2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update gave the Passat a more refined and understated appearance, closely resembling the smaller Volkswagen Jetta. The design was less bold compared to competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, with a smooth, aerodynamic shape reminiscent of 1990s sedans. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The R-Line trim added sportier elements but lacked vibrant color options. Inside, the Passat offered a clean and functional design with analog controls, enhancing visibility and ease of use. However, the interior was somewhat plain, with basic materials and limited brightwork, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles, with a range of models including the 2.0, 2.5 S, and 2.5 Turbo. The design was polarizing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback shape that some might find unappealing. However, the car exuded a mature and serious aesthetic, free from flashy elements. Inside, the Mazda3 boasted refined materials and a sophisticated design, creating an upscale atmosphere. The interior was driver-focused, with excellent support and padding in the seats and armrests. While the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, the hatchback offered decent cargo space. Overall, the Mazda3 provided a more luxurious feel compared to its price point, appealing to those seeking value over brand prestige.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was slightly below average compared to competitors. The Passat's power delivery was uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or using manual gear selection improved responsiveness. The driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in rivals like the Honda Accord or Mazda 6. The Passat offered a smooth ride and acceptable cabin noise levels on the highway but failed to excite on twisty roads.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg combined. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter engine, delivered 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged engine with power output varying based on fuel type: 227 horsepower with 87-octane and 250 horsepower with 93-octane, along with 310 to 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite lower-than-advertised fuel economy, the turbocharged Mazda3 was a joy to drive, offering 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 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy, and sacrificed front legroom, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for some. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others like the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the layout of controls was a highlight, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered a snug and comfortable fit. The interior was driver-centric, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats in most versions. The back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, lacking rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the shape limited capacity for larger items.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. A single USB-A port was standard, with two additional rear charge-only ports on SE models. The small touchscreen included pinch-to-zoom but was largely unnecessary for basic functions due to dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 system found in other VW models, appealing to those seeking simplicity over tech-savvy options.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 used the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard. Mazda avoided touchscreens, opting for center console controls, steering wheel buttons, and voice recognition. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for tech-savvy users. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access via a smartphone app, with features like remote engine start and a car finder. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores from the IIHS in all crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System, enhancing safety in the event of a collision.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars available.