2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition was a special model commemorating the car's history, with only 1,973 units produced. It featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges, along with a unique Racing Green paint option. Inside, the Passat boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, faux wood trim, and special seat tags, creating an upscale ambiance. However, the interior also included outdated technologies like a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a small driver information display, which detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a sleek and modern design, especially in its hatchback form. The interior continued this clean, futuristic aesthetic with a simple yet elegant layout. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. The Mazda3's cabin featured user-friendly climate controls, a pushbutton start, and a well-designed steering wheel. Trim levels ranged from the base 2.5 S to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. While the Passat's engine provided adequate power for daily driving, it lacked the punch needed for quick acceleration and passing maneuvers. The car's ride quality was generally smooth, but it could feel jittery on city streets and over rough surfaces. The Passat's handling was surprisingly good on twisty roads, displaying traditional Germanic traits, but its overall driving experience was marred by inconsistent brake pedal feel and a somewhat floaty ride.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four produced 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet with premium fuel. This engine came standard with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering, responsive handling, and a sporty feel. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, especially in Sport mode, making the Mazda3 a joy to drive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was known for its spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating five adults. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, but the lack of bottom cushion angle adjustment limited comfort for some drivers. The rear seats were exceptionally roomy, with ample legroom and a comfortable backrest angle. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, which was competitive for its class, though it lacked additional storage compartments.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it suitable only for short trips. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment and well-placed cupholders. The Mazda3's interior was designed for front-seat comfort, with the rear seats being less practical for regular use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. However, the system's outdated interface and small screen size were drawbacks. The voice recognition system was also hit-or-miss, working well for simple commands but struggling with more complex inputs.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console. This non-touchscreen setup was a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The system included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control. Higher trims added navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which offered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a park-assist system. The Passat received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS giving it high marks, while the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the Mazda3's large C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's confusing layout posed a potential safety issue.