2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Honda Accord

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued without significant changes, available in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. It offered a range of models, including the affordable Mazda3 2.0 (sedan only), the popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and the sporty Mazda3 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety with five trim levels and options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model offering a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding a $1,015 destination charge. The test car, a top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, was priced at $35,810, including destination.

The Mazda3's design was polarizing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback that some might call a "hunchback." Despite this, the car's artistry was appreciated by many. The interior featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, creating an upscale and elegant driving environment. The Mazda3 appealed to those seeking value over perceived luxury, offering more for less, except in terms of brand cachet.

The 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign, with the hybrid powertrain becoming standard on most trim levels. Only the base LX and EX variants retained a gas-only engine. The Accord LX had a base price of $27,295, while the EX cost $29,060, with a $1,095 destination charge. The test car, an Accord EX with an option package adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, was priced at $30,705, including destination.

The 2023 Accord adopted a more technical and conservative appearance, moving away from the shiny chrome and exuberant character of the previous model. The Canyon River Blue paint on the test car received compliments, and the EX's pewter wheel finish was a pleasing compromise. Inside, the Accord EX featured durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and stylish metal mesh dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected attention to detail and refinement, making the Accord EX a well-outfitted choice for its price and class.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered three engine options. The base 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, with a focus on fuel economy, achieving 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, the most popular choice, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ranging from 27 to 30 mpg in combined driving, depending on the trim and powertrain. The 2.5 Turbo model had a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with power output varying based on fuel type: 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane gas, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel. The turbo models achieved 26-27 mpg in combined driving.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was praised for its stealthy appearance and thrilling driving experience. The turbocharged engine delivered power gradually, providing a smooth and exhilarating ride. The car's handling, steering, and balance were exceptional, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, indicating a need for an upgrade. Despite this, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was highly regarded for its driving dynamics, quality, and attainable price.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, and the car featured a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The Accord EX returned 28.7 mpg in combined driving during testing, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 32 mpg.

The Accord's driving experience was characterized by its ease of use in urban and suburban environments, with excellent outward visibility and nimble handling. The powertrain was adequate, but the CVT exhibited some drone under hard acceleration. The Accord's ride quality was communicative yet quiet, and the brakes performed well during testing. The car's dynamic tuning inspired confidence on winding roads, although the tires felt squishy and squealed during aggressive driving. Upgrading to the Sport or Touring trim levels for better tires was recommended for those seeking a more engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The front seats were snug but comfortable, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The interior was driver-focused, with user-friendly controls and high-quality materials. However, the back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX added several features over the LX trim, including heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. However, it lacked a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The driver's seat needed more seat-track travel for taller individuals, and the hard plastic lining the center console was uncomfortable. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with excellent leg support and easy entry and exit. The Accord's trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, with easy loading and a handle to close the lid without getting dirty.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While Mazda's approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to vehicle functions and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The standard audio system had eight speakers, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX came with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text-messaging support, and HondaLink connected services with Wi-Fi access and an SOS emergency call button. The EX trim featured an eight-speaker audio system. While the system lacked SiriusXM satellite radio, streaming music via Apple CarPlay was seamless. The physical controls for the stereo and main functions were user-friendly, though the tuning knob's placement was confusing. Overall, the Accord EX's tech was basic but functional.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars available.

The 2023 Honda Accord featured the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included a reversing camera, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system. The EX trim offered an optional safety package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord's ADAS performed well, with accurate and refined operation. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2023.