2022 Mazda3 Gets New Carbon Edition

The Mazda3 is one of the most engaging cars in its market segment and is one of just a few cars on sale today with an available manual transmission. As such, there were very few wrinkles for Mazda to iron out for the 2022 model year, as a new Carbon Edition trim level and a Platinum Quartz Metallic paint color are the only changes.

Mazda offers the Mazda3 in a staggering nine trim levels, two body styles, and three powertrains for the 2022 model year. Pricing ranges from $21,815 for the base Mazda3 2.0 Sedan to $35,415 for the top Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatchback. While pricier than some, the Mazda3 is well equipped out of the box with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, automatic LED headlights, and 16-inch wheels.

The entry-level engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. A step up in trim levels brings a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 186 hp and 186 pound-feet. The top powertrain includes a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 250 hp and 320 pound-feet when running premium fuel. All-wheel drive is available with either 2.5-liter powertrain option, but only with specific trims.

The new Carbon Edition trim slots into the middle of the lineup between the 2.5 S Preferred package and the 2.5 S Premium package with manual transmission. Polymetal Gray is the only available exterior color choice for the trim, and red leather upholstery is standard. Carbon Edition cars get desirable features from the Preferred trim, including a moonroof and heated seats. Further upgrades include a Bose 12-speaker stereo, 18-inch black wheels, and gloss-black heated door mirrors.

All 2022 Mazda3 trims get a load of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Top trims offer more advanced tech, including a head-up display with traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors. While the new Mazda3 hasn’t been crash-tested yet, its nearly identical and structurally similar predecessor earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Mazda is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on December 2, 2021, but it may have changed since that date.