Mazda3 vs. Honda Civic

The Mazda3 and Honda Civic are compact cars that have become quite competitive in the auto world. Both provide comfort and a variety of nice features and options that offer convenience, performance, and safety. Let’s compare the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic, including trim levels, prices, interior, exterior, and safety features.

Mazda3 vs. Honda Civic: Price and Trim Levels

The Mazda3  and the Honda Civic offer several trim levels and options at similar and different price points. Keep reading to review the highlights of what the Mazda3 and Honda Civic can offer to car buyers.

The Mazda3 has eight trim levels:

• 2.0 Sedan:  It starts at $21,150 and features a 2.0-liter engine with 155 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, LED lights, innovative safety features, and the Mazda Connect Infotainment System.
• 2.5 S Sedan:  This trim starts at $22,100 and features a 2.5-liter engine with 186 horsepower and Apple and Android device integration.
• Select:  It starts at $23,450 and features a 2.5-liter engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, sport seats, and additional safety features.
• Preferred:  It starts at $25,100 and features the 2.5-liter engine, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a power sliding glass moonroof, and power side mirrors with memory positioning.
• Carbon Edition:  This trim begins at $26,750 and features a 2.5-liter engine, black alloy wheels, red leather-trimmed sport seats, an aluminum speaker grille, and a premium Bose 12-speaker stereo system.
• Premium:  The Premium trim starts at $27,700 and features a 2.5-liter engine, an all-wheel-drive option, a windshield-projected driving display, Mazda Navigation System, and an adaptive front-lighting system.
• 2.5 Turbo:  It starts at $30,900 and features a 2.5-liter Turbo engine with 250 horsepower, all-wheel drive for improved performance in all climates, and windshield wiper de-icers.
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus:  This trim starts at $33,450 and features a 2.5-liter Turbo engine with 250 horsepower, all-wheel drive, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree monitor, and smart brake support for rear cross traffic.

The Honda Civic offers four trim levels:

• LX:  The LC trim starts at $22,250 and features a 2.0-liter engine with 158 horsepower, 16-inch wheels with covers, sport mode, Apple and Android integration, advanced safety features, automatic climate control, and LED headlights.
• Sport:  It starts at $23,950 and features a 2.0-liter engine, 18-inch gloss black wheels, paddle shifters, an eight-speaker stereo system, special accents for the side mirrors, and unique chrome and gloss black accents.
• EX:  It starts at $25,550 and features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower, a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, and heated front seats.
• Touring:  This trim starts at $29,150 and features the turbocharged engine, leather-trimmed seats, a Bose premium sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay Integration, and a 9-inch touch screen.

Vehicle Highlights

The Mazda3 has been a vital part of the compact car lineup for many years, earning a good reputation for comfort and performance in the marketplace. The premium compact car offers a luxury feel inside, smooth driving performance, and an option for all-wheel drive. The Honda Civic has been in the compact car marketplace for many years. It’s been refined to be more spacious and technologically advanced and is available in standard and premium trims, with regular or turbocharged engines.

Exterior Features

The Mazda3 features a low nose, wide headlights, and sculpturing that competes with luxury cars. The Civic is a smaller vehicle, updated to have a lower, wider frame and more glass to enhance its look and visibility from the inside. The Civic gives a sporty look from all directions.

Interior Design

The interior gives a luxury feel, with an inviting dashboard and sharp details like stitching. The modern look of the Mazda3 gives a sharper impression than the Honda Civic. It also offers a quieter cabin that gives the driver and passengers ample space. The headroom and legroom for the front seats closely match the Civic, while the back seat space is slightly smaller. The trunk offers 13.2 cubic feet of storage space and access for larger items through a 60/40 split-folding second row that’s standard for all trims.

The Civic’s interior features clean lines and a simplified look. Driver experience is enhanced by a larger touch screen and easy-to-reach climate and stereo system controls. Visibility is good for the driver and passengers, giving the Civic a spacious feel for a compact car. Seating has been slightly lowered, giving front passengers more headroom and legroom. Rear passengers also have ample leg space but flatter seat backs and slightly less headroom. Depending on the trim, the Civic’s trunk has at least 14.4 cubic feet of storage space, with a folding 60/40 back seat standard.

High-End Technology

The Mazda3 uses an 8.8-inch screen controlled from the center console to limit driver distraction when using the infotainment system. The instrument cluster is styled with both digital and analog dials. The sound system provides the volume and clarity that drivers and passengers need. Safety features like adaptive cruise control work seamlessly.

The Honda Civic features an 8-inch touch screen rated highly for user-friendliness. The Touring trim increases the touch screen to 9 inches and adds wireless connection for Apple and Android devices. Safety features include adaptive cruise control and driver assist view to keep the driver informed.

Powerful Performance

The Mazda 3 offers more extensive engine options than the Civic, including 2.5-liter turbo options for higher trims. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard on the Touring model unless the six-speed manual transmission option with front-wheel drive is selected. Mazda3’s trims with the turbocharged engine compete with luxury models in performance.

The Civic offers regular and turbocharged engine options paired with a continuously-variable transmission and front-wheel drive. The hatchback has an optional six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration is smooth, with low-rev torque providing a quiet ride and power when needed.

The Mazda3 provides a more upscale look inside and out, with trim levels that go from the basics to the Touring trim that gives an all-weather performance with all-wheel drive for longer road trips. With more trim levels and advanced options than the Honda Civic, as well as a luxury feel, the Mazda3 is ready for you to check out for yourself.

When you’re ready to take a Mazda3 for a test drive, stop by to see our team at Mazda of Orange. You can find us at 1360 Katella Ave. in Orange, California. Our sales team is available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call us at 888-695-7870 or complete our secure online form  to get started.

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