2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes for 2022, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a bold, sneering face complemented by muscular features, while the base model sported 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering up to 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Camry Hybrid's interior mirrored its exterior's futuristic vibe, with a sweeping dashboard design and a spacious second row that provided comfort even for the middle seat. Toyota's high standards for fit and finish were evident throughout, with quality materials and precise construction.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a different aesthetic appeal. Available in both sedan and hatchback styles, the Mazda3 was known for its deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback design that some might describe as "hunchback." Despite its polarizing appearance, the Mazda3 exuded a mature and serious vibe, especially in its top-of-the-line turbo hatchback variant. The interior was driver-focused, with refined materials and a sophisticated design that created an upscale atmosphere. While the front seats offered excellent support and comfort, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers. The Mazda3's design was understated yet artistic, appealing to those who appreciated subtlety over flashiness.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for those prioritizing fuel efficiency over speed. Its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with two electric motors, delivered a total of 208 horsepower. The hybrid system achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings, with the entry-level LE model consuming just 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, benefiting from a lower centre of gravity due to the lithium-ion battery pack's placement. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and the focus on fuel efficiency sometimes compromised responsiveness.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower. Most buyers opted for the 2.5-litre non-turbo engine, which delivered 186 horsepower. The turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, offered up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. While the turbocharged Mazda3 was thrilling to drive, it didn't achieve the advertised fuel efficiency, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, with nimble steering and a smooth ride, but the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and versatile interior. Its reasonable ride height and seating position made it easy to find a comfortable driving setting. The front seats offered ample storage options, and the second row was spacious and easy to access. The Camry Hybrid's trunk provided 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for longer items and foldable rear seats for additional cargo capacity. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty for the hybrid battery.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, while stylish, presented challenges in terms of interior space. Its low-slung design made entry and exit difficult, and the back seat was cramped for taller passengers. However, the front seats were comfortable and supportive, with user-friendly controls. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan's trunk accommodated 374 litres of cargo. Despite its compact size, the Mazda3 provided adequate storage options in the front.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model. The system featured nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms for enhanced audio quality. All models came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and a 9-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Camry Hybrid also offered a 10-inch head-up display on select models, along with a range of safety and convenience features.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard. While Mazda avoided touchscreens to reduce driver distraction, the system's lack of a physical tuning function and voice recognition issues were drawbacks. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility mitigated some of these concerns. The Mazda3 also offered Mazda Connected Services, providing remote access to vehicle functions. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Camry Hybrid also had 10 airbags and a range of standard safety features, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars available.