2022 Mazda3 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2022 Mazda3 is a compact car that comes in hatchback and sedan variations. It's a sporty little car with good engine performance. The Mazda3 also has exceptional steering dynamics. It's more high-end on the inside than most of its competition in its class and price range. The Mazda3 will face off against some tough competitors in 2022, such as the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic.

Here's a brief description of what's new for 2022. There are ten top reasons to consider purchasing a new Mazda3. There are also a few negatives that prospective buyers should be aware of. Last of all, the Mazda3 will be compared to its two biggest rivals for 2022.

What's New for 2022?

There aren't many changes for the latest version of the Mazda3. There is a new special edition for 2022. Mazda calls this the Carbon Edition. This model of the Mazda3 has blacked-out trim, wheels and exterior mirrors. It comes in Gunmetal Gray on the outside with red leather upholstery on the inside. This special edition also gets a premium sound system by Bose.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Mazda3 – The Pros

1. Strong Performance

The base model of the Mazda3 has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower. Most models of the Mazda3 come equipped with a 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. This motor produces a respectable 186 horsepower. For the ultimate performance, the higher trim levels are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that can make an impressive 250 horsepower.

2. Excellent Handling

Every model of the latest Mazda3 offers exceptional steering and handling. This is a sporty, athletic car that's simply fun to drive. Steering is accurate and firm, and the car maintains tight body control. The excellent steering dynamics really set the Mazda3 apart from its competition.

3. Mazda's I-Activ AWD

Mazda's own I-Activ all-wheel-drive system is part of the reason it has such great handling. That's not the only perk of this high-tech system, however. It makes for a safer driving experience in rain or snow. The I-Activ system constantly monitors the road conditions and adjusts the power and traction to all four wheels accordingly. The Mazda3 is one of the few vehicles in its class to offer any type of all-wheel drive.

4. It's Available as a Sedan or Hatchback

The 2022 Mazda3 comes in four-door sedan and hatchback body styles. This versatility makes the Mazda3 suitable for a wider range of buyers. For those who need more backseat space for passengers, the sedan offers this in a classic, good-looking package. For those who need versatile cargo space, the hatchback has plenty of room in the back. The rear seats can also be folded down flat to increase the storage area.

5. A Sharp and Sporty Exterior

The 2022 Mazda3 is an attractive little car. It's sure to turn heads wherever it goes. It offers modern and stylish exterior features such as LED headlights, taillights and daytime-running lights. The available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels come in a variety of styles and finishes. The aggressive front end and glossy black grille add further character to the Mazda3's design.

6. The Luxurious Interior

The luxurious interior is another thing that really sets the Mazda3 apart form its competitors. The quality of materials as well as the fit-and-finish are much better than what one would expect from this car's price range. The seats are exceptionally comfortable. There are available 8-way power-adjustable seats with heating up front. The steering wheel also offers heating and comes wrapped in fine leather.

7. Mazda Connected Services

Mazda Connected Services work like a personal assistant for your car. This technology works in tandem with an app that can be downloaded for free onto compatible smartphones. From there, one can remotely access the vehicle's health report. They can also remotely start the engine as well as lock or unlock the doors.

8. A Top-Tier Infotainment System

Higher trim levels get a phenomenal audio system by Bose. This premium stereo system comes paired with 12 speakers for amazing sound. There's an 8.8-inch full-color, HD touchscreen to access all of the features of the system through. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps are compatible with this system too. This setup makes it easy to stream music from phones and other devices. There's even an integrated Mazda Navigation System to help the driver find their way around.

9. Modern Driver-Assist Technology

The Mazda3 has plenty of driver-assist technology to make the driver's life a little easier as well as safer. There's Blind-Spot Monitoring that also covers rear cross-traffic. Mazda's Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go function makes long road trips more enjoyable. Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist keeps the driver heading safely straight ahead.

10. Safety Features To Keep You Protected

Every model of the 2022 Mazda3 has an advanced airbag system. Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control makes the car safer to drive overall. Most trims get a rear-view camera, and a 360-degree camera is available as well. The front headrests are designed to lessen the chances of whiplash. Every trim level comes with the LATCH system for anchoring a child safety seat down in the rear-seat area.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Mazda3 – The Cons

1. Cramped Back Seats

The interior of the Mazda3 is comfortable with exceptional materials and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, there's a lack of legroom for the rear seats. This is often a problem with compact cars. Single drivers or those with young children probably won't mind this too much. It comes with the territory of owning a small vehicle.

2. Less Cargo Space Than Competitors

There's a decent amount of cargo space in the 2022 Mazda3. There's more cargo room and more versatility with the hatchback models than in the sedans. Still, there are plenty of cars in this class that offer more room in the back. If a buyer plans to haul a lot of stuff around, a different hatchback may be the better choice.

3. Poor Rear Visibility

There's a rear-visibility problem with the 2022 Mazda3. This is something that really only affects hatchback models. It's due to the wide rear pillars in the hatchback's design. The rear-view camera helps when backing up, but it's not much help at all when the driver simply needs to see what's behind them on the highway.

4. No Smartphone Integration in the Base Trim

Smartphone integration is now a staple among standard features. While Mazda does this well on most models of the Mazda3, it's sadly missing on the base trim level. If its something that the buyer can do without, then the base model can still be a viable budget buy. For everyone else, they're going to have to pay more to get this feature.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Mazda3 vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is one of the best compact cars on the market today. As such, it looks to be one of the top competitors for the Mazda3 in 2022. The fastest version of the Elantra is the N-Line model. It's powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower. This falls short of the Mazda3's 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 250 horsepower.

The Mazda3 is superior when it comes to steering and handling too. The available AWD for the Mazda3 is another perk that's missing from the Elantra. Both vehicles come well equipped, though the Elantra offers more features at the base trim level. The Elantra also has a lower starting price that makes it a pretty good bargain. The Mazda3 has a more comfortable, more upscale interior.

The Mazda3 is available in both sedan and hatchback configurations while the Elantra is only offered as a sedan. If cost is the main concern, then the Elantra is a decent choice. It even offers better fuel-economy numbers than the Mazda3. The Mazda3, however, is the superior car in most categories. It has more power, better handling, a nicer interior and the best ride quality between the two vehicles.

2022 Mazda3 vs 2022 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic has been one of the best-selling compact cars in North America for several years now. It's known for its reliability. Like the Mazda3, the Civic is available as a sedan and a hatchback. The Honda Civic Type-R is a track-ready hot-hatch that offers performance that the Mazda3 just can't compete with. It's also significantly more expensive, putting it in a different league when it comes to price comparisons.

The Civic does come in lower-tier models that fall more within the Mazda3 price range. These will compete more directly with the Mazda3, but are still a bit more expensive. The Honda offers a nicer infotainment systems. Steering and handling are fantastic in both vehicles. The Mazda3 AWD gives it an edge in this category, especially when it comes to driving on slick pavement.

Honda offers more standard features. The Mazda3 again has a nicer interior and provides a more refined ride. The Mazda3 suspension system really is fantastic and soaks up whatever the road throws at it. It's also quieter on the inside of the Mazda3, making it a pleasant place to be. The 2022 Mazda3 will be the best choice for most buyers due to its better overall value.

Conclusion

The 2022 Mazda3 would make a great car for anyone who wants a new compact vehicle. The sedan version of the Mazda3 is stylish and offers a bit more room in the back. The hatchback models provide more cargo space and versatility. Mazda offers a lot of nice features and a great starting price for this compact car. Performance, handling and ride quality are all top notch in the latest Mazda3.