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2021 Mazda 3 vs. 2022 Mazda 3: Which Is Better?

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Besides a difference in pricing and the new 2.5 S Carbon Edition trim, the 2021 and 2022 Mazda 3 models are mostly the same. But that’s not a bad thing, because they’re both peppy, posh, and performance-oriented.
The Mazda 3 is a fairly new face in the American sedan lineup—it was first rolled out during the 2004 model year. It had a major overhaul and redesign in 2019, and it’s still riding the wave of that recent rebuild with almost no complaints. If there is one bone to pick, it’s the hatchback model’s poor rear window visibility. 
Otherwise, the Mazda 3 is a spunky little car with three powertrain options, available all-wheel drive, and an interior that looks way more expensive than it is. And all of this applies to both the 2021 and 2022 model years. 
Read on to find out more about how the 2021 and 2022 models compare in terms of MSRP, fuel economy, design features, tech options, and safety ratings. 

2021 Mazda 3 vs. 2022 Mazda 3: what’s the difference?

With a starting MSRP of just $22,215, the 2022 Mazda 3 stands out in its price range. In terms of good looks and good performance, it competes proudly with small luxury sedans priced over $10,000 more. 
On the track, it can keep up with the
Audi A3
and
BMW 2 Series
. It’s also just as stylish inside and out. It’s true that luxury competitors offer more infotainment and tech options in their lower-priced models, but if you move up to the higher Mazda 3 trims, you’ll find comparable features at an economical price.
But when it comes to comparing the Mazda 3 against itself, the distinction is less clear—especially between the 2021 and 2022 model years. Besides the obvious difference in price (the 2021 model’s MSRP brand new was $21,645), there are just a couple of noticeable changes on a couple of trims.  

Pricing

The Mazda 3’s pricing has changed on each trim level, with a surprising drop in price for the Select trim. That’s likely due to the change in the drivetrain. The 2021 Select had all-wheel drive, but for 2022, it’s front-wheel drive
Here’s how the pricing breaks down by trim level for each year, keeping in mind these are the original prices suggested by the carmaker. You may be able to find a used Mazda 3 (particularly the 2021 edition) for less.
Model
2021 MSRP
2022 MSRP
Mazda 3 Base
$21,645
$22,215
Mazda 3 2.5 S
$22,645
$23,165
$24,845
$24,515
$25,495
$26,165
Mazda 3 Carbon Edition
N/A
$27,815
$27,995
$28,765
Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo
$31,045
$31,965
$33,595
$34,515
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General specs

With price differences approaching the $1,000 mark on higher trims, you would think there might be a notable difference, but we’ve yet to find it. They both come with the same powertrain options, drivetrain selection, and infotainment packages
The main difference is that in 2022, you get an additional exterior color option: Platinum Quartz Metallic. However, it’s not available on the base or 2.5 S trim levels. 
In terms of performance specs, you’ll get the same selection for each model year:
2021 Mazda 3
2022 Mazda 3
Base engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 horsepower)
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 horsepower)
Upgrade engine (2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Carbon Edition)
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 horsepower) 
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 horsepower) 
Turbocharged engine (2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus)
2.5-liter inter-cooled turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower)
2.5-liter inter-cooled turbocharged four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower)
Transmission
Six-speed automatic or six-speed manual (only available with FWD)
Six-speed automatic or six-speed manual (only available with FWD)
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) on 2.5 S trims and up
Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) on 2.5 S trims and up

Fuel economy

The EPA-estimated fuel economy figures for both the 2021 and 2022 Mazda 3 are identical, relative to their respective powertrains. However, the fuel economy you see can vary depending on how and where you drive your car, its maintenance needs, and its specific configurations. 
Here’s how both years of the Mazda 3 are projected to perform:
  • Base engine (2.0-liter): 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined
  • Upgraded engine (2.5-liter) with FWD: 26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined
  • Upgraded engine (2.5-liter) with AWD: 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined
  • Turbocharged engine (2.5-liter) with AWD: 23 mpg combined / 32 mpg / 27 mpg
The most potent turbocharged engine is only available with all-wheel drive, making it by far the least efficient option. 

Safety ratings

For both years and both body styles, the Mazda 3 earned top safety ratings from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also ranked among the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ selections for both model years in the sedan and hatchback editions. 
The NHTSA gave the Mazda 3 five-star ratings across the board and noted only one recall. For the 2021 model year, some cars may experience a leaky tire air valve. 
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Styling and interior changes

As far as interior options and infotainment, the best features of the Mazda 3 are still tied to the higher trim levels. On the base trim, you’ll find comfortable seats and nice materials, plus plenty of cubby storage space. But you won’t get perks like heated seats. 
The base model doesn’t even have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is a feature most car buyers have come to expect on a new vehicle. However, you’ll get some surprisingly generous standard offerings on the base trim, including:
  • Standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display
  • Heated mirrors
  • Keyless ignition
  • Audio and cruise control on steering wheel
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Destination guidance and turn-by-turn navigation
  • Lane departure warning and accident avoidance
Upgrading to a higher trim, like the Select, gets you added safety features like blind-spot monitoring, plus a few more creature comforts like:
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Leatherette seats
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
For a touch of luxury, look to the Preferred and higher trim levels. On the Preferred, you can have a power-sliding moonroof, heated front seats, and eight-way adjustable front seats with two-position memory.

Carbon Edition package

The most notable difference between the 2021 and 2022 model years is the recent addition of the Carbon Edition package. This package brings a few touches from the Preferred trim, including a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and adds them to a strikingly bold Mazda 3. 
The exterior is Polymetal Gray accented by a black grille surround, black wheels, and black rearview mirror caps. Inside, you’ll find seats upholstered in red leather
The Carbon Edition appearance package is only available with front-wheel drive

2021 Mazda 3 vs. 2022 Mazda 3: which should you buy?

Unless you want a brand-new car or you’re fixated on the Carbon Edition, you could get the 2021 Mazda 3 and be just as happy as you would be with a 2022 model. That said, the appeal of getting a new car is totally understandable, and finding a never-driven 2021 model is unlikely thanks to the Mazda 3’s popularity, rave reviews, and price. 
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By Mary Alice Morris
Expert Insurance Writer
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys.
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