2022 Mazda3 vs. 2022 Nissan Sentra Comparison

In the highly competitive compact sedan class, the 2022 Mazda3 goes up against the 2022 Nissan Sentra, each with its own merits. Let’s compare them.

2022 Mazda3

2022 Mazda3 Starting Price: $20,800 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Excellent handling; optional all-wheel drive; high-quality materials; standard driver assist features; optional turbo engine.

Below Average: Manual transmission only available on the Premium hatchback; hatchback body style isn’t for everyone; large blind spots.

Consensus: Giving buyers a choice of engines including a powerful 2.5-liter turbo, the 2021 Mazda3 also comes as either a sedan or hatchback. This compact entry is known for its spirited handling.

2022 Nissan Sentra

2022 Nissan Sentra Starting Price: $19,510 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Comfortable cabin; good standard equipment; pleasant driving experience. 

Below Average: Power; one engine choice; comes only in sedan form; no AWD option; thick rear pillars impede outward vision.

Consensus: A stylish compact sedan, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is comfortable and well-equipped, with good standard driver assistance features. There’s only a single engine choice, and the Sentra isn’t terribly fun to drive.

Mazda3 vs. Sentra: Driving Dynamics

Mazda3

The driver’s car of the compact class, the best thing about the 2022 Mazda3 is that it handles incredibly well, and now with the optional 2.5-liter turbo, has the power to compete with the best in its class. But even the base Mazda3 is a blast to drive, with a very capable 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hooked to a 6-speed automatic transmission that always knows what gear to be in. Front-wheel drive is standard, although the Mazda3 is one of the rare members of its class that offers all-wheel drive, which comes standard on the Turbo model.

The interior of the Mazda3 exudes a premium feel, including the base model with its cloth seats. Other trims get synthetic leather, and the top trims have the real thing. Mazda3 employs lots of soft-touch materials and boasts an 8.8-inch infotainment screen center. It is not a touchscreen, however, and is rather controlled by a rotary knob similar to those found in Audis and BMWs.

The Mazda3 2.0 is the base model and is only available as a sedan. While it has the screen, USB ports, Bluetooth, and push-button start, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are not available until the next level up. It does have both adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The sedan has a useful 13 cubic feet of storage space, with the hatchback expanding that to 20 cubic feet.

Mazda adds a new Carbon Edition between the Premium and Preferred trim levels. This package is available only in front-drive on both the hatchback and sedan and features the 2.5-liter I4 along with a Polymetal Gray paint scheme, Bose premium audio; black wheels, and other blacked-out exterior accents. It starts at $26,400 for the sedan and $26,700 for the hatchback.

Nissan Sentra

In the world of compact sedans, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is a bit of an also-ran. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the Sentra, which is comfortable and perfectly pleasant. But the segment is a fierce one, and there are many better choices.

The biggest drawback is the sole engine choice, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making a mere 149 horsepower and driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Power is adequate, but that’s about it. The ride is comfortable and compliant, however, with the Sentra boasting a sophisticated rear suspension.

Things are better inside, with a roomy and comfortable cabin. The legroom is ample and materials are good, with base cloth upholstery ranging up to simulated or real leather on the higher trims. Trunk space is also respectable. A thick rear pillar impedes rear visibility, although blind-spot monitoring comes standard.

Considering its under-$20,000 price point, standard features in Sentra are impressive. All trims include Nissan’s safety suite known as Safety Shield 360, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic emergency braking. A 7-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, four speakers, and two USB ports. It’s worth noting that the base trim also comes with rear drum brakes, although discs are standard on the higher trims.

Similarities

Base power; quality interior materials; NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings; rear blind spots.

2022 Mazda3 Advantages

More fun to drive; choice of engines; choice of body styles; optional all-wheel drive.

2022 Nissan Sentra Advantages

Starting price; legroom; cargo space; fuel economy.

Which One is Right for Me?

Sporty and responsive, the 2022 Mazda3 is wonderful fun to drive. It’s a blast even with the base engine, and serious fun with the turbo upgrade. Despite being priced competitively, it also has an impressive interior that’s worthy of a more expensive car.

While it’s not as fun to drive, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is roomy, comfortable, and has a good-sized trunk for your stuff. It also has an interior that’s respectable even in base trim and some of the best seats in the business.

Ready to buy a Mazda3 or Nissan Sentra? Shop for one on sale now near you.

Keyword: 2022 Mazda3 vs. 2022 Nissan Sentra Comparison