Mazda3 vs. Honda Civic Showdown: One Of These Is The Most Fun Small Car You Can Buy Under $30K!
2024 ж. 19 Мам.
114 088 Рет қаралды
( tflcar.com/ ) Both this brand new Mazda3 Premium hatchback and Honda Civic Touring sedan come in at just under $30,000 - but which car is the most fun for the money? In this video, Nathan takes a closer look at two of the class leaders side-by-side to work out which car may be best for you.
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#Mazda3 #HondaCivic #Compared
I had the previous generation Mazda 3 with the touchscreen and never once used it. The control wheel is so much easier to use rather than stretching across. Its something that only a owner of a mazda 3 with the touchscreen setup will understand. Mazda truly listened to their customers with this one, I bought the new mazda 3 and never missed the touchscreen.
I dunno. I own a new MX-5with a touchscreen and while you get used it using the wheel, it can also a bit of a pain in the ass on occasion.
I love that it’s not touch screen. Keeps it clean and keeps you from constantly reaching forward.
Yeah I heard knowing how many clicks it takes to scroll down to get to where you want is really efficient and allows you to not have to reach across or take your eyes off the road.
100% agree. I have touchscreen in my Mazda and never use it.
I have a 2017 Mazda3 2.5 L Grand Touring. Love it! Many people have complimented how nice it is. I actually like the control nob better. Once you get used to it it’s very functional & easy to navigate with. The interior/exterior design & materials feel clean, sleek & luxury compared to it’s in class competitors.
I am owning mazda 3 hatch soul red and I love it. It's the car for a single person (maybe for a couple). it's not a family car. but for me, it's a perfect car and soooo beautiful inside and out.
Congratulations, you are a happy man!
I agreee whole heartedly with this I brought me a 21’ Mazda Hatchback Premium with 6MT and I LOVE my car
It's a family car as long as your family isn't tall. Keep in mind that Nathan is 6 foot 2 and is taller than most people. Someone Nathan's size shouldn't even be driving a compact.
Debating whether to get this or Corolla Hatch
@@verynick why not the Corolla SE sedan?
I respect Mazda for outfitting the 3 with a large 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated (or turbocharged) engine, and conventional automatic trans, rather than a CVT, knowing fuel economy won't be the best, but driving *enjoyment* will be (minimal rear seat / cargo space notwithstanding).
Zoom zoom baby lol
so better than honda just cuz of that?
Mazda have nailed the 30k price point for this car. You get so much with so little trade off and the reliability of the engine and gearbox is such a nice thing. The mlg rating is deceiving though as I know people reviewing the car have tested higher figures with mixed driving conditions, I think Mazda under cut the figure so people would be more surprised when driving it themselves. Also I think it's a much more sporty looking and feeling car more for a couple then family. It isn't small, it's just not big either. Missing a few small luxuries but that's to be expected at this price for everything else we get as part of the package. Comparing it to other models of cars that offer rear seat vents and a larger rear seat they lack other features, the great engine and the overall quality of the Mazda.
To be fair Honda undercuts their economy rating as well. I easily get 40 to 44 MPG with highway driving and stay in the high 30's with mixed driving. At the same time I can drive like a maniac having some real fun with the performance of the car and end the day at 19mpg lol
2022 Mazda3 hatchback owner here and I just recently purchased it. So far, it's great! Plus, I must say, I love your Rush shirt 🤘
The center control is the way to go, your right arm is resting there already so it's instant access
I had the previous generation Mazda 3 with the touchscreen and never once used it. The control wheel is so much easier to use rather than stretching across. Its something that only a owner of a mazda 3 with the touchscreen setup will understand. Mazda truly listened to their customers with this one, I bought the new mazda 3 and never missed the touchscreen.
Why not both?
Agreed it’s actually to me more ergonomic
@@Vishal31996 You keep telling yourself that.
It's terrible. Stop lying.
I like both, though I still own a 2010 Mazda3 gt hatchback w/6 speed. I still have it, which would tell you how much I like it. Love the new ones too.
