2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The clean lines and curves around the rear window and doors gave it a forward-thinking appearance, though this design had its drawbacks. Inside, the cabin continued the theme of clean futurism, with a simple yet elegant layout. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome touch. Despite the modern aesthetic, the climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. The steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. The Mazda3 offered various trim levels, each adding more features, with the 2.5 Turbo AWD Premium Plus hatchback being the top trim for 2023, featuring advanced driver assistance systems and premium materials.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, particularly in the Touring trim, exuded an air of elegance that could easily be mistaken for a luxury sedan. Its sleek exterior, reminiscent of the Audi A7, drew positive attention from onlookers. The redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting added to its refined appearance. The Accord's longer body and increased rear track gave it a planted stance, complemented by a flowing roofline. The Touring trim, priced around $38,435, offered a choice of seven exterior colors and rode on 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Accord featured a new dashboard design with a standard digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Hybrid Touring. The interior was comfortable, with supportive front seats and generous legroom in the rear, though headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. The trunk offered a spacious 16.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available. A manual transmission was an option for front-wheel drive Premium models. Our test model featured the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The automatic transmission and AWD were standard with this engine. The turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience, with well-weighted steering and a performance-oriented feel. The Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering a balance of precision and refinement, and its Sport mode enhanced the driving dynamics with more forceful steering feedback and clever transmission shifts.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 204 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as the only option. The Accord Hybrid delivered a smooth and efficient ride, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. While not overwhelming in acceleration, it provided ample power for highway merges and passing. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning and ease of use. The Accord's agile handling made it relaxing to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder its maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was small compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, more usable but still limited compared to small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline, making it best suited for front-seat use. The front seating area featured a decently sized center console compartment, though the lid's design was frustrating. Ergonomics were helpful, and the cupholders were sizable.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim that concealed the air vents. The infotainment screen was prominently placed atop the dashboard, with easy-to-reach controls for cabin temperature and seat heating/ventilation. The traditional gearshift was a welcome change, providing a convenient spot to rest a hand. The front seats offered excellent support and comfort, while the rear seats provided generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the center console, which was a weak point due to its clumsy menu navigation and lack of touchscreen functionality. The system's learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. Standard features included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Our test model had upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus and easy-to-navigate graphics. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, "Hey Google" virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also standard.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with a range of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive headlights, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Turbo Premium Plus included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, and the infotainment system's layout posed a distraction and safety issue.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with the Honda Sensing bundle, which included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a head-up display. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.