Head-to-head
2026 Honda Civic vs 2026 Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 93.4 to 88.6, on tech & comfort, safety, performance. The Honda Civic is ahead on fuel & range.
A
2026 Honda Civic
The 2026 Honda Civic is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Civic 4Dr, is EPA-ra…
vs
A2026 Mazda Mazda3
The 2026 Mazda Mazda3 is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 3 4-Door 2WD, is EPA-rated at …
Verdict · default weights
2026 Mazda Mazda3
Slight edgeThe Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 93.4 to 88.6, on tech & comfort, safety, performance. The Honda Civic is ahead on fuel & range.
Fuel & range 2026 Honda Civic leads by 39.6
Tech & comfort 2026 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 33.3
Safety 2026 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 15.1
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda Mazda3overall 93.4 | 2026 Honda Civicoverall 88.6 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 98.6 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 60.4 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 84.9 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 80 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 66.7 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 93.4 | 88.6 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mazda Mazda3: base trim 2.5 S Sedan FWD · Honda Civic: base trim LX FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 32 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (45 points against 30 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It turns out 186 lb-ft of torque against 133.
Where the 2026 Honda Civic answers
- It costs $900 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,350 against $2,250).
- It is rated 49 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 28 standard driver-assist features.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
51 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $24,650 | $24,995 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,488 cc | 1,993 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | SKYACTIV-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder | Atkinson In-Line 4-cylinder |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | 4 valves per cylinder, Variable-Valve Timing | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 150 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 133 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 27 mpg | 32 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | 36 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 36 mpg | 41 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.626 | 3.941 |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | — |
| Transmission type | SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT | Continuously Variable Transmission |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | — |
| Overall height | 56.9 in | 55.7 in |
| Overall length | 184 in | 185 in |
| Overall width | 70.7 in | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 108 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 14.8 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 92.8 cu-ft | 99 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 38 in | 39.3 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 37.1 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.3 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 37.4 in |
| Third-row legroom | 35.1 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,111 lbs | 2,875 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,111 lbs | 2,875 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent, MacPherson strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear suspension type | Torsion Beam Axle | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack-and-pinion | Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 17.4 ft | 36.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 280 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | Electric |
| Rear brake diameter | 265 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 16 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | Full Covers |
| Wheel width | 6.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 205/60R16 M+S | 215/55R16 93H |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | 12.4 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | HondaLink |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | 36 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 55.7 in | 57 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 56 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.5 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
159 features · differences first, then sharedSafety28 differ · 42 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | — |
| Rear Outboard Passenger's Side Airbags | — | std |
| 3-point safety belts for all seating positions | std | — |
| Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure | — | std |
| Blind Spot Information System (BSI) | std | — |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Child safety rear door locks | std | — |
| Child-Proof Rear Door Locks | — | std |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) | — | std |
| Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer | — | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold | — | std |
| Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Front & Rear safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| LATCH rear seat child safety seat anchors & upper tether anchors | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row Outboard), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All) | — | std |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | — |
| Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) | — | std |
| Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) | — | std |
| Seat belt warning/reminder for driver, front passenger and rear passengers | std | — |
| Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions | — | std |
| Side impact air curtains (front and rear) with roll-over protection | std | — |
| Traffic Jam Assist | — | std |
| Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) | — | std |
| Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Engine immobilizer anti-theft system | std | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow | std | std |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | std | std |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS) | std | std |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Front Side Airbags | std | std |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) | std | std |
| Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines | std | std |
| Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | std | std |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | std | std |
| Auto High-Beam Headlights | std | std |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee Airbags (SRS) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist | std | std |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | std | std |
Infotainment22 differ · 22 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability | std | — |
| 8-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics | std | — |
| 160-watt Audio System with 4 Speakers | — | std |
| 7-Inch Color Touchscreen | — | std |
| 7-Inch TFT Meter | — | std |
| 8.8" full-color center display | std | — |
| AM/FM/Radio | std | — |
| Android Auto™ Compatibility | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay® Compatibility | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ integration | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability | std | — |
| Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® | — | std |
| Bluetooth® Streaming Audio | — | std |
| HondaLink® | — | std |
| MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System | std | — |
| Multi-function Commander control | std | — |
| Radio Data System (RDS) | — | std |
| Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC) | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | std | — |
| USB Type-C Audio Inputs (2 ports) | std | — |
| USB-C 3.0A Charging Port (1) Front Seats | — | std |
| USB-C 3.0A Smartphone/Audio Interface (1) - Front Seats | — | std |
Convenience11 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Volt Power Outlet (Front) | — | std |
| Cruise Control | — | std |
| Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls | std | — |
| Illuminated entry system | std | — |
| One-Touch Turn Indicators | — | std |
| Power Door Locks | — | std |
| Power door locks - speed sensitive with 2-stage unlocking | std | — |
| Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's and Front Passenger's Windows | — | std |
| Power windows with one-touch down/up feature (4) | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry system | std | — |
| Security System with Remote Entry and Trunk Release | — | std |
| Push Button Start | std | std |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning - manual | std | — |
| Automatic Climate Control System | — | std |
Seating8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat with seat lifter | std | — |
| 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| 5-passenger seating capacity | std | — |
| 5-Person Seating Capacity | — | std |
| 60/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback | std | — |
| Headrests - Front (height-adjustable: Driver and Passenger) & rear (removable - 3 passengers) | std | — |
| One Piece Fold-Down Rear Seatback | — | std |
| Seat material - cloth (black) | std | — |
Interior26 differ · 28 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 7-inch LCD meter display | std | — |
| Ambient temperature | std | — |
| Assist handles - (4) | std | — |
| Center Console Armrest with Storage Compartment | — | std |
| Coat hooks (2) Rear | std | — |
| Digital clock | std | — |
| Front Beverage Holders | — | std |
| Fuel gauge | std | — |
| Gear selector - urethane | std | — |
| Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls | — | std |
| Map Lights | — | std |
| Map lights (LED) | std | — |
| Multi-Information Display (MID) - Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Meter, Outside Temperature, Distance-To-Empty, Average Fuel Economy, Current fuel economy, i-Activsense display, Compass Display, Door-Ajar/Liftgate-Ajar Warning indication, Message Display | std | — |
| Sliding Sunvisors | — | std |
| Speedometer | std | — |
| Steering wheel - urethane | std | — |
| Storage - center console armrest with covered storage compartments | std | — |
| Storage - cup holders, (2) front | std | — |
| Storage - glove compartment | std | — |
| Storage, bottle holder, front (2) and rear (2) door panels | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors and extensions | std | — |
| Tachometer | std | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column | — | std |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | — |
| Steering wheel - tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B, current and average fuel economy | std | — |
| Cargo Area Light | std | std |
| Floor Mats | std | std |
Exterior25 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 16 x 6.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | std | — |
| 205/60 R16 all-season tires | std | — |
| Brake light - center high-mount | std | — |
| Capless Fuel Filler | — | std |
| Compact Spare Tire | — | std |
| Dual exhaust outlets | std | — |
| Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna | — | std |
| Front grille - matte finish | std | — |
| Headlights - auto On/Off feature | std | — |
| Headlights - daytime running lights (LED) | std | — |
| Headlights - LED | std | — |
| LED Brake and Taillights | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | — | std |
| LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off | — | std |
| License plate lamp (LED) | std | — |
| Power Side Mirrors | — | std |
| Push-to-Release Fuel Filler Door | — | std |
| Rear combination lights | std | — |
| Rear hatch spoiler - black (Premium Plus Unique - PIO) [Hatchback only] | std | — |
| Side garnish - black | std | — |
| Side mirrors - body-color, dual power remote with LED turn signal indicators | std | — |
| Two-Speed Intermittent Windshield Wipers | — | std |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - variable-intermittent | std | — |
| T125/70D16 temporary spare tire | std | — |
| Rear-Window Defroster with Timer | std | std |
Powertrain10 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Atkinson In-Line 4-cylinder (Engine Type) | — | std |
| Continuously Variable Transmission | — | std |
| Direct Fuel Injection | — | std |
| Dynamic Drive Modes | — | std |
| Eco Assist™ System | — | std |
| Honda Maintenance Program 1yr / 12k miles | — | std |
| Idle-Stop | — | std |
| SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with Cylinder Deactivation | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS: G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) | std | — |
| SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed AT with manual-shift mode and Sport mode | std | — |
| Front-Wheel Drive | std | std |
Chassis7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension - MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| MacPherson Strut Front Suspension | — | std |
| Multi-Link Rear Suspension | — | std |
| Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering | std | — |
| Power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes | std | — |
| Rear Suspension - Torsion Beam | std | — |
| Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Cover | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda Mazda3
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Steering (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Honda Civic
Safety Signal 92 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 32 · 3 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (12), Steering (7), Service Brakes (5)
Top recalls
- high Steering 24V744000 · 1,693,199 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Honda CivicLX FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24,650 (base trim) | $24,995 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $24,650 – $38,090 11 trims | $24,995 – $32,695 4 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | 3 4-Door 2WD | Civic 4Dr |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 30 | 49 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,250 | $1,350 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Honda Civic?
The Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 93.4 to 88.6, on tech & comfort, safety, performance. The Honda Civic is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 scores 93.4 and the 2026 Honda Civic 88.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Honda Civic?
The 2026 Mazda Mazda3 starts lower — $24,650 against $24,995, a gap of $345 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Honda Civic?
2026 Mazda Mazda3: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Honda Civic: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 1 recall. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 and the 2026 Honda Civic?
Where the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 32 filed with NHTSA), lists more comfort and tech equipment (45 points against 30 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and turns out 186 lb-ft of torque against 133. Where the 2026 Honda Civic answers: it costs $900 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,350 against $2,250) and is rated 49 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars, 28 standard driver-assist features, and 5 seats.