I had a 2010 Sedan, GT 6 speed, I loved that car and should have held onto it.
how's the reliablity on it so far? how much milage do you have on it?
Still driving my 2011 Mazda 3 with Manual Tranny.. the car has been bullet proof since day one.. Other than filters, fluids and spark plugs, the only thing I've had to replace is the shocks and an alternator, the car is totally original from the factory.. original factory brakes after 170,000 miles. amazing
@@brettallenthomas 170k miles...that's imporssive, you must not be doing a lot of city driving
The Mazda knob is so much better than a touch screen. I've had one since 2013. Not sure why he doesnt like it as it's far more intuitive than reaching over to touch stuff. Once you learn how to use it, you have it down. Then to use it, the knob is exactly where your hand would be if you are resting it, so no reaching. The clicks in the knob make it so you can remember how many clicks to do whatever you need.
Ive had my miata for almost a year and still wish the touchscreen worked when the car is moving
You say this because you have no choice. The knob is an embarassment.
Touch screens are an embarrassment. They should be only on premium trims. Not on base models.
The reason a manual transmission is only in the top trim for the mazda3 is because theres very little demand for it compared with the automatic which benefits from economies of scale. So they have to charge a premium for the manual which makes sense when you think about it. Other automakers are doing the complete opposite.
I definitely prefer the more aggressive style of the 10th gen civic but that new interior is amazing
I actually love the infotainment system with rotary nob, at first it was weird especially in the 2020 CX-5 I got 1 week before the 21’s😓, it’s a little buggy and it has the last gen backup camera. But I also got the Mz3 Turbo P+ sedan and it’s awesome. The space is clearly limited but it’s good enough for me & my needs! + it’s gorgeous in the red!
I'm about to order a 3 sedan turbo but it seems they cut ties with Bose so they are now using pioneer audio.. so that is keeping me from pulling the trigger
It's terrible. Read the fox ad the grape. That's you.
We love our 3 sedan (2.5 GT manual, surprised the stick is no longer offered on both body styles, at least in America). FWIW, our mileage consistently beats the EPA estimates handily; city about 7.5L/100km (31mpgUS), 6 L/100km hwy (39mpgUS) with a couple of 600km highway tanks at 5.5L/100km, 43mpgUS. We’d have loved to get a hatch, but this new-but previous year car with nearly all options for the same price was too tempting.
I think that in the USA, most entry level drivers no longer learn how to drive a manual transmission. Only enthusiasts (not entry level) tend to want the third pedal.
Some of us are just sick of shifting also. Makes it harder to drink your beer.
I think Mazda knows that people (like me) are driving purists ... and want to soak them for all their worth by forcing them to buy the top-of-the-line model to get the stick. However, driving purists (like me) typically are minimalists and don't like all the nannies, electronic driver aides, etc ... and prefer base models. So I guess I'll have to pick another brand when replacing my 2015 Mazda 3.
@@seanthompson8071 the best parts of going manual, ditching technology that you dont need and it looks like Mazda ruined that by only offering it in the upper trim. I guess the manual transmissions are more desirable and mazda found a way to make it their money maker.
@@seanthompson8071 that is a pretty cynical interpretation. I'm pretty certain that their market research showed that only enthusiasts would want a manual and that a bunch of entry-level M/T Mazda3's would go unsold.... I love a manual transmission, too but the market has changed and car companies need to serve the market to be profitable. Regardless how quick a Tesla is in a straight line, I would never be interested in a souless appliance which runs on batteries.
"Over exaggerate" is poor word usage (just like saying "tuna fish")....just saying "exaggerate" is correct and doesn't make you sound like you left school in the third grade.
That lag you demonstrated off the line with the Civic because of the CVT is close to a deal killer for me. For the Touring trim in the Civic, I wished Honda would have offered a slightly detuned 2.0T from Accord and a regular automatic 8 or 10 speed transmission.
