2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design, capturing both the World Car Design of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2020. Its exterior was a blend of drama and sophistication, with a design that was both daring and refined. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan, with its Premium Package and Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $36,881 Canadian, showcasing a high-contrast two-tone interior with white leather that elevated its premium appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Dodge Charger, built on a platform dating back to 2005, had undergone significant updates over the years, with a major facelift in 2015. Its design was modern and menacing, with a cabin that felt dated compared to contemporary standards. Despite this, the Charger offered ease of use with its chunky buttons and dials. The Charger came in various trims, from the base SXT with a V6 engine to the high-performance Hellcat and Jailbreak models, each offering a unique blend of power and features. The Hellcat Widebody, in particular, was a standout with its supercharged V8 engine and performance enhancements.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. With 87-octane, it produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhancing corner-exit capability. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo featured improved steering, stiffer suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels, providing a sporty yet refined ride. Despite its performance, the Mazda3 averaged 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly higher than the estimated 8.8 L/100 km.

The 2022 Dodge Charger offered a range of engines, starting with a 3.6-litre V6 producing 292 to 300 horsepower, depending on the trim. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp, while the Scat Pack 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 485 hp. The Hellcat models, including the Redeye and Jailbreak, were equipped with a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8, delivering up to 807 hp in the Jailbreak. All engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available on V6 models. The Hellcat's acceleration was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h. The Widebody setup improved handling and traction, making the Charger a formidable performance machine.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as power adjustment for the front passenger seat and rear-seat ventilation. The cabin was driver-focused, with adequate storage and a competitive trunk space of 374 litres. The hatchback version offered more utility, with 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Dodge Charger, a large sedan, offered ample legroom in both rows but limited headroom, especially in the rear. The high centre console and performance bucket seats created an intimate driving experience. Storage space was limited, with a small centre console bin and trays. The Charger provided 467 litres of trunk space, but the small trunk lid and high rear bumper made loading large items challenging. Despite these limitations, the Charger offered sports-car performance with four doors and a usable trunk, making it versatile for everyday use.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included a head-up display, providing useful information like speed and safety alerts.

The 2022 Dodge Charger came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. An 8.4-inch version was available on higher trims, offering larger icons and easier navigation. Both screens included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While not the most advanced, the Charger's technology was well-integrated with conventional controls, providing a straightforward user experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. The Premium Package added features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Dodge Charger lagged in standard safety features, offering only a backup camera and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger received a Marginal rating in the IIHS driver’s side overlap test but earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.