2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design choice that had become synonymous with its identity since its second-generation debut in 2004. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to embrace its unique styling, which was not universally praised. The interior of the Prius was equally unconventional, featuring a central strip of displays near the windshield and a dashboard-mounted toggle lever for transmission controls. The infotainment pod jutted toward the front seat occupants, who were separated by a narrow center console. Gloss-black trim, while stylish, attracted dust and fingerprints. The Prius was available in several trims, including L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with an optional AWD-e system for the LE and XLE trims. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid offered different styling and was available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims. As a five-door hatchback, the Prius provided utility similar to a crossover SUV, with prices ranging from $24,525 to $32,650, excluding destination charges.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, offered a range of models, including the affordable 2.0 sedan, the popular 2.5 S, and the sporty 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and a choice between FWD and AWD. The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model offering a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding destination charges. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback that some might call a "hunchback." However, its mature and serious appearance, combined with refined interior materials and sophisticated design, made it an attractive option for those seeking an upscale experience without the luxury price tag.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency over raw power, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Other FWD models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition, however, averaged 47.5 mpg during testing, falling short of EPA estimates. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total system output of 121 horsepower. While not powerful, the electric motor's 120 pound-feet of torque provided a lively feel off the line. The Prius offered various driving modes, including EV Mode for electric-only driving at speeds under 25 mph, and Eco, Normal, and Power modes to balance efficiency and responsiveness. The TNGA platform contributed to a lower center of gravity and improved handling, allowing the Prius to navigate curvy roads with some enthusiasm. Despite its limitations in acceleration and steering feel, the Prius delivered predictable handling and commendable regenerative braking.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2.0 sedan, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5 S model, with its 2.5-liter engine, generated 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ratings between 27 and 30 mpg, depending on the trim and powertrain. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged engine, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. Despite its advertised fuel economy, the turbocharged Mazda3 averaged 23.1 mpg during testing. The Mazda3 excelled in driving dynamics, offering a smooth ride, nimble handling, and excellent steering. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during demanding conditions, such as the Deer Creek Canyon Road test. Overall, the Mazda3 provided a thrilling driving experience, with its turbocharged engine delivering power in a smooth crescendo.

The 2021 Toyota Prius, often perceived as a small car, offered surprising interior space, accommodating up to five passengers. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery could be sticky. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While finding a good driving position was easy, the low seating position made entry and exit challenging. The rear seats provided adequate space for adults, but lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, with 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats, and 47.9 to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, with its low seating position and small door openings, posed challenges for entry and exit. However, once inside, the front seats offered a snug and comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The back seat, while decent for shorter passengers, was less accommodating for taller individuals, and lacked 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. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo-volume and tuning knobs, and shortcut buttons for main-function menus. Standard equipment included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Toyota’s Safety Connect and WiFi Connect were also standard, with generous free trial subscriptions. The sound quality of the standard stereo speakers was poor, and road noise often overwhelmed it. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, navigation, and a natural voice recognition system, paired with an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen. However, this system lacked the Android Auto upgrade available on the standard system. The digital instrumentation, housed in a strip at the top of the dashboard, featured dated graphics.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch static display integrated into the dashboard, with primary controls on the center console. Steering wheel controls and a voice recognition system were also included. Mazda's approach, avoiding touchscreens, aimed to reduce driver distraction. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system requiring specific commands were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered alternatives for music streaming and navigation. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were also standard, offering features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Prius received favorable marks from the IIHS but lacked a crashworthiness rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features like 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, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars available.