Shopping around for the perfect vehicle isn’t uncommon. For instance, you might be debating between a mainstream model and a luxury car. You might want the latest tech and safety features, or perhaps you care more about performance. Whatever the case, if you’re looking for an excellent small car, consider the 2022 Mazda3 and the 2022 Audi A3. 

The Mazda3 is a mainstream model that drives like a luxury car. On the other hand, the A3 is a bona fide luxury car. So, you might wonder, how does the 2022 Mazda3 stack up against the 2022 Audi A3? The following comparison can help you decide which model is better for you.

Overview of the 2022 Mazda3

The 2022 Mazda3 boasts some notable highlights. For starters, it has precise handling balance thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus system.

In addition, the base 186-hp engine provides a fun ride. But the optional 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder bests some entry-level luxury car engines.

The Mazda3 also features Traffic Jam Assist, which pairs adaptive cruise control with a stop-start function and a lane-centering system. According to Kelley Blue Book, that’s one feature you won’t find in the Audi A3.

The 2022 Audi A3 at a glance

Like the Mazda3, the 2022 Audi A3 is also fun to drive. And the 48-volt mild-hybrid system makes this luxury car more fuel-efficient. It also provides a 12-hp boost for stronger acceleration.

Additionally, the A3 features Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI Touch Display. This configurable 12.3-inch digital information display, located in front of the driver, replaces the traditional gauges. You can also control it through steering wheel buttons, so you won’t have to lose focus and take your hands off the wheel. Prefer to use the center touchscreen? It measures a generous 10.1 inches and provides acoustic feedback.

If you’ve always wanted to own a luxury car, the Audi A3 is a great place to start. It has all the features you’d expect from an upscale model but boasts a lower price than comparable options.

Should you buy the 2022 Mazda3 or the 2022 Audi A3?

The Mazda3 is an excellent compact car, and the available 250-hp engine has undoubtedly earned bragging rights. If you upgrade to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model, you’ll get even more luxurious features, such as a 12-speaker Bose sound system and leather seats.

The standard Audi A3 provides the same upscale features as the Mazda3 and gets slightly better fuel economy. The only downside is that the A3 doesn’t boast the torque vectoring system you get with the Mazda3.

However, looking at the big picture, you’ll see these cars are surprisingly equal, and there’s no wrong choice. The Mazda3 has an MSRP of $33,450 (pricing starts at $21,150 for the base 2.0 model). The Audi A3 starts at $34,900 — $1,500 more than the Mazda — which is still affordable for a true luxury car.