That’s would be too expensive keep in mind the accord 2.0 is the Accords upgraded engine you have to pay extra for that engine in the accord. If they put it in the civic it would be basically the same price as an Accord
CVT or turbo lag considered the Civic has the faster 0-60 time for these two models....
I'm going on the 0-60 times of Car and Driver magazine
yeah and that would make the civic 5000$ more expensive -_-
Same here. Also the way the engine sound with that CVT is quite awful. Reason why we went for a Mazda 3.
I was looking for manual transmission with moonroof, no turbo. So Mazda was the car that I was looking for. I bought 2021 6MT Mazda hatch on Dec 2020, which I couldn’t be happier.
Mazda won't use touch screens any more because they're far too distracting. It's basically like playing with your phone in a mount.
I agree with Mazdas decision regarding touchscreen. Having to reach the screen while driving and fumble through menus is definitely distracting
yep, touch screens are major distractions, love the commander knob in my 3, can adjust things without concentrating on how your finger is bouncing around trying to manipulate the touch screen
Agree, I mean ... how often these people change the stuffs on the screen while driving?? The cellphone connects automatically to the bluetooth and now with Car Play and Android Auto, you don`t really need to touch the screen. I preffer without the touchscreen and easy access buttons, way better than cars that you have to search basic functions like to set the AC temp
Touchscreens are finger print magnets!
@Ed Findlay These new screens are smudge proof
You Sold Me with the MAXDA 3 after " manual transmission'!!! I'm already in love with the look of the Mazda.👍 Smaller the car the Most Fun!
@Ed Findlay I currently daily a CRZ...wish the new Mazda 3 had a rear independent suspension.
exactly, smaller the car, the bigger the fun! I would never buy the 2022 Civic because it's become too big and bloated now! Yuck!
i agree. that's why i bought a Miata. but if i was ever forced to buy a "regular" car, the 3 would definitely be at the top of the list.
@@braetonwilson4296 new civic is not bloated at all lol… And the hatch is only 3.5” longer than the Mazda3 hatch.
First, I dig your interpretation and the fact you do give a personal preference to what you would get as opposed to trying to appease both sides of the fence. And I agree with you, for the money I would take the Mazda. Obviously 160K more sales for the Civic are people commute more and want maximum MPG. Just took a road trip at the same time Roman and Tommy did in the Porsche (in the same areas) and out of all the vehicles I seen, the Civics and Prius's were by far the most on the highways and cities.
I would love to buy the Mazda 3 hatchback turbo with a manual.
I drive the civic sport trim and I really like it, drives so smooth and very nice interior. I still get about 30mpg’s when I drive in sport mode almost all the time. I have to agree with you though that the CVT and the lagginess off the line can sap some fun, gotta keep the rpms above 4k for any real power.
i have a 2016 mazda 2 and it lags, no cvt, but gets 1 mpg better than the new civic
It's why I chose the Mazda3 AWD hatchback over the Civic. Drove the Civic with a cvt and was turned off. Wish I got the manual but it only comes with fwd and in the highest trim, which the dealership had none in stock.
I really don’t understand why Mazda doesn’t make the manual transmission available across the range in the USA. Here in Australia, you can get the manual transmission in any Mazda3 you like, from base level to top trim, sedan or hatch, 2.0 or 2.5 litre, bearing in mind we don’t yet get the Turbo. But we do also get the 2.0 litre Skyactiv X (manual or auto). Admittedly, manual sales are minimal, but they are still available, despite our small market. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the turbo, but I suspect it’ll be auto only. And one other thing. All Aussie Mazda3s, except the base level model, have rear AC vents in the centre console, so why not in US models. Obviously it can be done.
It's because Americans don't know what a real summer is, except for the ones that live in the south. Winter in my island is like a hot summer for a North American. (I'm from Puerto Rico)
@@groundcontrol6876 have you ever gotten off of the island and been in the states? New York City was over 100 degrees with 80% humidity over ten years ago. Nebraska, Denver, Kansas City and Salt Lake all get up to 100 and cities such as Phoenix and Las Vegas get over 115. Oregon and Washington state saw dozens of people die with over 100 degrees and California and travels give you temps over 100 at night, 120 in the day.
