2022 Mazda3 Hatchback
Overview
The sophisticated good looks and premium quality of the 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback are two of the key reasons why it remains popular year after year. Although the sedan version is equally excellent, this five-door offers a bit more practicality with its rear hatch and ample cargo space (the hatchback supplies 20.1 cubic feet over the sedan’s 13.2 cu. ft.). Plus, Mazda introduced a bold and brand-new Carbon Edition for 2022 that’s sure to capture attention with its exclusive Polymetal Gray paint color, blacked-out 18-inch wheels, heated side mirrors (also in black), and red leather seats.
Trims and Performance
There are plenty of choices to make with the 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback. It’s sold in two main trims (2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo) and five subtrims (Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium for the 2.5 S and Premium Plus for the 2.5 Turbo). The 2.5 S versions have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 186 hp and 186 lb.-ft., while the 2.5 Turbo versions get a more vigorous turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. With regular fuel, this available powerplant produces 227 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, but with premium, it whisks 250 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.
Most trims come with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the Premium is eligible for the six-speed manual preferred by driving purists. Also, while front-wheel drive is standard with the 2.5 S and its subtrims, all-wheel drive comes standard in the 2.5 Turbo and Premium Plus but is optional for the Preferred and Premium.
The 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback relieves drivers’ concerns about rising gasoline costs with its exceptional fuel efficiency. According to the official EPA estimates, the FWD 2.5 S and its subtrims return 26 city/34 highway. With AWD, the Preferred and Premium achieve 25 city/31 highway; if you opt for the manual gearbox with the Premium, it will give you 24 city/33 highway. The 2.5 Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus give up a bit of efficiency in favor of performance, still achieving good numbers at 23 city/31 highway.
2.5 S (Base)
The 2.5 S may well be the base, but it’s a nicely equipped one, with upgrades normally reserved for higher-priced trims. That list includes advanced keyless entry, exterior mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, automatic on/off LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, push-button start, power windows with one-touch up/down, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback, and a cargo cover to conceal items in the hatch area. The 2.5 S also gets a solid array of driver-assist technologies: automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert. Communication and entertainment go through an 8.8-inch touchscreen system that can also be controlled using voice recognition. Its main features are smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and an audio setup with eight speakers.
2.5 S Select
The Select upgrades its HVAC with dual-zone automatic climate control, and the sport-style seats are upholstered in simulated leather while the steering wheel and shifter knob get genuine leather wrapping. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is added to the safety tech suite.
2.5 S Preferred
Buyers of this package can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The standard equipment list is augmented with heated front seats, a moonroof, position memory for the exterior mirrors and power driver’s seat, illuminated vanity mirrors on the sun visors, and an overhead sunglasses holder. The lower bumper gets a gloss-black finish.
2.5 S Carbon Edition
As mentioned above, the debuting Carbon Edition is distinguished by Polymetal Gray Metallic paint color and daring red leather seats, plus blacked-out side mirrors (heated) and wheels. It also gets paddle shifters, an adaptive front lighting system, unique LED headlights and taillights, and a head-up display. This special variant also upgrades to an advanced Bose unit with 12 speakers with eye-catching aluminum grilles and adds SiriusXM satellite radio.
2.5 S Premium
The Premium will be the choice for the most diehard driving enthusiasts, since it’s eligible for a manual transmission. It also gets the adaptive front lighting system and a navigation system, and while navigation is excluded from the 2.5 Turbo, it’s standard again in the Premium Plus.
2.5 Turbo
The 2.5 Turbo of course gets the Dynamic Pressure turbocharged engine upgrade, but it is not equipped with navigation. Some of its other features are a heated steering wheel, leatherette sport seats, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
The Premium Plus has it all, including the turbo powerplant, navigation, a black rear lip spoiler, a blacked-out front air dam, perforated leather sport seats (in either red or black), and a HomeLink universal garage door opener. Its driver-assist suite grows with reverse automatic braking, traffic sign recognition, a surround-view monitor, and traffic jam assist.