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The Mazda3 vs Honda Civic: Which car is right for you?

Style, convenience, and performance meet in the Mazda3, a sedan that turns more heads with every mile. A sleek silhouette and bold design elements make this model unmistakably Mazda, and inside the cabin, luxury meets practicality for everyday life. For all these reasons and more, the Mazda3 outshines its competitors in the sedan market, including the popular Honda Civic. Keep reading for our comparison of the Mazda3 vs. Honda Civic. 

Mazda3 vs. Honda Civic Specs 

Performance 

The Mazda3 comes equipped with a SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that achieves 191 horsepower. For more power, it can be equipped with an available SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine that’s capable of 250 horsepower (with 93 octane fuel). In comparison, the Honda Civic comes with an in-line 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine that gets 150 horsepower, and there are no other engine options for the purely gas-powered trims. The Civic has a Continuously Variable Transmission, while the Mazda3 can either be purchased with a 6-speed automatic transmission or a SKYACTIV®-MT 6-speed overdrive manual transmission. 

Interior 

In contrast to the Mazda’s elevated interior, the cabin of the Honda Civic feels pedestrian. The Mazda3 has a streamlined dashboard with a standard 8.8-inch center display that is intuitive and easy to use; the Honda Civic’s standard center display measures just seven inches. The Mazda3 also comes with a Multifunction Commander control, a dial at your fingertips which allows you to easily control the infotainment system without reaching. The Civic doesn’t have a feature like this. To the Civic’s credit, both models can be equipped with available leather-trimmed seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.  

Safety 

Your safety is Mazda’s priority, which is why Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert come standard on all Mazda3 models. The Honda Civic doesn’t have these features on its base trims — only on higher, more expensive ones. When it comes to other safety and driver assistance features, both models come with standard Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, and a Lane-Keeping Assistance system, among other features. 

Style 

Finally, in terms of style, the Mazda3 is the clear champion. In a reflection of Mazda’s design philosophy, the Mazda3 exterior exemplifies the “soul of motion” with fluid curves and striking angles. You can customize your Mazda3 to match your personal aesthetic; for instance, choose the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Sedan Premium Plus trim to get 18-inch black alloy wheels and black side mirrors. Elegance and confidence radiate from this vehicle in equal measure, making it stand out in the crowd. In contrast, the Honda Civic falls short, blending into the sameness of the rest of today’s sedans.  

Mazda3 Hatchback vs. Honda Civic Hatchback 

To get more cargo space, consider a hatchback as your next vehicle. Both the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic are offered in hatchback versions with many of the same features as their sedan versions, but with more room for everything you need to carry. A hatch in the back opens upwards to make loading and unloading easy. Both models are available with automatic and manual transmission options. When it comes to design, the Mazda3 Hatchback carries the same elegance as the sedan does, just with a different silhouette. 

Test-Drive the Mazda3 Today 

Experience all these details, and many more, when you test-drive the Mazda3 at Wyatt Johnson Mazda today. Before you visit, shop our new inventory online to see what models are in stock. We offer new vehicle specials with offers that you won’t want to miss, as well as manufacturer incentives. If you have any questions about the Mazda3 sedan or hatchback, our team will be happy to help. 

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