2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 was the top-tier model. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Pro and Adaptive M Suspension. The M Performance exterior design, 19-inch wheels, and high-performance tires contributed to its appealing styling and performance.

Inside, the M340i's perforated SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color contrasted sharply with the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials in complementary tones and textures, with a design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury. The technical design and upscale feel of the dashboard wrap and upholstery added to the car's overall appeal.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with prices ranging from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding a $1,015 destination charge. The lineup included the affordable Mazda3 2.0 (sedan only), popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and speedy Mazda3 2.5 Turbo models. The 2.5 S lineup offered five trim levels and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the 2.5 S Premium hatchback being the only one offering a six-speed manual transmission. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback test vehicle, priced at $35,810, featured Polymetal Gray Metallic paint.

The Mazda3's appearance was not universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback design that some might call "hunchback." However, its mature and serious look, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits, had a certain artistry. Inside, refined materials and sophisticated design, decorated with polished metallic finishes, created an upscale, almost elegant environment. The Mazda3 offered more value for money compared to entry-level luxury cars, except in perceived cachet.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The M340i's driving dynamics were enhanced by M Sport four-wheel ventilated-disc brakes, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension, with the optional Adaptive M Suspension further improving handling.

The M340i's performance was thrilling, with the car reacting almost presciently to inputs and providing a perfect tool for carving canyons. The transmission behaved flawlessly, and the car's driving dynamics kept the driver calm and confident. The 3 Series remained the standard against which other sports sedans were measured, offering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered three engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel. The 2.0 model returned 31 mpg in combined driving, while the 2.5 S ranged between 27 mpg and 30 mpg. The turbocharged model achieved 26 mpg (hatchback) or 27 mpg (sedan) in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 23.1 mpg.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo provided a smooth and supple ride, with nimble handling, flawless steering, and outstanding balance. The car's performance was enjoyable, with power building gradually into a crescendo. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving on Deer Creek Canyon Road, though they performed well on level ground. The Mazda3's driving experience was brilliant, with exceptional quality, unassuming style, and an attainable price, though a brake upgrade would be beneficial.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with excellent support and a perfect driving position. The rear seat offered enough legroom for four relatively tall people, though the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The car included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. Interior storage space was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk provided roomy cargo space, with a 40/20/40-split folding design for added utility.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging. However, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The back seat provided decent comfort and legroom for shorter passengers, but taller occupants would be uncomfortable. The car lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. The iDrive 7.0 system was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The car included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Connected Package Pro technology provided remote services and an Intelligent Personal Assistant for voice commands. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it was challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and center console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing they were distracting, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The car included an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The car earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with 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 car received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.