2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Honda Accord
Overview | |
MSRP$20,650 | MSRP$24,970 |
Listings294 | Listings1267 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews9.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Reviews SummaryMazdas are fun. All of them. Even the SUVs. But until recently, they weren’t particularly fast. The joy in driving a Mazda derived from the expertly tuned ride and handling qualities that made piloting the automaker’s products a sheer delight. And then Mazda started turbocharging cars and SUVs equipped with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Now, the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo arrives, one of the last members of Mazda’s fleet to add forced induction for boosted power and performance. The result, as you might guess, is absolutely delightful. | |
2021 Honda Accord Reviews SummaryFor the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 155 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower192 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City28 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway38 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 155 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque192 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower192 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City28 | MPG City30 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway38 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.2 cu ft | Cargo Space16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3100 lbs | Curb Weight3150 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height57.1 in |
Length183.5 in | Length196.1 in |
Width70.7 in | Width73.3 in |
Wheelbase107.3 in | Wheelbase111.4 in |
Maximum Payload923 lbs | Maximum Payload1149 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $20,650 | $24,970 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 9.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Mazdas are fun. All of them. Even the SUVs. But until recently, they weren’t particularly fast. The joy in driving a Mazda derived from the expertly tuned ride and handling qualities that made piloting the automaker’s products a sheer delight. And then Mazda started turbocharging cars and SUVs equipped with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Now, the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo arrives, one of the last members of Mazda’s fleet to add forced induction for boosted power and performance. The result, as you might guess, is absolutely delightful. | For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 155 hp I4 | 1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 192 hp @ 5500 rpm | |
MPG City | 28 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 38 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 155 hp I4 | 1.5L 192 hp I4 |
Torque | 192 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 192 hp @ 5500 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 28 | 30 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 38 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.2 cu ft | 16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3100 lbs | 3150 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 57.1 in |
Length | 183.5 in | 196.1 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 73.3 in |
Wheelbase | 107.3 in | 111.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 923 lbs | 1149 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Look and feel
CarGurus experts give the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 a perfect 10 out of 10 in look and feel, while the 2021 Honda Accord receives a slightly lower rating of 9 out of 10. This difference encapsulates the distinct approaches both manufacturers have taken with their respective designs, aiming to appeal to different segments within the auto market.
The Mazda3's design, post its 2019 redesign, clinched the World Car Design of the Year in 2020, highlighting its blend of drama and sophistication. With the option of a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback, the Mazda3 leans into a daring yet refined aesthetic. The tested 2.5 Turbo sedan, especially in its Premium Plus trim, further accentuates its appeal with a white leather interior, metallic accents, and a design focused on elevating Mazda into the premium segment. The interior design is both visually pleasing and functional, aiming to revolve around the driver's experience, thereby reinforcing Mazda's ambition to craft an entry-luxury vehicle.
On the other hand, the Honda Accord, amidst stiff competition, has undergone a mid-generation refresh for the 2021 model year. Available in six trim levels, the Accord introduces a wider, restyled grille and subtle design tweaks to enhance its appearance and functionality. The LED headlights and redesigned fog light openings contribute to a sophisticated look, complemented by new alloy wheel designs. The Accord's interior, while not pushing into the premium category as aggressively as the Mazda, offers a blend of comfort and practicality across its trim levels, with higher trims featuring leather seats and additional luxury features.
Performance
Performance-wise, CarGurus rates both the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 and the 2021 Honda Accord at 9 out of 10. The Mazda3 Turbo shines with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel. This power is delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission paired with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, designed to enhance the driving experience without sacrificing predictability or consistency. The Mazda3 Turbo's suspension and steering adjustments complement its powertrain, ensuring a dynamic yet controlled drive.
The Honda Accord offers two engine choices: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a more robust 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, with the latter providing a more engaging drive without compromising the car's daily drivability. The Accord focuses on balanced performance, with the smaller engine offering impressive fuel economy and the larger engine providing additional power and excitement. Despite lacking an all-wheel-drive option, the Accord maintains engaging driving dynamics, highlighted by updated braking systems and optional paddle shifters for an improved driving experience.
Form and function
In the realm of form and function, the Mazda3 and Honda Accord serve different practicalities and preferences. The Mazda3, with its lean towards a more premium experience, provides a cabin that emphasizes driver engagement and luxury, using high-quality materials throughout. However, it does have limitations, notably in the availability of ventilated seats and spaciousness for rear-seat passengers. When it comes to luggage capacity, the Mazda3's trunk offers 13.2 cubic feet of space for the sedan model, which is competitive within the compact segment. Opting for the hatchback version considerably enhances its utility, providing more versatility for cargo needs.
Conversely, the Honda Accord is engineered with daily functionality and comfort at its core, merging style with substantial utility. It excels in passenger space, offering comfortable seating arrangements and ensuring a high degree of convenience across all trims. The Accord shines in terms of luggage capacity as well, boasting a generous 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which stands out in the midsize sedan category. Its cabin design is both intuitive and accommodating, making it an ideal choice for those who value a blend of aesthetic appeal and practicality for family use or regular commuting.
Technology
Technology ratings from CarGurus reveal a disparity, with the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 receiving a 5 out of 10 and the Honda Accord a 9 out of 10. The Mazda Connect system, while featuring an 8.8-inch display and a variety of connected services, is criticized for its lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition capabilities. In contrast, the Honda Accord's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and includes a comprehensive suite of tech features, including wireless connectivity options for higher trims, emphasizing Honda's commitment to integrating advanced technology without compromising ease of use.
Safety
Safety is a paramount concern for both models, with the Mazda MAZDA3 scoring a perfect 10 out of 10 and the Honda Accord a 9 out of 10 from CarGurus. The Mazda3 boasts a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under its i-ActiveSense technology, designed to support and engage the driver. It has received top ratings in NHTSA testing and includes unique safety features in its Premium Plus trim. The Honda Accord is also well-equipped with safety features, including the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS, and has earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating, underlining both vehicles' commitments to passenger safety.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Accord is recommended for its blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety, presenting a well-rounded package that appeals to a broad audience.
Choose the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 if:
- You value a car with a bold, sophisticated design and premium interior aesthetics.
- Driving dynamics and performance are top priorities for you.
- You're looking for an entry-level luxury experience at a competitive price point.
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Choose the 2021 Honda Accord if:
- You prioritize a balance of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency in a daily driver.
- Advanced technology and safety features are important to you.
- You need a practical sedan with ample passenger and cargo space for family use or daily commutes.
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CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Accord is recommended for its blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety, presenting a well-rounded package that appeals to a broad audience.
Choose the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 if:
Shop Now- You value a car with a bold, sophisticated design and premium interior aesthetics.
- Driving dynamics and performance are top priorities for you.
- You're looking for an entry-level luxury experience at a competitive price point.
291 results
Choose the 2021 Honda Accord if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a balance of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency in a daily driver.
- Advanced technology and safety features are important to you.
- You need a practical sedan with ample passenger and cargo space for family use or daily commutes.
1287 results
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
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