@@jamesmedina2062 Yeah I've been to the states but only a few. I was actually in Texas a summer but it was mild, and I was only there for a few days. The other states I've been to have all been cold like Missouri. And yeah, I know there's quite a few states that also get REALLY HOT in summer but for the most part, summers over there are actually very nice.
@@groundcontrol6876 My friend Jorge I play tennis with just opened a restaurant here called 787 and he gave me good mofongo with seafood. Normally it is way too hot for like 6 months of the year. It is El Paso Texas. Austin is totally different because the Gulf of Mexico is not far away so its usually nicer there. This summer the Pacific NW is burning up and dry but its been rainy and cool here. The dirt and rocks are everywhere because we don't have vegetation to hold the soil when the rains come down from mountains
@@jamesmedina2062 Man, some mofongo with a lotta butter and shrimps would go down amazing right now!!! :E
We were just looking at these, since the Mrs needed a car. She hasn't driven in years and found the Mazda more friendly. I got to be her Stig; I thought the Civic was very good, but the wheelbase was too long for it, or something. It could turn, but didn't want to so much. The Mazda is very harmonious. Also: the seats are wonderful, even in a lower trim line. I think she got the SE, and it's the only car I've driven that reduces my back pain.
As someone who dailys my 2021 mazda3 hatchback manual (using 93 fuel), i get far better than 27mpg combined. If im really ripping through gears i get 27mpg in the city but if i drive it normal i get 30mpg city and 35 to 45mpg on the highway (depending on highway speed limit, i get 40-45 around 60 to 65mph and 35-40 around 70 to 80 mph). I also love the rotary dial, even in android auto it is not hard to use once you use it for 1 week to 1 month. You get used to how it cycles though the options in the google maps, spotify, or other application windows so you know how much to turn the knob, and in the mazda menus themselves its even simpler and easier to use. Another thing i love is the torque, even if im not trying to fly off from a red light if i casually shift through the gears the car has a LOT of torque between 2 to 4k rpm and you can really feel it pull which i wasnt expecting. Even though it isnt the turbo or awd version it still has a lot of zip from a standstill which is great for a daily commuter to make it more fun driving around town. Mazda also changed the steering and acceleration from the last generations to be more smooth and comfy (only thing id say isnt as smooth / comfy is driving on rough roads, the car does have a slightly stiffer suspension). Overall its a very fun car for driving around town. Also the interior with the red leather is BEAUTIFUL i love going for drives in this car. For the price, look, nice daily commuting driving experience, and feel it is absolutely worth it (so long as you dont have kids or more than 1 extra passenger often).
You should have compared the Mazda 3 sedan, and wait to compare the two hatchback version.
Nathan gotta be Nathan.
You're awesome. Enjoyed the review. Glad you took both cars out for a drive. The Mazda 3 seats are a bit more comfortable and cabin noise is less than the 2022 Civic Touring, it drives nice because no CVT and accelerates well. I do not like the body style of the Mazda3 and the visibility out of the rear side windows is not good. The Mazda3 is just a better driving car. Going toward a family and commuter car, the Civic Touring is great, the body style is mature, and the interior design/layout is fabulous. 99.99 percent of people do hate Idle-Stop. Just a matter of pushing the button to turn it off or put the Civic into Sport mode. Actually, the Civic sport mode should always be on because the car seems more alive. The Mazda3 has AWD which helps make it a better driving car, especially in the winter season. My preference is the 2022 Honda Civic Touring because it really appeals to me inside and out. Honda does need to make more improvements on noise deadening in the Civic and tweak up the HP to 200 or replace the 1.5L Turbo with a higher-performance engine. The undercarriage panels on the Civic do provide some protection however, moisture, water pockets, contaminants from the road, and road salt will collect causing the Civic to rust prematurely. It is advisable to get the Civic rustproofed by Krown, Corrosion Free, or Rust Check. Avoid Ziebart like the plague because tar or rubberized undercoatings are absolutely the worst things you can do to your vehicle. I was hoping for the continued review on the Civic as it was given a date for June, but the updated review did not happen. Both vehicles have Pros and Cons, but either way, they are much better than the VW, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, and KIA. The military acronym for KIA is Killed In Action. I recently saw an accident in August 2022 involving a KIA and it was horrendously bad. The 2021 KIA Sportage side-swiped a 2018 Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD and the KIA Sportage engine compartment was demolished with a gapping hole, having lost its side panel and bumper, hood wrinkled into the windshield, I counted 3 airbags went off, leaving a huge dent in the RAV4 side passenger door which only the passenger airbag was triggered. The KIA left debris all over the road, including its front passenger wheel with knuckle, tie rod, and control arm laying on the road, and the strut and spring were bent out of shape. Both vehicles had to be towed. Don't buy or ride in a KIA unless you want to be buried.
