2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels for both body styles, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers had the unique option of a six-speed manual transmission in both sedan and hatch configurations. The price range for the lineup was 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 was priced at $38,981 in Canada, including the destination charge.

The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design, but it had a certain artistry that some appreciated. The Turbo model was particularly stealthy, lacking flashy spoilers or body kits, and presented a mature, serious appearance. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and sophisticated design, with polished metallic finishes creating an upscale, elegant driving environment. It was an attractive option for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Toyota Crown was a full-size sedan with a seating capacity for five, comparable in size to the discontinued Toyota Avalon but with a 10-centimetre higher ride height. This elevated stance gave it a distinctive presence on the road, reminiscent of the Honda Accord Crosstour or AMC Eagle crossover. The Crown's styling was more widely accepted, featuring a massive grille with mostly aesthetic openings, a narrow slit with actual air inlets, and angular wraparound headlights. The XLE trim came with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum grade featured 21-inch wheels.

The rear of the Crown was rounded with a bold taillight strip, though it had an unusual stepped transition from the side fender to the tail section. The Platinum trim offered a two-tone colour option with glossy black paint, which was a bold choice for Toyota. Inside, the Crown was modern, with a digital instrument panel and a large horizontal touchscreen. The cabin mixed hard plastics with cushioned touchpoints, and while it could have been mistaken for an entry-level luxury vehicle with improved materials, it still felt like a fancier Toyota.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 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, generating 186 hp 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, available with AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, with fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100 km for the sedan and 8.9 L/100 km for the hatchback.

Despite its impressive performance, the turbocharged Mazda3 didn't achieve the advertised fuel efficiency, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The 48-litre fuel tank limited driving range, necessitating frequent refueling. However, the Mazda3 Turbo was a joy to drive, with a smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. The brakes, though, showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, and an adaptive damping suspension would have been a welcome upgrade.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains. The base powertrain combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor, producing 236 horsepower. The Platinum trim featured the Hybrid Max powertrain, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and a more powerful rear electric motor, delivering 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic transmission. The base hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.8 seconds, while the Hybrid Max achieved it in 5.9 seconds.

The Crown's ride quality prioritized comfort, with the elevated ride height and 1,970-kilogram curb weight discouraging sporty cornering. The Platinum trim's adaptive suspension added a Sport+ mode, but it didn't significantly alter the driving experience. The cabin remained quiet, with only slight wind noise at highway speeds. Some electronic driver aids were intrusive, but the Crown was generally enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging, especially with small door openings. Once inside, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The interior was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats as standard in Canada. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom 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, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded, while the sedan had a 374-litre trunk.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's base XLE trim featured fabric seat upholstery with SofTex faux-leather trim, while the Platinum trim offered full leather coverings. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though the firm cushioning could become uncomfortable over time. The driver's view was largely unobstructed, with a slightly elevated ride height providing a better view of the road. The rear seats offered ample legroom and adequate headroom, despite the tapering roofline. The trunk had a capacity of 360 litres, smaller than some competitors, but still useful for everyday needs.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a centre console interface. 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, providing alternative digital assistant options. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions for two years, and an eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a wireless charging pad. The base audio system was adequate, with an 11-speaker JBL system available. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and featured a voice-recognition system activated by "Hey Toyota." A digital key feature allowed smartphone access, and a Wi-Fi hotspot with remote monitoring was available.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were optional. The driver-assist features performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and reliable lane-keeping assist.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety ratings were not yet available, but it came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. While some driver aids were intrusive, they could be beneficial for less experienced drivers.