2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 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 M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers. The optional Cooling and High-Performance Tire package added 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color contrasted sharply with the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials and a technical design focused on driving enjoyment rather than luxury.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured rakish headlights and a large grille, available in sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback's daring design included rear angles curving around the rear window and doors. The clean, futuristic design extended into the cabin, with a simple layout and an infotainment system rising organically from the dash. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls added to the cabin's appeal.

Trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, with standard features including 16-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, keyless entry, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, moonroof, heated front seats, and more. The 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus hatchback, the top trim, included reverse automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking monitoring, and other driver assistance features.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 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. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, driving the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i also featured M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension, with the test car including the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, and the car's driving dynamics were praised for their precision and responsiveness.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's base engine was a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. The test model featured the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a fantastic sound and engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The Mazda3's Sport mode enhanced the driving experience by holding gears longer and providing more forceful steering feedback. The car's handling was praised for its balance, agility, and ability to absorb bumps.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support and a perfect driving position. The rear seats offered enough legroom for four relatively tall passengers, though the center rear seat was less practical. The car included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. The 17 cubic-foot trunk provided roomy cargo space, and the back seat's 40/20/40-split folding design added utility.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable for occasional use. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid's design was frustrating. The Mazda3's ergonomics and cupholders were praised for their practicality.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and navigation. 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 also included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various queries. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. The system's menu navigation was clumsy, and the lack of a touchscreen made it unintuitive. The car included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control, with available upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system. The Bose stereo was praised for its sound quality and design.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with 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 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The car's design included a massive C-pillar, creating a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout was considered a safety issue due to its distracting nature.