I disagree that the Mazda drives better. Quicker yes, better no.
Actually, thanks to Mazda. My CX5 infotainment screen fingerprint free. I only touched and swiped it once to prove myself that it has a touch screen but only works when you’re not in motion. 😆 Forget that touch screen infotainment system.
LOL, works when not in motion = useless.
Keep holding the Red Star proudly high in hand !
Love that red leather in the Mazda!
LOL so ugly.
I've had a 2016 Mazda3 for 5 years. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've used the touchscreen even though it has one.
I agree. All these reviewers hate it, without taking a day of driving or so to learn that it's highly intuitive, easy to master, and that once mastered you'll never goober up a touchscreen with greasy fingerprints ever again.
I think it's better to do away with the touchscreen anyways. It's dangerous to be on your phone while driving, so how is a touchscreen in your car any better? While I don't have a Mazda3 (yet), I've heard several others say that it didn't take long to get used to the knob control to navigate the screen. I applaud Mazda for taking it away and making things safer. Tactile controls always win out in a car for me, you don't need to look to know what buttons or knobs you're controlling.
I've got an '18 Mazda 6. The only time I use the touchscreen, and rarely at that, is for the navigation screen. I find the rotary knob much easier to use.
@@StopWhatYerDoing It doesn't. I've had a Mazda3 Turbo since December and it took me about a day to memorize the controls for the infotainment. It is intuitive.
@@PhillyFan20 same car here, although my 2016 MZ3 had both, I never used the touchscreen. With the knob you don't even have to lean forward a millimeter. Full Captain Kirk mode
Great T-shirt Nathan!!
I was in traffic the other day with the new civic next to me. In front of it was a last generation Toyota Camry. The new civic is just as large as that Camry. It was way larger then my ‘17 Mazda 3 hb.
That's why I won't buy a new Civic. I want a compact sedan that's easy to drive and easy to park, not a big bloated large sedan pretending to be a compact sedan.
According to what I see online as dimensions go, the 20 Mazda 3 is the same size as the 22 Honda Civic. The 2010 Camry is also 5" longer and 1" wider track.
@@midwestfarm757 exactly. People are stupid. The Civic looked as big as the camry because the camry was further away…. The civic is not a large car. People are just hating because they’re anti honda or something. The 2010 camry is 189+ inches and 350+ pounds heavier than the civic, which is 184 inches (179 for the hatchback).
I think this mazda3 is one of the best looking hatchbacks designed same with the interior
Yes, but I’d prefer the CX-30 profile if they just didn’t jack it up and put all that cladding on.
@@bt5252 yea I really like the cx3 it’s just too small and slow for me
@@brynnleahnayvieghlaykynnn6175 Agreed on the CX-3, but CX-30 is different. Great naming scheme, huh?
@@bt5252 idk I think the cx30 looks like a frog and I don’t like the name however the interior and powertrain would sell me over the competition
No, it's pretty ugly.
My Mazda 3 has rear vents, might be because it's right hand drive. I don't get why Mazda wouldn't put them in left hand drive cars.
