2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles, with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers could also opt for a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint cost $38,981 in Canada, including the destination charge. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape, but it had a mature and serious appearance. Inside, the car featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, offering an upscale driving experience. It was a practical choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, six years after the eighth-generation Camry's debut, introduced new styling elements like the Reservoir Blue paint and Nightshade Edition's matte-bronze 19-inch alloy wheels. The Nightshade Edition was available with SE trim, offering a choice between a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with AWD or a hybrid with FWD. It featured black-trimmed headlights, a TRD mesh grille, and other black accents. The SE-spec interior remained unchanged, with claims of "impeccable fit and finish" not entirely accurate. The Camry Hybrid's base price in Canada started at just over $35,000, with fully loaded models reaching $44,000. The SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition, tested in US specification, had an MSRP of $40,785 in Canada. Despite some interior shortcomings, the Camry Hybrid offered a stylish and practical choice for buyers.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the GX sedan's 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 four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption ranging from 7.8 to 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with AWD, offered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. However, real-world fuel efficiency fell short, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. Despite this, the Mazda3 Turbo provided a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered three powertrains, with the most popular being the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 202 to 206 horsepower, depending on trim and drivetrain. A 301-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 was available for certain trims. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery, delivering 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a CVT and offered various driving modes. While the Camry Hybrid's fuel economy was rated at 4.9 to 5.1 L/100 km, real-world testing averaged 7.0 L/100 km. The hybrid's electric assist motor provided quick acceleration, and the regenerative braking system offered good pedal feel. The Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade featured sport suspension tuning, delivering predictable handling and good grip. However, the stability control system was sensitive during spirited driving.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low-slung design, making entry and exit challenging. Once inside, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats as standard in Canada. The interior featured high-quality materials, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. 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 large door bins and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid boasted a simple and durable interior design, with standard keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger. The Camry's SofTex artificial leather was durable but not particularly soft. Rear passenger space was adequate but not as roomy as competitors like the Honda Accord. The trunk provided 428 litres of space, accommodating full-size suitcases on their sides. However, the lack of a trunk handle could lead to dirty fingertips.

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. Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system with specific command requirements posed challenges. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a choice between a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both with smartphone connectivity. The larger system included a connected navigation system and a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system. The test car had the 7-inch screen, which was basic but functional. Physical knobs and buttons surrounded the screen, though they could be more ergonomic. Additional tech included an available 7-inch driver information centre and a 10-inch head-up display, though the test car lacked these features.

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 forward-collision warning were optional. The GT trim offered advanced features like adaptive front headlights and Traffic Jam Assist. The driver-assist features performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and reliable lane-keeping assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, with abrupt adaptive cruise control and inconsistent lane-keeping performance. The Camry received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated IIHS side-impact crash test.