The "3" series of Mazda vehicles have been a force to be reckoned with since it introduced the original back in 1960. The latest version, the Mazda3 Sedan, combines performance that is one step below the "5." meaning that if you want to get more speed, you will have access to upgrades for your engine. It has several details and features that make it a great vehicle that wins its fair share of awards.

What's New for the 2022 Mazda3 Sedan?

The Sport trim is no longer available on the Mazda3 Sedan. The sedan offers three trims: Base, Select, and Premium. The Mazda3 sedan sits lower and more comprehensive than before, giving it a sportier stance. It is also longer than its predecessor and now offers up to 41.7 inches of rear legroom. The automaker says there's more rear headroom too, but we found the back seat was still cramped for taller passengers because of the sloping roofline. A redesign just two years ago for 2021 makes this 2022 update a minor one that adds more standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

2022 Mazda3 Sedan Trims & Features

The 2022 Mazda3 Sedan is offered in two trim levels: the Sport (base) and the Touring (upmarket). The Sport models get a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring models get an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sport models are available in front-wheel drive only, while the Touring models are available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The base trim for the 2022 Mazda3 Sedan comes with a 2.5-liter Skyactive four-cylinder engine that provides 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. This trim also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, push-button start, remote keyless entry system, and cruise control. It has steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control functions and an 8.8-inch infotainment screen. This car also has dual-zone climate control with pollen filter and rear vents, cloth seats with 6-way manual driver's seat adjustment and 4-way manual passenger adjustment, 50/50 split fold-down rear seats with armrests that can slide forward or backward, or recline to expand cargo space (28.8 cubic feet).

Horsepower

The 2022 Mazda3 sedan doesn't have the same horsepower as its hatchback version, but it has other notable features. The vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and has standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

Safety

The safety features of the 2022 Mazda3 Sedan make it stand out from other cars. The i-Activsense suite of safety features includes a driver attention alert system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, smart brake support with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automatic rear braking, high beam control, and Mazda radar cruise control with stop and go.

The collision avoidance features are excellent. With the smart brake support system and the rear automatic braking system, you won't be getting into any fender benders anytime soon. Even if you do get into an accident, you'll be safe because of the front airbags (advanced dual front airbags), side-impact air curtains (full-length side-impact air curtains), side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger (side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger) and driver's knee airbag.

Visit Us in Houston, TX Today

If you're in the market for a new car, I'd recommend checking this one out. The price-to-feature ratio seems to be very good, and the performance is satisfactory. But just because it gets excellent fuel economy while also offering superior performance is not the real story here. The 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan is memorable precisely because it is so, pardon the pun, "zen." It allows you to focus on the road, on your driving, and that alone. After all, if a car drives right and gets outstanding gas mileage, what else could you ever want? Be sure to visit our dealership in Houston, TX for more information on this new Mazda.