They actually put on left hand drive cars also, but for the Chinese market. Strange decision
In the Philippines, the Mazda 3 has rear air vents. It doesn't matter where the steering wheel is, it's lies on the decision on each country's mazda
Maybe because its hotter in PH, CX30 doesnt have rear air vents@@Dongzzzzzz
Love the Rush shirt,greetings from British Columbia. I’m a Honda guy so I’d take the civic 😎
Too bad its not a Red Barchetta
I am exactly like u. I know what’s better overall but I just love how the mazda 3 looks
I have a mazda 3 sport 2014 with 250,000 kms Still runs amazing and great on gas
People complained that they want a more up-level trim AND a manual and not be forced to get the very base trim, stripped of many feature, so they can enjoy a good ride. It makes no sense to put the manual in the base trim, other that to make a cheaper base. Part of the reason nobody wanted to buy them.
I am still enjoying my 2009 Mazdaspeed3 GT. Too bad no stick with the new turbo though I've driven the new 3 and it's a far nicer car than the non-speed 2009 3s. But it's no Speed. I drove the 6 turbo this year and though it was nice, it was boring. Ditto ditto for the turbo CX5. Update for the Rush shirt!
I owned a 09 civic , and a 21 Mazda 2.5 hatch , big difference but love them both
Funny, same here except that I went for the Sedan version. That small 1.8L engine in that Civic with first gear is fun.
A bit of an apples vs oranges comparison here. I'm a hatch fan and I'm one of those who likes the overall look of the "3's" hatchback. But it sacrifices far too much interior space, especially in the back seat, in order to satisfy the long hood/short boot demands of the Koda design language. A problem with virtually all of Mazda's vehicles. (See Freud for an explanation of why such a design trick employed by sports car designers to imply power and performance for about a hundred years is so attractive.) Both my daughter and my big dog agree that the lack of HVAC vents in the rear seat is a near deal breaker with either car. Unfortunately, the same applies to several other, otherwise appealing vehicles such as the VW GLI. C'mon automakers, if you're going to provide a back seat offer some fresh air back there. Personally, I'll stick with my GTI. All in all, the new Civic sedan appears to be an appealing choice for a couple or a young family with a couple of kids who don't opt for a compact SUV. (Good for them.) A fine choice for daily commuting, enough backseat and trunk space for an extended trip, and outstanding fuel efficiency for a non-hybrid. Designing a car that satisfies multiple missions is no easy task and Honda is especially good at that task.
Both your daughter and dog are spoiled. Cool air goes to the back quickly, especially in small cars like the Mazda 3. No need for rear air vents. Also the Mazda 3's back seats are just fine as long as you and your family aren't tall. I would never buy the 2022 Civic because it's too big. I want a compact sedan, not a midsize sedan that's difficult to park.
@@braetonwilson4296 Well, if you find a Civic to be too much of a handful to park I can understand your preference for a smaller vehicle. Frankly, I'd recommend parking practice but if that's too much for you, there's the alternative in a hatch that's even shorter than the Mazda3 making it easier to park and it has both more interior space and rear air vents. It's called a GTI.
Tested both the Mazda and Civic. went with the Civic (so obv a little biased) Mazda - If you drive alone , feels a little claustrophobic than civic. - feel little bumps on road, like small undulations, wont rock you around (such a polarising ride) - way quieter than civic. If this is the only important option go for mazda. - love the HUD, cabin looks nice. - rear visibility is bad. - not a bad car at all. Honda - lots of space. does not feel cramped despite sitting low. weird . dont know how Honda did it , compared to Mazda which reminds you that you are sitting low. - balanced ride. - Shitty turning radius for those tight turns. - Handles better than mazda 3. still impressive that It can better an already better car. - Tyre noise from those low profile wide tyres , def more noticeable on bad roads. (if you ll be only driving on smooth asphalt, go for civic if road noise is your only negative) - cvt , well if you want to race at every traffic light and hate to wait 2 sec before the turbo and cvt comes on live, go for Mazda. but its absolutely fine. once u are on highway I though this is auto tranns. u wont even think it has cvt. - Lane Keep assist IS the BEST in this segment, I am amazed it does a blooming good job. I didn't drive mazda as much as I drove civic, but seriously you wont be disappointed. For all those who want fun and cheap car, well civic is not in reach now. So I got the civic depite being noisy, has a little cvt ness initially.
