The compact sedan segment has always been competitive and if you look at the roster of rivals, it’s easy to see why. Legendary stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla remain top contenders, while other models like the Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra seem to get better with every generation.

However, any prospective sedan buyer shouldn’t sleep on the Mazda3 as its premium feel and budget price makes it a worthy contender. But with eight different trim levels to choose from, some buyers may be wondering which one to pick.

There’s a 2022 Mazda3 trim level for just about anyone

If you’re shopping for a 2022 Mazda3, then the wealth of trim levels can feel downright confusing. However, it’s worth noting that having so many levels is a good thing as there’s one for almost any budget. Want to only spend around $20,000? Check out the entry-level Mazda3 sedan. Would you rather have more power and all of the features available? Then the top-trim Mazda3 Turbo could suit you well.

Here is a breakdown of all of different 2022 Mazda3 trim levels, according to KBB:

2022 Mazda3 2.0 ($20,800)

• 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine
• Sedan body style only
• Push-button start
• Adaptive cruise control
• 8.8-inch touchscreen

2022 Mazda3 2.5 S ($21,750 – $22,750)

• 2.5 four-cylinder engine
• Available as a sedan or hatchback
• Front-wheel drive
• Apple Carplay/Android Auto compatible

2022 Mazda3 Select ($23,100 – $24,100)

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• Dual-zone auto climate control
• Faux leather upholstery
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

2022 Mazda3 Preferred ($24,750 – $25,750)

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• Available all-wheel drive
• Power moonroof
• 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats

2022 Mazda3 Carbon Edition ($26,400 – $27,400)

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• Sedan or hatchback
• Front-wheel drive
• Red-leather upholstery
• 12-speaker Bose speaker audio

2022 Mazda3 Premium ($27,350 – $28,350)

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• Available all-wheel drive
• 12-speaker Bose audio system
• Satellite radio
• Navigation
• Available six-speed manual transmission (hatchback only)

2022 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo ($30,500 – $31,550)

• 2.5-liter turbocharged engine
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Heated steering wheel
• Sedan or hatchback body style

2022 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo ($33,100 – $34,400)

• 2.5 turbocharged engine
• Sedan or hatchback
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Leather seats
• 360-degree camera system
• Navigation

No matter which trim level you choose, you can’t lose

After looking at that list of Mazda3 trim levels, we wouldn’t be surprised if you became cross-eyed. After all, with eight different trim levels and an incremental pricing structure, it’s easy to get lost in the fray. However, the good news is that Mazda value-packed the Mazda3 at every level to make choosing a little easier.

For example, if you want all-wheel-drive and leather seats, but don’t need navigation or a premium Bose sound system, then you can opt for the Preferred trim level. But if performance and canyon carving thrills are what you seek, then the Mazda3 Turbo will quell your needs as it puts out 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque through all four wheels.

The point is, no matter which 2022 Mazda3 you choose, you’re likely to be happy with it for years to come. It’s no wonder that this little near-premium compact sedan can hold its own so well in such a tough segment. It will be interesting to see how it evolves in the future.