2022 Mazda Mazda3

The current-generation Mazda 3 is a gem and we've liked every iteration we've tried. The turbo hatchback, while nothing in character like Mazda 3 turbos of old, does a lot to liven the chassis with its additional grunt. Power delivery is smooth and linear, and at the edge of its performance limits, the Mazda 3 handles commendably. It's quicker to 60 mph than premium competitors like the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 4Matic and 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe. It also has a best-in-class interior that's cleanly designed and thoughtfully appointed with weighted controls and soft, expensive feeling materials.

There's room for improvement, though. Its six-speed automatic transmission can be laggy at times, the brake pedal feels mushy, and steering feedback is slightly numb. It also rides poorly over potholes and larger road imperfections. Today's Mazda 3 aspires to maturity and polish, but if you're looking for a resurrection of something like the raw and fun Mazdaspeed3, we recommend looking elsewhere.

The 2022 Mazda 3 2.0 sedan base model is exclusively equipped with a 155-hp 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and FWD. The upgrade powertrain boasts a 186-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, and the top engine is a 227-hp 2.5-liter turbo-four (250 hp on premium fuel). Testing a turbo sedan, it reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Trim levels are available in sedan or hatchback with FWD or AWD except the turbocharged models, which only come AWD. Every 2022 Mazda 3 is outfitted with a six-speed automatic transmission except the Premium hatchback FWD, which gets a six-speed manual.

Fuel economy as rated by the EPA varies depending on configuration:

As part of its upscale pursuit for the brand, Mazda has a palette of premium exterior colors for the Mazda 3 that adds a new hue for 2022: Platinum Quartz Metallic. The color was originally available on the refreshed Mazda CX-8 and Mazda2 in Japan and blends aluminum and mica pearlescent flakes in a platinum paint for a finish that looks like bright, warm quartz. The 2022 Mazda 3's other premium colors include Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Gray Metallic, Polymetal Gray Metallic, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica.

All versions of the 2022 Mazda 3—that's sedan and hatchback, FWD and AWD—have received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, the administration's highest grade. The IIHS gives the 3 its coveted 2022 Top Safety Pick+ designation, the Institute's highest accolade.

Mazda calls its suite of active safety features "i-Activsense." Included in the package are standard automatic high beams, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Traffic sign recognition and a 360-degree camera system are also available.

Both the 2022 Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback compare favorably to the 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback for interior space. The Mazda 3 also offers as much front headroom as the 2022 Honda Civic.

Standard features on all 2022 Mazda 3 cars include LED taillights and automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry, push-button start, and an electronic parking brake. There's a 7.0-inch screen in the compact's gauge cluster, and the Mazda's infotainment system boasts eight speakers and an 8.8-inch center display.

The 2022 Mazda 3 2.5 S picks up standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and the 2.5 S Select gets a dual-zone climate control system and available AWD as well. Additional standard tech for the Mazda 3's upper trims include heated front seats, a power adjustable driver's seat, Bose 12-speaker premium audio, head-up display, frameless auto dimming rearview mirror, and heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Mazda 3 is available with eight trims this year: 2.0 sedan, 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. As much as our enthusiast selves would push for a turbo model, we think most consumers will be best served by the Mazda 3 Preferred all-wheel-drive hatchback. It provides more space than the sedan, AWD peace of mind, and features like standard moonroof, leatherette seating, and a power adjustable driver's seat.

The 2022 Mazda 3 Preferred AWD hatchback stickers for around $28,200, which skews high in the segment. But neither the 2022 Honda Civic EX-L hatchback (which retails for about $27,600) nor the 2022 Toyota Corolla XSE hatchback (which retails for about $24,800) comes with as much power or has an AWD option.