2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior into 2022. It resembled a downsized Altima, a significant improvement over its pre-2020 cartoonish design. The Sentra was available in bold colors like blue, burnt orange, and “Scarlet Ember,” with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra boasted a modern yet simple layout, with easy-to-use controls and a touchscreen that served as the visual centerpiece. The interior design was both functional and upscale, especially in the front cabin.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback styles, offered a variety of trims and powertrains. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with its Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810. The Mazda3’s deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design were not universally appealing, but its mature and serious appearance was appreciated by many. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and sophisticated design, creating an upscale and elegant driving environment. The focus on the driver’s experience was evident, with thoughtful padding and excellent support in the front seats.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not outstanding, the engine and transmission provided solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory performance both in town and on the highway. The Sentra’s steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road bumps well, making it a great choice for commuting and road trips.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the base model, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and achieving 31 mpg combined. The popular 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, produced up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The Mazda3’s ride was smooth and supple, with nimble handling and flawless steering. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, though they performed well under normal conditions.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offered decent legroom and headroom. The Sentra’s front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, with plenty of cupholders and trays in the center console.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, sitting low to the ground, was difficult to enter and exit, with small door openings. However, once inside, the front seats provided a snug but 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 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 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics needed updating, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display and controls on the center console. Mazda’s approach avoided touchscreens, which they deemed distracting. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services offered remote access and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features on our test model included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

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 a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.