2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its inception, moving from its original bland design to a sharper, sportier look by its third generation. By 2022, the Altima was available in five trim levels, each featuring Nissan's signature V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance. The Midnight Edition package added a compelling aesthetic with gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, enhancing the Altima's sporty appearance. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though the quality of materials varied across trims.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 presented a striking design with rakish headlights and a large grille, available in both sedan and hatchback forms. The hatchback, in particular, boasted a daring and futuristic design. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean, minimalist theme with a well-integrated infotainment system. The cabin featured a conventional shifter and easy-to-use climate controls, while the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant design. The Mazda3 offered a range of trims, each adding various features, with the top-tier 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus trim providing advanced driver assistance and luxury touches.

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 VC-Turbo engine delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. All models featured a CVT, with the SR trim including paddle shifters. The VC-Turbo engine, capable of adjusting its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, was technologically advanced but not available with AWD. The base engine provided mediocre acceleration, but the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with a base 2.5-liter engine producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with FWD or AWD. A manual transmission was offered on FWD Premium models. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel, paired with AWD. The turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and impressive handling. The Mazda3's Sport mode enhanced performance, while its handling balance and agility made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was a competent midsize sedan, offering comfortable seating for four and a decent-sized trunk at 15.4 cubic feet. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a large fuel tank at 16.2 gallons. However, rear visibility was compromised by a high rear shelf and sloping roofline. The trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not packed carefully.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet. Rear seat legroom was limited, especially with taller front-seat occupants, and the sloping roofline reduced headroom. The front seating area featured a decent center console and ergonomic design, though the console lid was somewhat frustrating to use.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim included a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch audio display with Bluetooth and voice recognition. Higher trims featured an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the SL trim added a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima offered advanced driver-assist technologies, including ProPilot Assist on higher trims, though our test vehicle did not have this feature.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a center console dial, which proved clumsy and unintuitive. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but navigation was confusing. The Mazda3 offered two USB ports, HD radio, and Bluetooth, with available upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a robust suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The SV trim added Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking and blind-spot warning. The Altima received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 also offered a comprehensive set of safety features, such as forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree parking camera. However, the hatchback's large C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction risk.