2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerged as a bold contender in a market where hatchback popularity was waning. As other automakers phased out hatchbacks in favor of small crossover SUVs, Honda saw an opportunity to capture a significant share of the remaining market. The redesigned Civic Hatchback, produced in Indiana, was one of the few compact cars still manufactured in the U.S. It shared its front design with the Civic sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors to the rear, giving it a distinct appearance. Despite its modern and sophisticated interior, the Civic Hatchback retained a few quirks, such as the slightly awkward CVT shifter operation.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its artistic flair, though its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback design were not universally appealing. The Mazda3 exuded a mature and serious demeanor, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the Mazda3 offered a refined and upscale environment, with polished metallic finishes and a focus on driver-centric design. The snug fit of the front seats and the quality of materials contributed to a sense of elegance, though the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers. The Mazda3's understated style and quality made it an attractive option for those seeking more value than an entry-level luxury car.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a range of performance options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque in the LX and Sport trims. These models were equipped with a CVT, though the Sport trim also offered a six-speed manual transmission. For those seeking more power, the EX-L and Sport Touring trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Hatchback's suspension and steering provided a satisfying driving experience, though it was not designed for aggressive driving on winding roads. Fuel economy was commendable, with the CVT-equipped Sport Touring achieving 33 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a variety of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter engine in the base sedan, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5 S model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, featured a 2.5-liter engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its turbocharged engine, delivered up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving dynamics were impressive, with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during spirited driving on challenging roads. Fuel economy was slightly lower than expected, with the turbo model averaging 23.1 mpg.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, offering a spacious trunk with 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space and a clever two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. The interior provided comfortable seating with sufficient legroom, though some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger seat and the absence of rear air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and the Sport Touring trim featured black leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug but comfortable fit in the front seats. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, along with leather upholstery, added to the premium feel. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports was a drawback. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable center console. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the LX, Sport, and EX-L trims, and a 9-inch display in the Sport Touring trim. The top-tier system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound system controls was a welcome improvement, and the voice recognition system performed well. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display and a collection of controls on the center console. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, focusing on minimizing driver distraction. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for tech-savvy users. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was available in higher trims.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. The Civic Hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and new frontal-impact airbags.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive front headlights. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars available.