2022 Mazda Mazda3 review

1. Fun to drive

Mazda's previous slogan was simply “Zoom-Zoom," leaning on the intuitive fun that kids have when playing. The Mazda3 brings that fun to adulting, with a responsive steering feel, precise cornering on twisty roads, and on-ramp performance that will make you think it's a sports car. Despite the point-and-shoot driving style, the suspension soaks up bumps without the typical harsh ride penalty of sporty cars. After a tiring day at work, the Mazda3 will give you a smile on your face by the time you get home.

2. Upscale interior

It's like finding duck confit on the dollar menu. Even the base model Mazda3 feels premium. Have a seat behind the steering wheel and you'll immediately notice the comfortable bolstering and large swaths of soft-touch surfaces. The standard 8.8-inch infotainment screen feels plenty large enough and is smartly controlled by a single rotary knob. If music is your escape, check out the optional Alpine^® sound system, and available Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™. The optional head-up display and heated seats are nice luxury tech features, but only available with Premium trim and higher.

3. Sedan or hatchback

Body style options are rare these days, and Mazda deserves praise for delivering traditional sedan and useful hatchback styles for the Mazda3. The Mazda3 sedan offers 13.2 cu-ft of cargo space, while the hatch has 20.1 cu-ft. For a visual, the sedan has space for about five carry-on bags, while the hatchback holds roughly six. Both body styles seat five adults and offer fold-down seats.

4. Punchy turbo engine

There are three engines available in a 2022 Mazda3, offering a wide range of four-cylinder performance. Base models receive a 2.0L with 155 horsepower. Stepping up one level to the 2.5 S trim, you'll, unsurprisingly, find a 2.5L under the hood, making 186 hp. The rocket of the group is the 2.5L turbo engine, delivering 250 hp — making highway passing effortless. If you want the other side of engine performance, the base 2.0L is your ride, as the automatic 2022 Mazda3 with FWD earns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined.

5. Optional AWD stability

Driving fun is perfectly fine, but pairing it with all-wheel drive makes the Mazda3 a practical all-weather commuter with extra grip on dry days too. The 2022 Mazda3 has AWD available with Preferred trim and higher but comes standard on the 2.5 Turbo trim. Mazda offers AWD or FWD with both the sedan and hatchback body styles, so you don't have to limit your choices in your next vehicle search.