2023 Honda Accord vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 showcased rakish headlights framing a large, menacing grille, a design element combined with its daring and futuristic lines, making it one of the cleanest car designs at the time. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the Mazda3 exhibited a design ethos that set it apart from conventional cars. The hatchback, in particular, with its curving rear angles around the window and doors, presented a forward-thinking aesthetic, reminiscent of modern electric vehicles. However, this design had its drawbacks, particularly affecting visibility.

Inside, the MAZDA3's clean and futuristic design continued. The infotainment system integrated organically into the dash, providing a minimalist yet sophisticated look. The conventional shifter design was a welcome feature, and the straightforward climate controls ensured ease of use. The steering wheel, although cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant design. The trim levels varied, starting from the 2.5 S and moving up to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, each offering incremental luxury and performance features.

On the flip side, the 2023 Honda Accord took on a more conservative but modern look compared to the previous generation. Gone were the shiny chrome accents, replaced by a more subdued and technical appearance. However, the new design did not appeal to everyone, with some preferring the character of the older model. The Canyon River Blue paint and pewter wheel finish on the EX variant were particularly striking and received compliments. Inside, the Accord EX featured durable cloth seats and stylish metal mesh dashboard trim. The high-mounted rear seat provided excellent leg support and legroom, ensuring comfort for passengers.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an option for all-wheel drive. An alternative turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was available, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel and up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The turbo engine provided an engaging driving experience, with a fantastic sound and well-balanced steering. The Sport mode enhanced performance by holding gears longer and providing heavier steering feedback. The exceptional handling, precision, and brake feel made the MAZDA3 stand out as a performance car.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Accord EX used a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, making 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. While adequate, this power was less thrilling compared to the discontinued 2.0T engine. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), which powered the front wheels, provided an adequate driving experience. The Accord featured a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, which managed the car's weight distribution well. The dual-pinion, variable-ratio steering offered good response, although the CVT drone under hard acceleration was less enjoyable. Despite this, the Accord excelled in urban environments with easy drivability and excellent outward visibility.

In terms of cargo capacity, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet, which was smaller than many compact sedans. The hatchback variant provided 20.1 cubic feet, making it more versatile but still less than some small SUVs. The rear seating area was notably cramped, both in terms of legroom and headroom, making it less practical for taller passengers. The front seating area, however, was well-designed with ergonomic features and ample storage options.

The Honda Accord EX, on the other hand, provided a much more generous cargo capacity with its 16.7 cubic-foot trunk. This made it more practical for families and those needing more storage space. The inclusion of features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats added to the comfort, though the lack of rear air conditioning vents and rear USB charging ports was a drawback. The rear seat comfort was superior to the MAZDA3, with excellent leg support and ease of access.

The 2023 MAZDA3's technology was centered around an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via a rotary dial. This setup was a major weak point, with clumsy and unintuitive menu navigation. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were made less user-friendly due to the non-touchscreen interface. Despite these issues, the Mazda3 came equipped with useful features such as navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system.

On the technology front, the Honda Accord EX came equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and text-messaging support. The Accord also featured physical controls for the stereo and main functions, which were intuitive and easy to use. However, the lack of SiriusXM satellite radio and a somewhat confusing function control knob detracted from the experience. Overall, the tech in the Accord EX was basic yet functional.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the hatchback's design posed a major safety issue due to the massive C-pillar creating a significant blind spot. Additionally, the clumsy infotainment system could be a distraction, affecting overall safety.

Every 2023 Honda Accord model came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim offered an optional safety package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which was recommended. The Accord's ADAS performed with accuracy and refinement, although the lane-departure warning could benefit from a vibration alert. In crash tests, the Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, underscoring its commitment to safety.