2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Honda Civic had a history of segment-defining models released every decade or so, with notable versions in 1973, 1984, 1992, 2006, and 2016. The 2021 model continued to be sold in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, though the coupe was discontinued, and the Civic Si was on hiatus. The Civic sedan came in various trims, starting at $21,250 and going up to $28,300, excluding destination charges. The test car, a Touring sedan in Cosmic Blue Metallic, cost $29,690. Despite its polarizing design, the Civic's interior offered quality materials and thoughtful detailing, though the infotainment screen size showed its age.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, available in sedan and hatchback styles, continued with minimal changes. It offered a range of models, including the affordable 2.0 sedan, the popular 2.5 S, and the speedy 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and options for FWD or AWD. The test car, a top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, cost $35,810. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, but it had a mature, serious look. Inside, the car featured refined materials and sophisticated design, creating an upscale atmosphere.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque in the LX and Sport trims, paired with a CVT. The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, produced 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine provided a more enjoyable driving experience, though the CVT had its drawbacks, including a droning noise and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite these issues, the Civic achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a 140-mile loop, surpassing the EPA estimate of 33 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's base 2.0-liter engine produced 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy with 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter engine generating 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, offered a six-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The 2.5 Turbo model, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on premium fuel. The turbo model averaged 23.1 mpg, falling short of its advertised fuel economy. The Mazda3 excelled in driving dynamics, with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent steering, though the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit challenging. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The center console offered ample storage space, and the trunk measured 15.1 cubic feet, or 14.7 cubic feet in the Touring trim with a premium sound system.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also sat low, with small door openings complicating entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with excellent thigh and side bolster support, and the driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom for taller passengers and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age, with the base LX trim offering a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a 1.0-amp USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 1.5-amp USB port. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation, digital traffic, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The voice recognition system in the Touring trim was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was nice but not essential.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, though the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided more user-friendly alternatives. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, offered remote access to vehicle functions and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard audio system had eight speakers, with a 12-speaker Bose system available in higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2021 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The EX trim and higher offered LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.