2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued its legacy without significant changes, available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. It offered a range of models, including the affordable Mazda3 2.0, the popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and the speedy Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety with five trim levels and options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (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 the $1,015 destination charge. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with extra-cost Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810, including the destination charge.

The Mazda3's appearance was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design, but it had a certain artistry. The 2.5 Turbo model emphasized stealth with a mature, serious look, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale, elegant environment. The Mazda3 offered more value for money compared to entry-level luxury cars, except in perceived cachet.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year. It continued to offer the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 330e. Exterior design changes were subtle but sporty, with a narrow kidney grille, redesigned full-LED headlights, and reshaped lower air intakes. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys and optional 19-inch wheels added to its sporty appeal. The M340i featured exclusive design elements like a mesh-design kidney grille and trapezoidal tailpipes.

Inside, the 3 Series showcased the new BMW iDrive 8 with a 27.2-inch continuous high-definition curved display. The minimalist dashboard design and driver-centric cockpit enhanced the driving experience. The M Sport package added an M leather steering wheel and Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite interior finish. The 3 Series offered a blend of comfort and performance, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered three engine options. The base 2.0 sedan featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, the most popular choice, had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ranging from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, with 26 to 27 mpg combined.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was a fun car to drive, with a smooth and supple ride, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving on Deer Creek Canyon Road. Despite this, the Mazda3 remained a brilliant automobile with exceptional quality, unassuming style, and an attainable price.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from previous years. The 330i and 330e featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the 330i producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the 330e offering a combined 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The M340i, with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and xDrive AWD available.

The 330i achieved 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the 330e offered 28 mpg combined and 75 MPGe combined in electric mode. The M340i had 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The 330i provided a quiet and comfortable ride in Comfort mode, with precise steering and a neutral feel. In Sport mode, the 330i offered a more engaging driving experience, but the engine note remained subdued. The M Sport brake system ensured sharp cornering and hard braking performance.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The interior featured user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or 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 seats folded.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact but comfortable interior. Front headroom measured 38.7 inches, with 42 inches of legroom. Rear occupants had 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. The power-adjustable front sport seats were supportive, with good bolstering and adjustable thigh support. The iDrive controller knob was intuitive, and the interior featured standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery. Cargo capacity was 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display and center console controls. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. However, 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 provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, with a complimentary three-year subscription. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the BMW iDrive 8 with a 27.2-inch curved display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was intuitive, with customizable widgets and natural speech recognition via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and a one-year SiriusXM subscription. Optional features included wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

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.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, but the PHEV model was not rated. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, but the 330i's headlights received a Poor rating. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. The Driving Assistance Package added active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, park-distance control, and pedestrian and frontal collision warnings. The Driving Assistance Professional Package offered semi-autonomous driving systems. Additional safety options included a head-up display, Parking Distance Control, and Drive Recorder.