2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Base Price | $24,581–$29,851 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback is a hatchback that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10, while Performance at 7.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.5/10. The Mazda3 Hatchback nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.3/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.7/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $24,581–$29,851, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback sits in the budget-friendly tier of the hatchback market. At 7.6/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good hatchback should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback ranks #17 of 99 hatchbacks in the Carivo database — better than 84% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $24,581 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $23,280.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hatchback ranking →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$9,720 ($1,944/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.8 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $26,934 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $26,150 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $25,365 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $24,581 | |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $23,796 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $23,012 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $22,227 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $21,443 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $20,658 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.7/10 | $19,874 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $19,089 | Read review → |
We rate the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #17 of 99 hatchbacks in our database (better than 84% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2022 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback starts at $24,581 and ranges up to $29,851 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Mazda3 Hatchback years we've rated are 2015 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
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Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.