2023 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2023 Mazda 3 Hatchback

When it comes to small cars, there’s fierce competition between the 2023 Civic Hatchback and the Mazda3 Hatchback. They offer a high quality product with many of today’s technologies.

Shoppers are sure to be comparing price, value, reputation, and ownership costs as they look at these two rides. This comparison should help provide the facts about size, standard features, and more.

1. What’s New for the 2023 Model Year?

   Honda Civic Hatchbacks are in the second year of a new design. Completely updated in 2022, there’s more room, especially for the back row passenger. The dash-width honeycomb vents spread the air conditioning like no other car in Phoenix.

   This Mazda3 generation began in 2019. For 2023, Mazda retired the naturally aspirated I-4 in favor of a new turbo for the Mazda 3 hatchback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standards, as they are on the Honda

2. Is the Honda Civic Hatch Bigger than the Mazda 3 Hatch?

   At the curb, the Honda Civic Hatchback is almost four inches longer than the Mazda 3 Hatchback. This allows it to offer more passenger volume and more cargo volume. This is sure to be important to anyone who wants the most car for the money.

   

   The Honda cargo hold is especially big with five more cubic feet for luggage and gear. Civic Hatchbacks have several other advantages as well. First, unlike the Mazda 3, there is a release lever in the trunk that helps you fold the second row.

   Second, only the Civic Hatchback has a reversible cargo cover with a side pull for easier usage. This clever feature is just another way Honda has made the Civic extremely user friendly.

3. Do the Current Models Have a Good Reputation?

   When you look at reviewers, you find an almost unanimous agreement that the Civic is top of its class. Car and Driver calls it a great car at a great price, naming it a prestigious Editors’ Choice. Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, and Motor Trend put it at the top of their lists. US News and World Report ranks it number one on two lists: compact cars and hatchbacks.

   The Mazda3 is generally close behind, ranked number two at US News. They give it good marks for drivability and a quality interior.

4. How do Prices Compare?

   The Mazda3 Hatch starts out less than the Civic Hatch, but that initial price difference isn’t the whole story. US News names the 2023 Civic as the Compact Best Buy of 2023. KBB agrees, giving it a Best Buy Award.

   Price differences quickly disappear as shoppers consider different trim levels. For instance, the Mazda 3 Hatchback Carbon Edition and similarly priced Civic Hatchback EX-L both have leather seats. That makes it important to know what you are getting.

   When it comes to ownership costs, the Civic Hatchback can promise the best fuel economy. This is bound to make owners happy.

   The Civic is an investment that can pay you back. Kelley Blue Book gives it a Best Resale Value Award. So, while the Mazda 3 offers the potential to save a little bit at purchase, the Civic Hatchback is probably a better deal overall. You can get competitive financing from our Honda dealership.

5. What are the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic Safety Records?

   Both hatchbacks have good scores from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and have been named 2023 Top Safety Picks. Civic Sedans and Hatchbacks have already earned a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. At this point, the Mazda 3 crash ratings are still incomplete, but they point that direction.

   

   The Civic’s driver assistance includes some aids that aren’t available on the Mazda 3. Honda traffic sign recognition automatically notifies the driver about important signs and speed limit changes. Another exclusive is the road departure mitigation which can assist with braking or steering to keep the Civic Hatchback on the pavement.

   Adaptive cruise control is standard on both, giving drivers help in stop-and-go traffic as well as highway cruises. Honda has standard traffic jam assist which makes this system even more useful in busy situations. Mazda 3 has introduced this system and made it available on its top trim.

   The shape of the Mazda 3 hatchback causes poor visibility behind the driver, affecting parking and passing maneuvers. When it comes to parking, the Honda 3-view parking camera is a better tool than the standard single-view Mazda camera.

6. What’s in the Driver Cockpit?

   Both hatchbacks have a very modern cockpit with push button start and advanced smartphone connectivity. Honda Civic hatchbacks come with a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. Users will notice that the newer system has been upgraded for faster responses and simpler interactions.

   The Mazda 3 doesn’t have a touchscreen. Instead it has an 8.8 inch display and uses a rotary dial. It is considered simple to use, but it may not suit those who want a tablet-like dash screen.

   

   Phoenix drivers will appreciate that the entry level Honda hatchback has automatic climate control to regulate air conditioning better for our tough Phoenix summers. Honda’s walk-away automatic locking feature is an exclusive part of its proximity key.

7. What are the Engine Choices?

   If you are a driving enthusiast, you’ll like that these two hatchbacks offer a manual as well an automatic. Mazda 3 models have an edge on horsepower, but Honda makes up for that with incredible fuel efficiency.

   

   For something really racy, there’s the Civic Type R with its cool rear wing. KBB calls it ferocious! Car and Driver named it to the 2023 10Best List. Their test drivers proved the hot hatch could do the 0-60 mph sprint in less than 5 seconds.

   The Type R turbocharger generates 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Plus, Honda improved the brakes and added a larger engine radiator.

Conclusion

There’s much more to explore about the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback. Why not schedule a test drive? You’ll find a good selection at your Earnhardt Honda dealer.

REVIEWS

”The Civic was fully redesigned for 2022, so for 2023, Honda has made no changes to the compact sedan and hatchback.”

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”The 2023 Honda Civic sets the standard for the compact car class. It's fun to drive, fuel-efficient, comfortable, well-built and loaded with convenience and safety features.”

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”The 2023 Honda Civic is a well-rounded compact car that does just about everything right. It looks good, drives well, and has a proven track record of exceptional reliability and resale value. ”

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