2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

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 was anticipated to lay the groundwork for the 2023 Acura Integra, potentially reigniting interest in hatchbacks. The Civic Hatchback, available in LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring trims, ranged from $22,900 to $29,400, excluding destination charges. The Sport Touring trim, tested in both CVT and manual transmission, showcased a modern design with sophisticated digital instrumentation and high-quality controls, although the CVT shifter operation was slightly lacking in refinement.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, with its rakish headlights and large grille, offered a daring design, especially in the hatchback variant. Its clean, futuristic aesthetics extended into the cabin, where simplicity and organic design elements created a stylish environment. The Mazda3's conventional shifter design was a welcome feature, and its climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly. Available in multiple trims, the Mazda3 offered a range of features, from the base 2.5 S with 16-inch alloy wheels and an 8.8-inch infotainment display to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus with advanced driver assistance features. The test model, a 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus hatchback, combined power with practicality, offering a compelling driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission in the Sport trim. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims boasted a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, delivering peak torque between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm. The Civic Hatchback was front-wheel drive only, with a suspension system designed for a comfortable yet engaging driving experience. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the six-speed manual transmission was praised for its smooth operation. The Civic Hatchback excelled in fuel economy, nearly matching EPA estimates in real-world testing.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's base engine was a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, generating 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The test model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine delivered an engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and a responsive transmission. The Mazda3's handling was a standout feature, offering precision and refinement while maintaining comfort. The Sport mode enhanced steering feedback and transmission response, making the Mazda3 a joy to drive.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized functionality with a 24.5 cubic feet trunk and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. The interior offered comfortable seating, with the driver enjoying an eight-way power-adjustable seat. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear passengers missed having air conditioning vents. The Civic Hatchback's interior was well-designed, with black fabric or leather upholstery and automatic climate control.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some small SUVs but still practical. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area was more accommodating, with a decent center console and ergonomic design. The Mazda3's interior was stylish, but the rear seats were best suited for occasional use.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 9-inch display in the Sport Touring trim. The system included physical knobs for easy control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system in the Sport Touring. The digital instrumentation varied by trim, with a 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring. The voice recognition system was effective, and the infotainment system was a significant improvement over previous models.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's 8.8-inch infotainment display was not a touchscreen, operated instead by a dial in the center console. This system was criticized for its clumsy navigation and steep learning curve. The Mazda3 included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. The test model featured upgrades like navigation and a 12-speaker Bose stereo, which offered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The system also offered Traffic Jam Assist and low-speed following with the CVT. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Civic Hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and features.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera. The Mazda3's design posed a safety concern, with a large C-pillar creating a significant blind spot. The infotainment system's layout also presented a distraction risk, requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road.