2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, jellybean-like shape, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) on Execline models. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls and excellent visibility, though some buyers might have found it plain due to the use of silver-coloured plastic trim and leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles with various engine and powertrain configurations. The car's deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design, sometimes referred to as "hunchback," might not have appealed to everyone, but it exuded a certain artistry. The Mazda3 Turbo, in particular, was all about stealth, lacking flashy spoilers or body kits, and instead presenting a mature and serious appearance. Inside, the Mazda3's refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale and elegant environment. The car's interior was driver-focused, with excellent thigh and side bolster support, padded armrests, and a snug fit. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the Mazda3's interior quality and design made it an attractive choice for those seeking a premium feel without the luxury price tag.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals, the torque output was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when pulling away from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, requiring the use of Sport mode or manual gear selection for smoother acceleration. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Toyota Camry. On the highway, ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly fast, this engine excelled in fuel economy, consuming 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with fuel consumption ranging from 7.8 to 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on 93-octane fuel. Despite its advertised fuel efficiency, real-world consumption averaged 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3 Turbo provided a thrilling driving experience, with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, and the ride could feel floaty on uneven roads. Overall, the Mazda3 Turbo was a fun and engaging car to drive, with exceptional quality and style.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted a roomy back seat with 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell slightly short compared to the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the driving position was uncomfortable for many drivers. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, more than some competitors but less than others like the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the Passat excelled in control layout, featuring large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, and small door openings didn't help. Once inside, the front seats provided a snug and comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The driver-focused interior featured an eight-way power-adjustable seat, heated front seats, and leather upholstery in higher trims. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom for taller passengers and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,334 litres with the seat folded down. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo. Keyless entry and push-button start were standard features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models added built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity functions, but the lack of USB-C support was a drawback. The touchscreen was small by modern standards but included pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat's tech features were basic, lacking the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models. While tech enthusiasts might have been disappointed, the Passat's simple approach appealed to those seeking straightforward functionality.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display and Bluetooth. Mazda eschewed touchscreens in favour of a control knob on the centre console, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration provided alternatives for tech-savvy users. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, including remote engine starting and a car finder function. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available in higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. Notable safety features included VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System, enhancing post-collision safety.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. However, many safety features were not standard in Canada. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights were optional. GT grades added adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The driver-assist features performed reliably, enhancing trust in the technology.