2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint, turned heads in a way previous Camrys never did. This new paint color, exclusive to the performance-tuned TRD model, was one of the few updates for the 2022 model year. Other changes included standard heated side mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control for most trims, as well as a new Ice Edge paint hue. The SE Hybrid trim also gained a Nightshade Edition package, which blacked out the car’s exterior trim and wheels. Despite the bold styling, the Camry TRD's interior was less polarizing, featuring an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented center console. However, the red gauge illumination and other red accents were considered tacky by some.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles, with no significant changes beyond the updates mentioned. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim, which we tested, featured Polymetal Gray Metallic paint and carried an MSRP of $35,810. The Mazda3's deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design were not universally appealing, but the car's artistry was easy to appreciate. Inside, the Mazda3 exuded refinement with polished metallic finishes and sophisticated design. The interior materials were upscale, and the car felt mature and serious, unlike the more flamboyant Camry TRD.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It featured a Sport transmission mode, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode that adjusted throttle response and steering effort. The EPA rated the Camry TRD at 25 mpg in combined driving, and our test averaged 24.8 mpg. The car's "track-tuned" driving dynamics included increased torsional rigidity, stiffer sway bars, tauter springs, TRD shocks, and bigger brakes. The Camry TRD's performance was impressive, but the lack of all-wheel drive made it easy to break the front wheels loose.

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, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generated 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with fuel economy ratings between 27 and 30 mpg. The 2.5 Turbo model, which we tested, had a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on premium fuel. The turbocharged Mazda3 averaged 23.1 mpg in our test. The car's smooth and supple ride, combined with nimble handling and excellent steering, made it a joy to drive, though the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD's front seats, despite their sporty appearance, did not offer additional bolstering compared to the standard Camry SE. However, the low-slung driving position and lack of body roll made them comfortable. The back seat could accommodate two adults, but the fixed rear seatback reduced cargo flexibility, leaving a 15.1 cubic-foot trunk. In-cabin storage was generous, with a large center armrest bin and other storage spaces.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position and small door openings made entry and exit challenging. However, once inside, the car felt tailor-made, with excellent thigh and side bolster support, padded armrests, and a driver-focused design. The back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An optional 9-inch touchscreen added Remote Connect and Service Connect subscription plans, as well as a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system. However, the TRD model did not offer dynamic connected navigation or a 360-degree surround-view monitoring system.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console knob and steering wheel buttons. Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access to vehicle functions and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and an Active Driving Display.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and other driver-assist features. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the TRD model. The Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also excelled in safety, with standard adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, 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+" rating from the IIHS.