2022 Mazda 3

　　

2022 Mazda 3 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mazda 3 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$121/mo  for 3 2.0

　　3 2.0

　　2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $21,150 MSRP2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $22,100 MSRP2.5 S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $23,100 MSRPSelect 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $23,450 MSRPSelect 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $24,450 MSRPPreferred 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $25,100 MSRPPreferred 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,100 MSRPPreferred 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,500 MSRPPreferred 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,500 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $26,750 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,750 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,700 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,700 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 4cyl 6M) - $28,700 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,100 MSRPPremium 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $30,100 MSRP2.5 Turbo 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $30,900 MSRP2.5 Turbo 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $31,900 MSRP2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $33,450 MSRP2.5 Turbo Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $34,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Mazda 3 Hatchback drive? Mazda vehicles tend to have pleasing driving dynamics, and that's true of the 3 hatchback. Above-average horsepower and acceleration make quick work of merges and on-ramps, while proper feedback from the brake pedal adds to a sense of control during typical driving and confidence during panic stops. The same goes for the steering and handling. Though not thrilling, both are pleasant in the daily grind.

　　At our test track, even the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder impressed with an 8.2-second sprint to 60 mph. But the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is a whole new ballgame, whittling the 0-60 time way down to 6.1 seconds. It's a refined turbo too, with minimal lag and an abundance of readily available thrust. You don't need to floor it; just a gentle prod of the gas pedal makes quick work of passing or merging.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Mazda 3 Hatchback? The 3's interior is a generally pleasant place to occupy, with comfortable and supportive front seats that allow for all-day driving. The most prevalent sound is some engine noise during moderate and heavy acceleration, but it doesn't have an annoying drone. In fact, the turbocharged engine makes a rather endearing baritone thrum. Across the lineup, irksome road noise is minimized.

　　Owing to the 3's more driver-focused mission, the ride transmits most bumps and vibrations into the cabin, but the suspension controls these motions in a way that keeps passengers from complaining. When it comes to air conditioning, you can simply set it to auto and forget it.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below