i use to always look at compact cars because im cheap...but now there is the ford maveric which is in the same price range as compact cars
Mazda 3 sedan would be a better comparison Imo. I would go for Mazda. No matter how much leg room Civic has but CVT is a no no for me. Manual transmission on new gen Mazdas is amazing. Great video. Thanks
Both car have 6 speed variant...
My 2006 Buick Le Sabre gets over 30 mpg on the highway. Not a GM fan, but the old 3800 was a great engine.
Don't forget the reliability of the 3800! Easily one of the best engines in modern history
Quarter million miles on my LeSabre...
He was reading the combined mileage rating which wasn't used by the EPA in 2006. Also the EPA changed the formula many times over the years for calculations. If we are looking at highway numbers, some variants of the Honda do 40+
Civic civic any day of the year I almost bought a mx-5 RF but I needed something bigger and better on gas ⛽ especially with gas going up
The better MPG Honda gives does not come from the transmission, but comes from the Turbo engine, which obviously has a better thermal efficiency 😉
Less reliable on the long run, and with oil dilution issue is a match made in heaven in terms of reliability.
@@dcal4455 actually Honda is the company to figure out keeping intake valves carbon free and some of that is no EGR, and some other kind of voodoo witchcraft. The pistons and rings are very tidy in terms of oil consumption which is good. Compared to other brands, the 1.5 will run circles around their models such as the Ford Ecoboost and VW turbos. Hondas biggest problem is recent cheapness in materials, outsourcing to China, and poor customer service. They also reprogrammed a select 1% of vehicles with fuel dilution issues but they could have done it to all vehicles as a recall. A class-action lawsuit caused Honda Motors of North America to extend the warranty to 6 years UNLIMITED MILES for all Honda 1.5 engines. They should have been more proactive, but again, the engines are pretty well made.
Both are great looking cars however I would take the Civic for the extra interior space and better fuel economy.
The 3’s fuel economy figure is sandbagged. Also keep in mind that the manual gets much worse fuel economy. I have an AWD MAZDA3 and I get about 33-35 in the highway and about 26 in the city. Your mileage will vary, but the MAZDA3 is efficient enough. The Civic may be more efficient, but certainly not enough to settle a purchasing debate between the two cars.
@@Soh90 the civic resale value is better and has more parts available than mazda so I would go for civic
@@Webpageisnotavailable The Mazda will be more reliable though
@@Webpageisnotavailable It’s is true. The Mazda resale value is pretty bad. But that’s not an issue if you plan on owning the car for a while. However I put my money on the Mazda for reliability. The NA 2.5 is under-stressed and has been around for years, as well as the 6 speed auto. The driveshaft and AWD system was taking straight out of Mazda’s SUV’s and is a tried and true unit as well. The car is solid. The Civic on the other hand has to worry about it’s oil soaked turbo 1.5 and fragile CVT.
I cross shopped this Mazda hatch against the previous gen civic hatch and went with the civic for the space and airier feeling cabin. I also think it'll be less reliable because of the turbo and CVT but I felt the civic was big enough for a family while the Mazda felt a little too small. I'm sure it would've worked but it felt like the civic was an entire size larger
Man that silver civic looks good. Awesome car.
Would the civic hatchback have less rear space? I know that’s a pattern for hatchbacks. They seem to be more of a 2 passenger car with the added bonus of a slight backseat
What we have been shown by Honda is that the 11 gen hatchback will be almost the same as the sedan. I think the difference is 37.4 inches for the sedan and 37.3 inches for the hatch but I could be wrong.
