Mazda 3 2022 Review

The 2022 Mazda 3 is a compact car known for its premium-feeling interior, sporty handling and stylish exterior. In 2021, Mazda introduced two engines to round out the Mazda 3 offerings: a 2.0-liter engine to make its base price more attractive and a powerful 2.5-liter turbo for those who want class-leading performance. And it still offers the solid midlevel engine, a non-turbo 2.5-liter engine. As a bonus for buyers who live in cold and wet climates, the Mazda 3 is even available with all-wheel drive.

There are a few rival models worth checking out. Honda's Civic is redesigned for 2022 and, like the Mazda, is available in both sedan and hatchback forms. We also give high marks to the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte. Check out our Expert Rating to read our test team's full take on the Mazda 3 and help you decide which small sedan or hatchback is best for you.

What's it like to live with?

Our editorial team tested a Mazda 3 sedan for a year. We came away impressed with its reliability and upscale interior but desired a bit more performance from the regular 2.5-liter engine. You can read all about our experiences in our 2020 Mazda 3 long-term test. Note that while we tested a 2020 car, nearly all of our observations apply to the 2022 Mazda 3 as well.

Which 3 does MatoCar recommend?

[Editor's note: The following information is based on last year's 2021 Mazda 3. We expect the 2022 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Mazda 3 sedan is available in three trim levels that coincide with the choice of engine: Mazda 3 2.0, Mazda 3 2.5 S and Mazda 2.5 Turbo. The midgrade 2.5 S trim is eligible for all-wheel drive, while the Turbo has it as standard equipment. Both of these models are eligible for option packages. The Mazda 3 is also available in a hatchback body style.

The base Mazda 3 2.0 is only offered with front-wheel drive. Standard feature highlights include:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 horsepower, 150 lb-ft of torque)
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 60/40-split folding rear seats
• Remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app
• 8.8-inch infotainment display
• Eight-speaker audio system

Every Mazda 3 also comes with:

• Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Automatic high beams
• Drowsy driver monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

Stepping up to the Mazda 3 2.5 S adds:

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp, 186 lb-ft)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

From there, you can add three optional packages to the 2.5 S:

• Select package
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Keyless ignition and entry

• Preferred package
• Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings
• Heated front seats
• Sunroof

• Premium package
• 18-inch wheels
• Upgraded exterior lighting with adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Leather seats
• Paddle shifters
• Integrated navigation system
• 12-speaker Bose audio system

At the top of the lineup is the Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo. It comes with contents of the 2.5 S' optional packages, minus the leather upholstery and navigation system. It also comes with:

• 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane gas)
• All-wheel drive
• 18-inch black-painted wheels
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Heated steering wheel

The Premium Plus package is exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo and buffs up the 3 even more with:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Auto-dimming driver's side mirror
• Trunklid spoiler
• Navigation system
• Leather upholstery
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Mazda 3 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Universal garage door opener
• Traffic Jam Assist (a partially automated hands-on driving system)
• Rear automatic braking