2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic and sophisticated bodywork. The sedan version, while more conservative, still offered plenty of visual appeal. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured all-wheel drive and a range of trims, with the Premium Plus trim adding luxurious touches like Nappa leather. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior design was driver-focused, with high-quality materials and a clear, legible gauge set.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic adopted a more conservative and mature appearance, resembling the larger Accord. The redesigned interior emphasized simplicity, with a minimalistic control layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The Civic's seats offered excellent support, and the back seat provided ample legroom, though the lack of air conditioning vents was a notable omission. The new center console design sacrificed some storage space for a more conventional layout.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Turbo model delivered smooth, predictable performance. The car's handling was enhanced by stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, and the G-Vectoring Control Plus software improved cornering. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 20.4 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp and 177 lb-ft for the EX and Touring trims. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) with Step Shift programming. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning. The Touring trim, in particular, provided a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, though it fell short of the EPA's fuel economy estimate, returning 30.4 mpg on a 95-mile loop.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat air conditioning vents. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger's seat did not. Trunk space was competitive at 13.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback version provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.1 cubic feet with it folded down.

The 2022 Honda Civic's redesigned front seats offered excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat was heated but not ventilated, and the front passenger's seat lacked a height adjuster. The back seat provided ample legroom, though the backrest angle might feel too reclined for some. The Civic's trunk volume was generous at 14.8 cubic feet, or 14.4 cubes with the Touring trim, which lost some space due to the premium sound system components. The split-folding backseat added utility, and a small handle inside the trunk lid facilitated closing.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, but the infotainment system's usability issues were frustrating. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display offering greater customization and driving environment data. The Vehicle Activity display was a brilliant feature, showing the status of the car's lights and signals. The standard infotainment system had a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, HD radio, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 premium surround-sound audio system in the Touring trim delivered a rich audio experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) aimed to support the driver rather than replace them. The adaptive cruise control included stop-and-go capability, and the automatic high-beam LED headlights featured an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests.

The 2022 Honda Civic's upgraded Honda Sensing collection of ADAS included Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sonar sensors improved the system's smoothness and accuracy. The Civic EX and Touring trims featured a proper blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, replacing the old LaneWatch system. The Civic's stronger vehicle architecture and new airbag designs offered better protection in collisions. A standard rear-seat reminder system was also included.