2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Mazda 3 - The better sedan

The Honda Civic is one of the most renowned sedans ever, it has been receiving updates ever since its official introduction to the world. For 2020, with the introduction of the latest 10th-generation of the Civic, Honda has introduced a new design language and improved quality in the lineup. While the Civic lineup gets a host of updates, it also retains the optional six-speed manual transmission to maintain a strong connection between car and driver. The Honda Civic has been a leading sedan in its segment due to its market presence over all the years, but on the other hand, it enjoys a healthy competition with the Mazda 3 sedan. 

Mazda is known for building powerful performance cars. Mazda 3 offers a comfortable and reliable ride with a fun driving experience. Besides having moderate power performance, Mazda 3 lacks in offering high fuel return. 

Both the cars get a fun-to-drive factor, let’s have a look at the similarities and differences between the LX sedan variant of the Civic and the Base Mazda 3 and see which is better.

Dimensions

Between the two base variants, the 2020 Mazda 3 is longer, taller and gets a greater wheelbase than the 2020 Honda Civic. However, the Mazda lags behind when compared with the wheelbase of Civic and it is clear that 2020 Mazda 3 outweighs the Honda Civic in the dimensional comparison. 

Exterior

The Mazda3 and the Civic are arguably two of the sharpest-looking compact cars available today. The Mazda has that premium design language while the styling of the Civic hatchback is a little controversial. While both the cars carry almost similar features with adjustable headlights and similar rear disc brakes for improved safety of the occupants, a major difference between the Civic and Mazda is the wheel size at an inch’s difference and the presence of alloy wheels in the Mazda 3.

Interior

The premium look of the redesigned Mazda 3 continues on the inside, giving it an expensive look, besides, the interior design of the Civic is a little more traditional and more spaciously designed. Mazda 3 specs sheet features an 8.8-inch central display whereas the Civic’s display size is only 5-inch, the other difference being that the Civic has a digital gauge cluster while the Mazda gets a traditional analogue one. As for interior space, Mazda is a little cramped in the back seats whereas the Civic's back seats are pretty generous. 

Engine and transmission

In terms of performance, the Mazda 3 beats the Honda Civic with over 28 hp of the overall power difference. The punchier 2.5-litre engine of the Mazda 3 sets a difference but Honda puts a little more of a priority on efficiency on the engine while Mazda sacrifices some fuel economy for strong performance.

Safety

Both the cars in comparison received a perfect five-star overall rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the crash-test rating. Additionally, Mazda 3 was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the presence of knee airbags for the driver and co-passenger.

Pricing

Overall, the Honda Civic price tag reads lesser than the 2020 Mazda 3 throughout all its cars in the lineup. Even while the 2020 Mazda 3 gets a large engine and more power over the Civic, the Civic users get a better fuel efficiency across the lineup. On the other hand, the 2020 Mazda 3 boasts better equipment and more power in its higher trim options along with better infotainment and safety. 

Verdict

With a lower starting price, a roomier back seat, better fuel economy and more variety in engine and body style, we think the Honda Civic is a better choice for most compact car shoppers. However, if you like the premium interior and lively performance of the Mazda and don't mind tight legroom in the back seats and more frequent trips to the gas station, then the Mazda 3 might be chosen for the increased speed output and better handling of the vehicle which matters more than the mileage. Also, if the users insist on having AWD, then the Mazda is the clear choice over the Honda.

Also read: 2020 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition makes its way to Europe