2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its sleek design with no significant changes from previous models. It was available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback styles, offering a range of models from the affordable 2.0 sedan to 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 Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $35,810. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape, but it had a mature and understated aesthetic. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, offering an upscale driving experience that appealed to those seeking value over luxury cachet.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, a full-size sedan, stood out with its elevated ride height, reminiscent of crossover vehicles. Its bold styling included a massive grille, angular headlights, and large wheels, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. The rear featured a distinctive taillight strip, and the Platinum trim offered a two-tone color option. Inside, the Crown boasted a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen. The mix of materials included sturdy plastics and cushioned touchpoints, creating a comfortable environment. While the Crown's interior was modern, it fell short of luxury standards due to some hard plastics. Overall, the Crown's design was likely to appeal to a broad audience, offering a blend of style and practicality.

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 popular 2.5 S model featured a 2.5-liter engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its 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 fun driving experience, with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, indicating a need for improvement.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains. The base hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 236 hp, while the Platinum trim's Hybrid Max powertrain delivered 340 hp with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a more powerful rear motor. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic. The Crown's ride was tuned for comfort, with the Platinum trim offering an adaptive suspension. While the Crown's performance was adequate for most drivers, it lacked the sporty feel of the Mazda3. The cabin remained quiet, but some electronic driver aids were intrusive, and the engine drone was noticeable.

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 user-friendly controls and high-quality materials. The back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air vents and USB ports. Cargo space was limited, with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Crown provided a more spacious interior, with comfortable front seats and ample rear legroom. The higher ride height improved visibility, but the rearview was narrow. The trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors, but the wide opening made loading easy. The Crown's interior featured practical storage solutions, including a wireless charging pad and a large center console bin.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console dial. While Mazda's approach aimed to reduce distractions, the lack of a touchscreen and voice recognition issues were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the system included remote access features and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The audio system ranged from an eight-speaker setup to a 12-speaker Bose system.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a voice-recognition system activated by "Hey Toyota." The Crown also featured a digital key, allowing smartphone access, and an optional JBL audio system. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and a Wi-Fi hotspot was available.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with top ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a surround-view camera. The driver-assist systems were reliable, enhancing trust in the technology.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety ratings were pending, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard features, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. While some driver aids were intrusive, they could be disabled, and the adaptive systems were well-tuned for smooth driving.