2022 Audi A4 vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Audi A4 came in a variety of models, including the sedan, the A4 Allroad, and the S4, each offering unique features and capabilities. In our review, we evaluated the A4 sedan, specifically the Prestige 45 TFSI variant. This model was nearly fully loaded, featuring a Tango Red exterior, the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, the S-line Interior package, and ventilated front seats. The MSRP of our test car tallied up to $55,890, including destination charges.

The A4’s aesthetics were described as simple, clean, and conservative—acting as an excellent canvas for the bright Tango Red paint and Black Optic package detailing. The five-arm rotor-design wheels on our test car were classic and highly praised for their design. Inside, the A4 maintained a restrained yet premium ambiance with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, ambient interior lighting, and tasteful aluminum and gloss black trim. The only drawback was the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system that seemed like an afterthought rather than an integrated component of the dashboard.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3’s design was characterized by its rakish headlights and a menacing large grille. It was available in both sedan and hatchback forms. The hatchback’s design was particularly noted for its daring and futuristic approach, with rear angles curving up around the rear windows and doors. Inside, the Mazda3 presented a clean and futuristic cabin. The infotainment system seamlessly integrated into the dash, providing a stylish and lesson-in-design moment. The steering wheel was elegant yet cluttered with controls, and the shifter was refreshingly conventional.

Trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S all the way to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Standard features started modestly with 16-inch wheels, pushbutton start, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display, eventually stepping up to 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and premium leather upholstery as you moved up the trims. The Turbo Premium Plus model came with significant enhancements, adding features like the reverse automatic emergency braking, a surround-view parking monitor, and more.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options in the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI models. The 40 TFSI model had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra AWD. This setup provided a blend of performance and efficiency, achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg in combined driving, and reached 60 mph in 6.3 seconds according to Audi.

Our test car, the 45 TFSI, was more powerful with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It too used a seven-speed S-tronic DCT and offered a lowered sport suspension. Audi claimed it could hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and it had a combined EPA rating of 27 mpg. During our testing, it averaged 24.8 mpg. The Quattro Ultra system impressed by dynamically transferring power to the rear wheels as needed, although it didn’t provide the visceral feedback of Audi’s traditional Quattro system.

Driving the A4 was described as joyful, with its refined engine delivering solid torque. The dual-clutch automatic transmission, paddle shifters, and drive modes (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual) enhanced the driving experience. The A4 exhibited outstanding tire grip and braking performance even in challenging conditions, and it remained remarkably quiet thanks to dual-pane front windows and a low drag coefficient.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3’s base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four delivering 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as standard and AWD optional. However, our test model featured the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, generating 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. This turbocharged engine came standard with AWD.

From startup, the turbo engine enhanced the driving engagement with its satisfying sound. The steering was well-weighted, providing just the right balance of resistance and feedback. The transmission in Sport mode offered longer gear holds to make the most of the turbocharger’s power, cleverly downshifting when needed, making paddle shifters almost redundant.

The brake feel was sports-car-like, with minimal pedal travel and high sensitivity. Handling was where the Mazda3 truly excelled, offering fantastic balance, agility, and refinement even while absorbing road imperfections.

The 2022 Audi A4 sat low to the ground, making ingress and egress challenging, especially with its small door openings. However, once inside, the front seats provided exceptional comfort with soft leather, power adjustments, and a thigh-support cushion. The driver’s seat featured heating and ventilation, enhancing the driving position with an adjustable center armrest. A three-zone climate control system kept the temperature comfortably regulated, and the simple, intuitive layout of controls made the cabin user-friendly.

In the rear, space was more restrictive. The 40/20/40-split folding back seat wasn't spacious, and fitting three adults was impractical. Knee and shin comfort were compromised by hard plastic and storage netting on the front seatbacks. Nevertheless, the rear seats were supportive for short trips. Storage options in the A4 were limited to the glove compartment and door bins, as the center console was occupied by the wireless charging pad. The trunk offered 13 cubic feet of cargo space, complete with storage nets and grab handles for convenience.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided a similar 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, marginally more than the A4, but still modest compared to its competitors. The hatchback version offered 20.1 cubic feet, making it more suitable for storage, though it fell short compared to small SUVs.

Rear-seat comfort in the Mazda3 was limited, with insufficient legroom and headroom for taller individuals, more so in the hatchback due to its sloping roofline. Therefore, the back seats were deemed practical only for occasional use.

The front seating area had a reasonably sized center console, although the sliding lid mechanism could be frustrating. The ergonomics were acceptable, complemented by sizable cupholders.

The 2022 Audi A4 sported the MIB3 Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Although it appeared like an attached iPad above the center air vents, its functionality was appreciated. The touchscreen supported familiar smartphone gestures and provided acoustic feedback on touch input. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and navigation, supplemented by a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Users found the MMI system easy to use, thanks to its intuitive design and separate climate controls. Voice recognition was accurate but slow to respond. Despite most controls being on the touchscreen, essential functions remained accessible, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, in contrast, featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated by a console dial rather than a touchscreen. This control method was clumsy and unintuitive, complicating menu navigation and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto usage. The steep learning curve detracted from the system’s usability.

The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth, and voice control, with upgrades offering navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose stereo system with excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Audi A4’s safety features were tiered based on trim levels. The Prestige model included comprehensive safety tech like Audi Pre Sense, which offered front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, and a surround-view camera system. The Matrix-design LED headlights provided superior visibility.

During testing, the Pre Sense tech proved effective, but the adaptive cruise control could be slow to adapt to changing traffic conditions. The A4 also boasted a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came well-equipped with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing wipers. The Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Turbo Premium Plus offered advanced features like traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera.

A notable safety issue for the Mazda3 hatchback was its substantial C-pillar, creating a large blind spot. The infotainment system’s confusing layout also posed a distraction hazard.