2023 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

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. The price range for the lineup was between $21,400 and $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and destination charges. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and special paint cost $38,981 in Canada. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape, but it had a certain artistry. The interior was refined, with upscale materials and a sophisticated design, making it an attractive option for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Toyota Prius received a complete makeover, finally offering a stylish design that had been missing from previous models. The new look was a blend of curves and edges, giving it a futuristic appearance without alienating conservative buyers. The wheels were pushed further into the corners for better handling, and the car was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor. In Canada, 19-inch alloy wheels were standard on the XLE and Limited models. The new Prius rode on a solid platform, providing a sturdy feel over rough surfaces. The interior featured a pair of screens for the driver, with a more traditional instrument panel setup. While the cabin prioritized function over form, it remained a comfortable space for occupants.

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. 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, produced 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 power, the turbocharged Mazda3 was not as fuel-efficient as advertised, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The car offered a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, suggesting a need for an upgrade.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, producing 196 total horsepower in AWD models. This was a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 4.8 L/100 km in city driving, 4.7 on the highway, and 4.8 combined. The new powertrain provided ample acceleration, with 0-100 km/h times dropping to just over seven seconds. The Prius handled well, with agile and athletic characteristics, and absorbed road imperfections with ease. While the brakes had a slight squishiness typical of hybrids, the overall driving experience was comfortable and engaging.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent support and user-friendly controls. Heated front seats and leather upholstery were standard in Canada. 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 and a sizable centre console. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo.

The 2023 Toyota Prius had a slightly smaller interior than its predecessor, with reduced headroom due to the sloping roofline. However, legroom increased, allowing taller passengers to fit comfortably in the rear seats. SofTex leatherette upholstery was standard, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Limited trim featured a fixed glass roof, enhancing the cabin's openness. Cargo space decreased to 575 litres, and rear visibility was somewhat compromised. The cabin included multiple cupholders, USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pocket in the centre console. The cargo area had small underfloor storage cubbies and a flexible cargo cover.

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 lacked a physical tuning function and had a voice recognition system that required specific commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available to mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to vehicle functions for two years. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Toyota Prius offered an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on XLE models, while the Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch screen. The navigation system required a subscription to Toyota's Drive Connect for real-time updates. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though it was considered too busy. The Limited trim included wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker JBL audio system, and a digital rearview mirror. Subscription-based connectivity bundles provided remote access, safety features, and cloud navigation.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with faultless crash-test ratings. However, most safety features were not standard in Canada. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were included, while adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other features required an upgrade. The GT trim offered additional safety features like adaptive front headlights and a surround-view camera. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Prius came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure alerts, and Proactive Driving Assist. These features were standard across all trims. The system's functionality was praised for its minimal intrusion. Additional safety features included stability control, traction control, and eight airbags. The Limited trim offered hands-free automatic parking. The Prius received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.