2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. Its bodywork exuded a blend of drama and sophistication, capturing attention with its daring yet refined aesthetics. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a choice of standard or Premium Plus trim. The sedan tested featured Premium Plus trim and Machine Gray Metallic paint, priced at $33,890. Interior options varied by trim, with the Premium Plus offering luxurious Nappa leather. The sedan's white leather interior added a premium feel, complemented by thoughtful design details and clear instrumentation, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining hatchback market with its redesigned model. Built in Indiana, it was one of the few compact cars still produced in the U.S. The Civic hatchback shared its front design with the sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors back. It addressed the visual weight issue common in small hatchbacks, though it still had a somewhat stubby rear. Inside, the Civic hatchback mirrored the sedan's layout, with Sport Touring trim adding digital instrumentation and infotainment upgrades. The interior boasted metal honeycomb dashboard detailing and high-quality controls, though the CVT shifter operation was slightly lacking in sophistication.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo stood out with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 hp with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, it offered a transformative driving experience. The powertrain was tuned for smooth and predictable performance, with Sport mode enhancing transmission shifts and cornering. The Mazda3 Turbo's steering and suspension were refined for sporty handling, and despite lacking summer tires, it provided a thrilling drive. However, fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice of engines, with the LX and Sport trims featuring a 2.0-liter engine producing 158 hp, while the EX-L and Sport Touring trims had a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 180 hp. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a CVT or six-speed manual transmission available. The turbo engine provided accessible torque, and the CVT worked well with it, though the manual transmission was preferred by driving enthusiasts. The Civic's suspension and steering offered a balance of comfort and responsiveness, but the brakes and tires were not suited for aggressive driving. Fuel economy was commendable, with real-world testing nearly matching EPA estimates.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. Storage was adequate, but the wireless charging location reduced console space. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a 24.5-cubic-foot trunk and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. Seating was comfortable, with the driver enjoying eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim included black leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, though rear air vents were absent.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose sound system. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice recognition were drawbacks. The system's controls were not intuitive, causing frustration. The Bose audio system performed well, but the infotainment experience was marred by usability issues. A head-up display was standard, providing useful driving information.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 9-inch display in the Sport Touring trim. The latter included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose audio system. Physical knobs improved usability, and the voice recognition system was effective. Digital instrumentation varied by trim, with the Sport Touring offering a comprehensive 10.2-inch display.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS aimed to support rather than replace the driver. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-centering assistance. Premium Plus trim added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were CVT-exclusive. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings were limited to higher trims. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, though some driver aids were not entirely seamless.