2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its sleek design with no significant changes, continuing to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles. It was available in various trims, 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 options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its understated yet sophisticated appearance, was priced at $35,810. The interior was noted for its refined materials and elegant design, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium feel without the luxury price tag.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, and paint colors, enhancing its visual appeal, especially in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. The Altima SL, one of the upscale trims, featured a more luxurious interior with options like Gray leather for a high-contrast look. Despite the improvements, the interior still had hard plastic elements, reminding drivers of its more affordable base price. The Altima's design updates aimed to maintain its presence in the family car segment, even as the Maxima faced discontinuation.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, was the most popular choice, offering both manual and automatic transmissions. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged engine, delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, but its fuel economy was lower at 26-27 mpg combined. The Mazda3 was praised for its engaging driving experience, with smooth power delivery and nimble handling, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, except for the SR VC-Turbo, came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, producing 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque in FWD models. AWD was available, slightly reducing power output. The Altima SR VC-Turbo offered a more powerful turbocharged engine with up to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Fuel economy ranged from 30 to 32 mpg combined, with the SR VC-Turbo achieving 29 mpg. The Altima's CVT was well-regarded, but the driving experience was less engaging compared to rivals, with firm ride quality and some noise issues at highway speeds.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered a snug and comfortable fit. The interior was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, lacking rear air vents and USB ports. Cargo space in the hatchback was 20.1 cubic feet, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured a straightforward and user-friendly interior, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, but rear air vents were only available in higher trims. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display controlled via a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While Mazda avoided touchscreens to reduce driver distraction, the system's lack of a physical tuning function and voice recognition issues were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Mazda Connected Services for remote access and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A Bose 12-speaker audio system and an Active Driving Display were optional.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered a basic 5-inch display in the base S trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen available in SV and SR trims. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen was optional in SV and SR trims and standard in SL and SR VC-Turbo trims, featuring navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. NissanConnect Services required a subscription, offering remote engine start and voice assistant compatibility. A Bose nine-speaker audio system was available, with mixed performance results.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available in higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but had a four-star rating for front passenger frontal impact. IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.