2022 Mazda3 review highlights: 

• 2022 Mazda3 ($20,800 – $31,500) 
• 2022 Top Safety Pick+ IIHS 
• Pros: Responsive handling, agile and engaging performance, high-quality interior 
• Lows: Limited passenger space in the second row, no touchscreen controls. 

The 2022 Mazda3 is an affordable yet premium compact option that’s available in sedan and hatchback form. We enjoyed a week with the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus sedan to take advantage of its class-leading performance. 

There are multiple trim levels and options to choose from, providing affordable entry-level models and near-luxury convenience and comfort. 

You can even go with the solid mid-level engine if you want to step up from the standard 2.0-liter engine but don’t want to spring for the 2.5-liter turbo. 

Plus, all-wheel drive is available for $1,400 with most trim levels. The Mazda3 can easily traverse inclement conditions in colder, wet climates. 

Which Mazda3 trim is best? 

• 2022 Mazda3 2.0 $20,800
• Mazda3 2.5 S $21,750 
• Mazda3 Select $23,100 
• Mazda3 Preferred $24,750 
• Mazda3 Carbon Edition $26,400 
• Mazda3 Premium $27,350 
• Mazda3 2.5 Turbo $30,500 
• Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $33,100 

The 2022 Mazda3 Preferred trim provides tons of value without driving up the price too much. Standard features include heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings. 

Plus, this trim comes with a sunroof to allow more natural light and fresh air to enter the cabin. It provides an open, airy feeling to prevent feeling claustrophobic. However, there’s plenty of space in the front row to enjoy. 

AWD is optional with the Preferred trim, and it comes with the stout 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Moving up to higher models provides satellite radio, integrated navigation, leather seating, 18-inch wheels, and paddle shifters. 

How does the Mazda3 drive? 

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Don’t say we didn’t warn you when you get behind the wheel of this fun, sporty, and convenient compact car. The 2022 Mazda3 puts plenty of versatility right at your fingertips, especially when paired with the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 

The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. We recommend at least upgrading to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. 

With the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, you get 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. With premium fuel, you can access up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the hatchback is available with a six-speed manual transmission. 

According to Edmunds, with the turbo engine, the Mazda3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. The regular 2.5-liter engine helps the Mazda3 reach 60 mph in about 8.2 seconds. 

The quick acceleration is paired with responsive handling and steering, plus the brakes are confident with a sense of control. This car feels stable around turns with minimal body roll. Overall, it’s fun and convenient for daily driving. Use Sport Mode to increase the acceleration speed or Normal Mode for a relaxing trip. 

Thanks to its compact size and agile performance, the Mazda3 is easy to park and maneuver in tight city areas. It’s easy to park in tight lots. Plus, the optional 360-degree camera helps you avoid obstacles. 

The 2022 Mazda3 prioritizes comfort 

With the 2022 Mazda3, you get premium comfort and near-luxury features at an affordable price. The front seats are large and supportive for all-day driving. But there could be a little extra padding for your rear. 

The second-row seats are well-padded and comfortable as well. Plus, the seatbacks have a comfortable angle instead of being too upright. Up to four adults can comfortably fit. 

The suspension is a bit stiff for a driver-focused experience. Over rough surfaces, vibrations and bumps can be felt, but passengers don’t get jostled around. Instead, it provides a sense of connection and control with the road. 

Wind and road noise is slightly noticeable at highway speeds, but the environment is peaceful. You can hear the engine roar with heavy acceleration, but it sounds delightful compared to other engines that can drone on. 

The climate control keeps the cabin pleasant, but the air conditioning, heated seats, and heated steering wheel could be stronger. It can take a moment to cool off or warm up.

Does the Mazda3 have a nice interior? 

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The 2022 Mazda3 has a simple interior design that’s crafted with high-quality materials for an upscale feeling. Faux leather, leather upholstery, and soft-touch covered surfaces are available. While the interior is far from cheap, it’s still durable and easy to clean. 

All of the controls are easily within reach, and optional features such as the head-up display allow you to keep your eyes on the road. There are plenty of controls to help you find the perfect driving position. However, we would appreciate more passenger seat adjustment controls. 

While the front seats are praised for having plenty of legroom and headspace, the car sits at a low height. You may have to duck while entering or exiting the vehicle. On a positive note, the low liftover height is convenient for loading cargo. 

Access advanced vehicle tech 

Like other Mazda vehicles, the infotainment system in the Mazda3 lacks physical controls. A console-mounted rotary knob controls the standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen. The system is easy to learn, the graphics look great, and it’s quick. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with every trim level above the base model. The available 12-speaker Bose audio system sounds crisp and clear. Plus, the voice commands are responsive. 

The 7-inch LCD meter display can be personalized to display crucial information. Plus, the head-up display features traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control and other safety features work efficiently without seeming overly sensitive. 

Does the Mazda3 have enough space? 

The cargo room may feel limited in the 2022 Mazda3. The sedan features more cargo space than the hatchback. The center console has enough room for personal items, and you can access a long storage tray in the front along with a tiny storage cubby to the left of the steering wheel.

Rear passengers have access to average-sized door pockets, and you may have to move the front seats forward to install child seats. The trunk provides 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space and is astonishingly deep and wide despite being behind the class average. 

Despite being smaller compared to rivals, the Mazda3 provides plenty of storage space for a sedan and can carry enough luggage for trips. The rear seats fold down to increase the storage capacity as needed. 

How safe is the 2022 Mazda3? 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda3 is a Top Safety Pick+. It scored a ‘Good’ rating in each crash test, which is the highest score possible. The ratings apply to the sedan and hatchback models. 

The automated safety features such as front collision mitigation received Superior ratings for the ability to prevent accidents. The Mazda3 avoided collisions at 12, 25, and 35 mpg. The child seat anchors also have an excellent rating for being easy to find, maneuver, and attach.

Standard safety features include: 

• Forward collision mitigation 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Automatic high beams 
• Lane-keeping assist 
• Lane-departure warning 
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection 

Is the Mazda3 reliable? 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Mazda3 has a predicted reliability ranking of three out of five. This is an average score. The ranking is based on issues that owners reported for previous model years. 

A majority of reported problems are for the 2019 model. There are fewer reports of trouble listed for the 2020 to 2021 models. This could indicate that the issues have been solved. The most severe issues seem to be about in-car electronics and body integrity. 

The Mazda3 easily lasts between 200,000 to 300,00 miles on average. Some proud Mazda3 owners have racked up over 350,000 miles, and their rides are still going strong. Of course, proper care and maintenance are the keys to longevity. 

It costs about $50 to maintain a Mazda3 annually. This is lower than the average annual maintenance cost of $562 for compact cars. It has an excellent ownership cost with low severity of repairs. 

MotorBiscuit gives the 2022 Mazda3 an expert rating of 8.8 out of 10 

The editors at MotorBiscuit provided the 2022 Mazda3 with an overall expert rating of 8.8 out of 10. The Mazda3 has a sleek and attractive look in both sedan and hatchback form with premium comfort and luxurious amenities. 

Multiple trim levels allow you to find the perfect fit based on your budget. However, the base model doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the standard engine is a bit sluggish. 

Overall, the Mazda3 easily adapts to your mood. You can turn up the fun with the Sport Mode and paddle shifters for an engaging ride or relax in Normal Mode for a fuss-free commute. This compact car is comfortable and relaxing but could benefit from more cargo space and stronger climate control. 

It’s an excellent option as a daily driver and provides plenty of space for road trips. Plus, it can be equipped with AWD to handle snow and other inclement weather situations. The Mazda3 is a well-rounded value-packed car.