2022 Mazda 3 Review – The 2022 Mazda 3 provides a premium package at an ordinary compact-car price for consumers with champagne preferences but simply a sparkling-cider budget.
It comes with optional all-wheel drive, a powerful turbo engine, and enough luxury amenities to be taken seriously among tiny Audi, BMW, and Mercedes Benz.
It’s offered in both a sedan and a hatchback. The Mazda 3 is handsome, and its cheerful nature will win over enthusiast drivers, even with front-wheel drive and a base engine on board. Entry-level models are not as posh.
As a result, it was included on our Editors’ Choice list for 2022. The Mazda offers a level of sophistication and style that competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and VW Jetta can’t match, despite its comparable price.
What’s New for 2022 Mazda 3?
In 2022, the Mazda 3 received a blacked-out Carbon Edition version. Polymetal Gray paint, red leather seats, and a variety of black exterior elements such as the grille surround, wheels, and door mirror cowls are included in the Carbon Edition package’s sedan and hatchback variants.
The Carbon Edition includes a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, as well as mid-range Preferred trim content. The 3 will remain unaltered until 2022, with the exception of a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint color.
Performance Specs
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Mazda 3 comes in three different four-cylinder variants, beginning with a 2.0-liter engine in the base model. It’s only available with 155 horsepower and is offered with front-wheel drive.
The 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder comes with an optional all-wheel drive system, but the 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter is where we’re really interested.
A six-speed manual transmission will only be available if you stick with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system requires a six-speed automatic transmission.
Only the turbocharged engine responds enthusiastically to gas pedal inputs, making the 3 satisfyingly quick. We recorded a quick 5.6-second acceleration to 60 mph when we tested the turbocharged engine.
On straight and twisty roads, both the hatchback and sedan feel composed, with refined ride quality. The new Mazda 3 has been lauded for its ability to keep the outgoing model’s entertaining nature.
It has a firm suspension that rides well over harsh roads without punishing passengers and has excellent body control.
Read also: Mazda 3 vs Mazda 6 Comparison
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the Mazda 3 sedan gets EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway; with the more powerful 2.5-liter non-turbo engine, those numbers are lowered to 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
With ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, the turbocharged hatchback model with all-wheel drive is the least fuel efficient.
We drove an all-wheel-drive automatic car with the non-turbo 2.5-liter and achieved a stunning 41 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel economy test.
We also drove a comparable hatchback that had a highway MPG of 34 mpg (vs. 34 mpg claimed). The front-drive stick-shift 3, with its 38 mpg (3 mpg higher than anticipated), For more information on the Mazda 3 fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior of the 2022 Mazda 3 was meticulously planned and constructed using high-quality components. The finest features, which may be added to either body style, are connected to the trim-level hierarchy.
Among the most popular trims are head-up displays, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. Sedans and hatchbacks, on the other hand, come equipped with comfortable seats and enough space for passengers.
The two-box design has the poorest rear visibility among small hatchbacks because of the car’s curving design, which takes precedence over sightlines.
How much space do you have? In comparison to the rest of the industry, the cargo space is a little smaller. Even though the cargo area is large, lowering the back seats is impossible.
The long, wide tray that holds most personal effects and the tiny cubby to the left of the steering wheel are among our favorite front occupant storage choices. The door pockets throughout the car are average size, and rear passengers have few storage options.
While the modest rear space necessitates moving the front seat forward, the readily accessible car seat anchors assist when installing a car seat. In addition, the cargo privacy shield obscures the back tethers, which is a minor inconvenience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Because of a nicely designed bezel that floats between two pillow-like dash pads, the standard 8.8-inch infotainment display looks even larger than it is. The method is simple to utilize, with a console-mounted rotary knob controlling everything.
Above the base model, there is a 12-speaker Bose audio system, as well as a SiriusXM satellite radio that costs extra. Those who want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability will have to pay more.
- An 8.8-inch screen, an eight-speaker stereo, HD Radio, voice control, Bluetooth, and two USB ports are among the standard infotainment amenities.
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, GPS, and a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers are all available infotainment features.
- Push-button activation and remote keyless entrance are additional standard features.
- A moonroof is another available feature
Safety
Crash Test Results
The 2022 Mazda 3 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In all six crash tests, the Mazda 3 received a Good rating.
The 2022 Mazda 3 received a Good or Acceptable rating for how well its headlights illuminate the road ahead, depending on trim and options.
For grading collision avoidance features, the IIHS uses a different scale. For its standard front crash prevention systems, the 2021 Mazda3 earned the highest rating of Superior.
The 2022 Mazda 3 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in the frontal crash test, side crash test, and rollover test.
