2022 Mazda Mazda3 Select

The 2022 Mazda3 is Mazda's compact car, sold as a sedan or a hatchback and aimed at drivers who want more engagement than the typical commuter. It's one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class, with sharp steering and a chassis that makes even mundane errands feel lively. The ride is firm but composed, and the front seats are supportive for long trips, though the back seat is tight for adults. Inside, you get a beautifully designed cabin with high-quality materials that feel a cut above the price point. The Select is the entry-level trim, so you get the same eager 2.5L I4 as pricier versions but skip the leather and Bose audio of the Preferred or Premium. Its 186 horsepower from the 2.5L I4 pairs with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, and returns 30 mpg combined,26 mpg city,35 mpg highway which is competitive for the segment. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard here instead of the 8.8-inch screen on higher trims, but it still runs Mazda's simple rotary-controller interface.