Battle of the Brands: Mazda 3 Hatchback Vs. Civic Hatchback

In searching for a compact hatchback, you may find yourself comparing the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic. While both are good cars, taking a closer look will show you that the Mazda has plenty of advantages. 
 

Safety 
 

At a glance, both hatchbacks are neck-and-neck when it comes to safety features. Either way, you get an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. 
 

You also get a long list of standard safety and driver-assistive tech on either hatch. They both come standard with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane-keep assist. You also get a lane-departure warning as well as adaptive cruise control. While the Civic also has a standard rear-seat reminder, the Mazda 3 has a driver attention alert. Both offer blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert on higher trims. Both also offer traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition. 
 

Thus, safety is one of the few areas where the two models tie. 
 

Performance
 

Given that both offer your choice of engines, this is not a straightforward comparison. The highlight of the Honda Civic hatchback is the 1.5-liter turbo with 180 horsepower on the top Touring trim. The Civic also offers a six-speed manual or a CVT. 
 

The highlight of the Mazda 3’s engine lineup is the 2.5-liter with 186 horsepower and a six-speed automatic or manual. That being said, it also offers a more powerful choice. The 2.5-liter turbo delivers 227 horsepower, making it the way to go if your priority is power. 
 

Moreover, this vehicle pulls further ahead with its available AWD system. This is crucial for winters in Delaware or any situation where you want more control. 
 

Interior Styling and Quality
 

Given the reputation of the brands, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Mazda 3 has a more upscale interior than the Civic. You get an organic dashboard design compared to the rigid design of the Civic. The stitching also makes it feel more upscale. With either hatchback, you get the versatility that comes with a 60/40 rear seat. 
 

Technology
 

The tech in the two hatchbacks is pretty similar. The Civic starts with an 8-inch screen, while the Mazda 3 gives you an 8.8-inch one, a slight advantage. Either way, you get wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both also offer premium sound in the form of 12 Bose speakers. 
 

Test Drive the Mazda 3 at Nucar Mazda of New Castle
 

When it comes down to it, the Mazda 3 has more power and offers AWD while its competitor does not. It also has a more upscale interior. Given those advantages, this vehicle is the way to go for most drivers. 
 

The final test to confirm that this is the right hatchback for you is to take it on a test drive. Visit Nucar Mazda of New Castle in New Castle, DE, to learn more or get behind the wheel. Our team will walk you through the various options and configurations of this vehicle to help you find your ideal version. 

 
Source: blog