic Force.” In FWD trims, this engine produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, marginally reduced to 202 hp and 182 lb-ft in AWD versions. The XSE trim offered a slight performance boost to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft in FWD and 205 hp and 185 lb-ft in AWD, with all variants employing an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota also kept a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine in the lineup, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with the eight-speed automatic gearbox and available only in FWD. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assistance for a total of 208 hp. Our SE Nightshade Edition test car, equipped with the base four-cylinder engine and AWD, managed to surprise with a bubbly, eager-to-rev disposition and pleasing sound, making it feel sportier than one might expect from a family sedan.

The Camry displayed a balanced chassis tuning between handling and ride comfort, maintaining responsiveness and precision in steering. It managed to strike an above-average driving experience for its segment, even without the sport-focused TRD model. Toyota also revived AWD for the Camry in 2020, derived from the RAV4's system, capable of diverting up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when additional traction was needed.

For the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, the base 2.0 sedan model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, excelling in fuel economy with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving. More commonly chosen, the 2.5 S model, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and the option for AWD. Manual enthusiasts favored the Mazda3 2.5 S Premium hatchback with its six-speed manual gearbox.

The performance pinnacle, the 2.5 Turbo, was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas, increasing to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, tied to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Despite the turbo model's impressive performance metrics, fuel efficiency lagged, averaging 23.1 mpg, with a small fuel tank necessitating frequent refueling stops.

On the road, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo exhibited a sophisticated driving demeanor, characterized by a gradual and consistent power build-up, smooth ride quality, nimble handling, and precise steering. It displayed exceptional balance and grip, promising a trustworthy ride even on challenging roads. However, during vigorous driving, brake fade was apparent, indicating the need for an upgraded braking system for spirited driving scenarios.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom compared to other midsize sedans. However, it sacrificed front headroom and legroom, though the adjustable front seats helped find a comfortable position. In terms of cargo space, the Camry offered an average 15.1 cubic feet, falling behind competitors like the Honda Accord with 16.7 cubic feet. Interior storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders.

Conversely, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 situates its occupants low to the ground, complicating entry and exit due to its small door openings. Once inside, the snug yet comfortable fit catered to the driver with user-friendly controls and padded surfaces where support was needed during spirited drives. The front seats offered excellent thigh and side bolster support, enhancing driving comfort.

The rear seating in the Mazda3 hatchback compromised comfort and legroom, making it less suitable for taller passengers. It also lacked rear AC vents or USB ports. The cargo space, at 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat, allowed for limited packing, adaptable to 47.1 cubic feet when the back seat was folded, though the configuration suited only specific types of luggage due to its shape.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and SiriusXM with a free trial. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, WiFi capability, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system, along with an available 10-inch head-up display (HUD) in the XSE and XLE trims. Standard USB media and charge ports and a 12-volt outlet were provided, but higher trims did not add extra connectivity options. The system was functional but lacked pizzaz in graphics and interface design.

For the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, the Mazda Connect system utilized an 8.8-inch non-touch infotainment display, integrated smoothly into the dashboard and operated via controls on the center console. This setup, backed by steering wheel controls and voice recognition, posed a minimal distraction, aligning with Mazda's philosophy against touchscreens. However, the lack of physical tuning functions and a suboptimal voice recognition system detracted from its user experience. The system required specific verbal commands, distracting drivers who had to reference the screen.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered a more user-friendly alternative, bypassing some of Mazda Connect's shortcomings. Mazda Connected Services were complimentary for three years, including remote access via smartphone app, a Wi-Fi hotspot subscription, and emergency notification.

Standard audio offerings included an eight-speaker system, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint system available in higher trims. Further enhancing the driver experience, an Active Driving Display HUD projected pertinent information on the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2021 Toyota Camry scored remarkably in safety, earning the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The new TSS 2.5+ safety suite offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Enhancements like acceleration during lane changes and improved forward-collision recognition showcased its adaptive capabilities. Additionally, Rear Seat Reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert bolstered safety, the latter standard on higher trims and optional on the base ones.

Equally impressive, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 boasted extensive safety features and flawless crash-test ratings. Basic safety equipment included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and lane-keeping assists, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Turbo models featured adaptive headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera. The ADAS systems exhibited reliability without triggering false alerts, engendering trust and comfort for the driver.

The Mazda3 received five-star ratings in all NHTSA assessments and a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS, affirming its dedication to occupant safety.