2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued the brand's tradition of sporty design, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative styling. The sixth-generation model featured a low, wide stance, tall doors, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline, although the latter was seen as an unnecessary design flourish. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and Gun Metallic paint, enhanced the Altima's sporty appeal. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though the quality of materials varied across trim levels.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a sleek and futuristic design, particularly in its hatchback form. The clean lines and rakish headlights gave it a modern edge, while the interior continued this theme with a minimalist approach. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, though it was not without its usability issues. The cabin's simplicity was complemented by a conventional shifter and easy-to-use climate controls, making it a stylish yet functional space. The Mazda3's design was forward-thinking, though it did come with some practical drawbacks, particularly in rear seat space.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While it offered standard all-wheel drive, a rarity in its class, the performance was underwhelming, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. The Xtronic CVT struggled to deliver a spirited drive, but the Altima excelled in ride comfort and cabin quietness, thanks to its excellent suspension and Active Ride Control.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, offered a more engaging driving experience. The base engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 155 horsepower, but the standout was the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. The Mazda3's steering was well-weighted, and its handling was precise and agile. The turbo engine provided a satisfying sound and strong performance, particularly in Sport mode, where the transmission and steering feedback enhanced the driving experience. The Mazda3's brakes were also noteworthy, offering a sports car-like feel.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a balanced approach to interior space, with comfortable seating for four and a decent-sized trunk at 437 litres. However, its rear visibility was compromised by a high rear shelf and sloping roofline. The trunk's design also required careful packing to avoid damage from the closing lid. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, offering a centrist position in terms of passenger space and fuel tank capacity.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, available in sedan and hatchback forms, provided 374 litres of cargo space in the sedan and 569 litres in the hatchback. However, rear seat space was limited, with minimal legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a practical centre console and ergonomic design. The hatchback's cargo space was usable, though not as generous as some small SUVs.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, a Bose audio system, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist, which provided advanced driver assistance features. The technology suite worked seamlessly, enhancing the driving experience with features like traffic sign recognition and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a centre console dial, which proved to be a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with available upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo. While the sound quality was excellent, the infotainment system's usability issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was well-equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. It received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" designation. The Altima's comprehensive safety suite and high crash test scores made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety features available on higher trims. These included automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the large C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's design posed a potential distraction. Despite these issues, the Mazda3 received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.