2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, maintained its sleek design with no significant changes from previous models. It offered a range of engine and powertrain configurations, including front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, and was available with a six-speed manual transmission in Canada. The price range for the Mazda3 spanned from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding additional costs. The top-of-the-line hatchback model, featuring a turbo engine and premium paint, was priced at $38,981 in Canada. While its design might not appeal to everyone, the Mazda3's understated elegance and refined interior materials made it a compelling choice for those seeking a mature and sophisticated vehicle.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, a staple in the family car segment, showcased updated front styling with a revised grille and new wheel designs. It continued to offer four trims in Canada, with standard AWD, making it unique in the mid-size sedan market. However, the variable-compression turbocharged engine was exclusive to the U.S. market. Canadian prices ranged from $31,198 to $37,398, excluding destination charges. The Altima's interior, while comfortable, featured hard plastics and a new simulated wood dashboard trim. Despite these materials, the Altima's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, and the layout of controls was user-friendly.

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, it excelled in fuel economy, consuming 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 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, offered 227 horsepower on regular gas and 250 horsepower on premium fuel, with a combined fuel consumption of 8.8 to 8.9 L/100 km. Despite its thrilling performance, the turbocharged Mazda3's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The car's handling, steering, and balance were exceptional, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The AWD system distributed power to the rear wheels as needed. Fuel economy ratings were 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 6.5 on the highway, and 7.9 combined for the base trim, with slightly higher figures for other trims. Our test vehicle averaged 8.6 L/100 km. While the Altima's performance was adequate, its CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission well. The ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. In the mountains, the Altima displayed good grip and cornering, but the steering felt lifeless, and the brakes showed signs of heating up.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the snug fit and driver-focused design provided a comfortable experience. The front seats offered excellent support, and the interior featured high-quality materials. However, the back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a large glove compartment and centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded, while the sedan's trunk held 374 litres.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior, though featuring inexpensive materials, was easy to use and comfortable. The Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, and the controls were logically arranged. The Altima offered dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit more difficult. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, and rear air conditioning vents were standard. The trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, though the lack of a handle made closing the lid challenging.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, and a collection of controls on the centre console. While Mazda avoided touchscreens to reduce driver distraction, the system's lack of a physical tuning function and voice recognition issues were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard on higher trims, included navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. NissanConnect Services required a subscription, offering remote engine starting and SOS calling. The Bose nine-speaker audio system performed well for some music genres, and the new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and voice recognition.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with faultless crash-test ratings. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The car's driver-assist features performed well, with smooth responses and no false alarms. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Altima included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While ProPilot Assist worked well, it needed refinement for smoother operation. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its front passenger frontal impact safety rating was four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ but noted a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.