2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its debut in 1993. Initially featuring bland, rounded styling, it transformed into a sportier, sharper design by its third generation in 2002. By 2022, the sixth-generation Altima continued this trend, showcasing a low, wide stance, tall doors, creased body lines, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package on the SR trim added gloss black accents, LED fog lights, and 19-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher ones.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in sedan and hatchback styles, maintained its artistic yet polarizing design. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback featured a sleek, mature look without flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the Mazda3 impressed with refined materials, polished metallic finishes, and a driver-centric layout. The front seats provided excellent support, while the back seat offered limited comfort and legroom for taller passengers. Storage space was adequate, with a 20.1 cubic feet cargo area in the hatchback, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was exclusive to the SR trim with FWD. Both engines featured direct injection and were paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The VC-Turbo engine, capable of adjusting its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, provided a unique driving experience. However, the base engine's performance was underwhelming, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. The Altima's suspension and cabin quietness were commendable, offering a smooth and composed ride.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 started with a 2.0-liter engine producing 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft, offered a balance of power and efficiency, with FWD or AWD options. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. The Turbo's AWD and smooth power delivery made it a joy to drive, though fuel economy was lower than advertised. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, steering, and ride quality, though its brakes showed signs of fade under intense conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with a fifth seat suitable for short distances. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of the midsize sedan segment, with a 15.4 cubic feet trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. The high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, while the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not carefully packed. Despite these minor issues, the Altima offered a competent and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging. However, once inside, the front seats offered a snug and comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a 20.1 cubic feet cargo area in the hatchback, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim featured a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen with basic audio and connectivity options. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The advanced drive-assist display and ProPilot Assist system, available on higher trims, offered enhanced driver assistance and safety features. Active noise cancellation and an Around View Monitor further improved the driving experience.

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's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mitigated some issues. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access and emergency notification. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims added Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also boasted an impressive array of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive front headlights. The top-tier Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.