Safety Features
Standard driver assistance features:
- Lane departure warning
- Driver attention monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rearview camera
- Lane keep assist
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Available driver assistance features:
- Adaptive headlights
- Head-up display
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- A surround-view parking camera system
- Traffic jam assist (controls acceleration, steering, and braking in low-speed traffic)
Warranty
The three sedans and hatchbacks are covered by Mazda’s basic warranty program, which does not include Hyundai or Kia’s additional 10 years of engine coverage or 100,000 miles. Toyota is the only company that provides free regular maintenance in this segment.
- A limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers five years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
2022 Mazda 3 trims
Mazda 3 sedans and hatchbacks are available in a variety of sizes. The engine option determines the three trim levels: Mazda 3 2.0 (sedan alone), Mazda 3 2.5 S, and Mazda 2.5 Turbo.
The midgrade 2.5 S version has an all-wheel drive, but the Turbo version does not. Feature highlights for the Mazda 3 include:
Only front-wheel drive is available on the base Mazda 3 2.0 sedan. The following are some of the standard feature highlights:
- 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
Additionally, every Mazda 3 comes equipped with the following items:
- Frontal collision mitigation (in some conditions, it warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes)
- Adaptive cruise control (to maintain a consistent distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front, the speed is adjusted)
- Lane-keeping assist (if the automobile begins to drift over the lane marker, steer it back into its lane)
- Automatic high beams
- Drowsy driver monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
The Mazda 3 2.5 S is upgraded with the following features:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp, 186 lb-ft)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
After that, you can install three extra apps on the Mazda 3 2.5 S:
Select package
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- A rear cross-traffic alert (notifies you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when you’re changing lanes or backing up)
- Keyless ignition and entry
Preferred Package
- The driver’s seat is power-adjustable, with memory settings
- Heated front seats
- Sunroof
Premium package
- 18-inch wheels
- Adaptive headlights (swing as you twist the steering wheel for wider illumination in curves) and an upgraded exterior lighting
- A head-up display (also known as a windshield display) shows critical data in your line of sight.
- Leather seats
- Paddle shifters
- Integrated navigation system
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
Carbon Edition package
- Black-painted wheels
- Black heated mirrors
- Gray exterior paint
- Red leather interior
- Includes Preferred Package
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
The Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo is the highest-ranking car in the lineup. Except for the leather upholstery and navigation system, it comes with the contents of the 2.5 S’ optional Select, Preferred, and Premium packages. In addition, it offers the following:
- 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (227 hp, 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 250 hp, 320 lb-ft on 93 octane gas)
- All-wheel drive
- 18-inch black-painted wheels
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel
The 2.5 Turbo is the only vehicle with the Premium Plus package, which improves performance even more:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
- Trunklid spoiler
- Navigation system
- Leather upholstery
- The surround-view camera system (which offers a top-down perspective of the Mazda 3 and its environs) is employed for tight parking situations
- Universal garage door opener
- Traffic Jam Assist (a hands-on driving system that is partially automated)
- Rear automatic braking
2022 Mazda 3 Pros and Cons
Read also: Mazda 3 Grand Touring vs Sport
2021 vs 2022 Mazda 3: What’s the Difference?
A new Carbon Edition trim is available for the 2022 model year. One of the car’s most identifying characteristics is its gray metallic finish and crimson leather upholstery. In other words, the Mazda3s in 2022 and 2021 will likely be identical.
The Mazda 3 has gone through several significant modifications in the past several years:
- 2018: low-speed forward collision warning made standard
- 2019: manual gearbox only available in Premium hatchback, with a more powerful engine, a bigger infotainment screen, and optional forward automatic braking
- 2020: more standard safety features
- 2021: optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, plus trims, are available on the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
- 2022: Carbon Edition joins the lineup
If you’re thinking about buying an older model, read our 2019 Mazda 3, 2020 Mazda 3, and 2021 Mazda 3 reviews. Furthermore, to find out about discounts and savings on new cars, visit our pages on Best New Car Savings and Best New Car Lease Savings.
Pricing and Release Date
How much does the 2022 Mazda 3 cost?
The Mazda 3 trim levels are 2.0 (Sedan only), 2.0 S, 2.5 S Select Package, 2.5 S Preferred Package, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, and 2.5 S Premium Package in 2022. The Mazda3 is available with a front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) system, depending on the trim level.
With the exception of the 2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5 S Premium Package, which offers buyers the option of a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission (6MT), all Mazda 3 trims include a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2.0 FWD model starts at $20,800 MSRP, while the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD model starts at $33,100 MSRP. The base price for the 2022 Mazda 3 Hatchback is $23,100 for the 2.5 S FWD model and $34,750 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD model.
In addition, the Mazda 3 in 2022 comes with four distinct premium paint color choices at an extra fee. Machine Gray Metallic ($595), Polymetal Gray Metallic ($395), and Snowflake White Pearl Mica($395) are just a few of the options available.
When will the 2022 Mazda 3 be available?
The Mazda 3 was introduced in early 2022. The 2022 Mazda 3 is now available in Sedan and Hatchback forms, and it is being sold by Mazda dealerships around the US and other countries.