I have the previous gen hatch. The rear seat area is identical to the sedan except for the shape of the roofline and all hatches are designed to accommodate rear passengers just like the sedan. You cannot bring a Veloster into this discussion because it is an odd 3 seat vehicle. It does not have a sedan version. As is the case with all the others, a hatch increases vertical storage capability due to no rear deck but always reduces the length from the back seats to the rear bumper. The new Civic will have even more room than my 10th gen and it will rival the room of the old Crosstour.
The Mazda reminds me of the old gremlin. I can’t shake that visual. Looks great inside though
Kind of a cross between a gremlin and a pinto.
You're right! The civic is far better looking. Not sure why people can't see that.
I'd say the lower tiers don't get manual transmissions anymore because most people don't buy them. They're basically for enthusiasts now.
Agreed, but glad both Honda and Mazda are still producing them, albeit in limited models/trims.
2021 Elantra N line: has 201 hp, a manual available, standard sunroof, real handbrake, best infotainment, wireless phone charger, mine gets up to 40mpg on highway if I drive sensibly. 1.6 turbo! So funwith the manual transmission!! MSRP 24k...it is the replacement for the Civic Si.
I don't think so, it doesn't not have the prestige and pedigree of an SI. At the end of the is a Hyundai.
@@dcal4455 Hondas have oil dilution issues...
We are not talking about reliability, besides Hyundai is not that reliable either. Isn't that the company that has a recall for there engines to blow and catch on fire
@@dcal4455 The Hyundai Elantra N-Line is a blast, you should test drive one in manual if you know how to drive a stickshift. I have driven the Si and the N-Line...the N line was the better car in numerous ways.
Nah I'm good, I already own a Mazdaspeed 3. That rights there is a fun and fast car.
The Mazda 3 has always been a driver’s car…great for a single person or a couple. The Civic is nice, great family or second car with lots of room and features but I’m having a hard time with that bulky nose
In regards to the bulky nose which I find off-putting as well, the hatchback version fixes it I think.
@@jessesimpson777 I sure hope so
@@craigwilson8420 I mean we know what the front of the hatchback looks like, that's why I can say I think it fixes the problem. The whole Honda logo instead of being half in the grill and half in the paint is completely in the grill area.
I think the civic is more the drivers car especially with Si and Type R models available civics are often car enthusiasts first cars
@@jessesimpson777 But it's a hatchback and looks ugly.
Yes! So why did you choose to review the one with a manual??
If you could make the perfect mainstream compact sedan using components from the current offerings. How would it be? Ex: exterior from one car, interior from another, infotainment from another, materials, engine, transmission, etc.
Can it be any compact sedan? Like a Honda civic type R or maybe a WRX STI? Or does it have to be within a certain price range?
For exterior I favor either a 10th Gen civic Hatch. Mazda 3 interior with an 11th gen civic infotainment system. Honestly not sure which engine I’d use bc that can be changed down the line. Transmission? Anything but a CVT. Anything I’ve driven with a CVT has felt incredibly boring so I’d take anything other than that.
I suppose there’s a theme between Mazda and Honda. However I just do not enjoy any other compact car. I’m probably just biased.
Enjoyed this video
To clear up one minor mistake- the civic doesn’t get 34mpg highway.. that’s combined. I have a 1.5L Accord LX that is averaging 40mpg per TANK, doing 70% highway. I guarantee you if you drive 70mph, this Civic will sit at 45mpg highway. If you have a bunch of 50mph roads, it’ll push 50mpg. I’ve done 50mpg on a drive with my Accord a few times.
Very genuine review
the Mazda 3 could compete with something like the Mercedes CLA or Audi A3 and I’m not sure if the Civic could. The only thing that’s better about the Civic is more room
A mazda isn’t luxury...
@@MV-nt4bq they are becoming luxury
I can kind of agree. The Mazda has a gorgeous look and a beautiful interior. They went all out with it. And I don’t care about the space and Civic. My car, my rules. I couldn’t care less if my passengers didn’t have any room. As long as I’m comfortable, I’m happy.
@@MV-nt4bq Mazda has been moving upmarket Superior style inside and out with better driving dynamics than a lowly Civic
They are having troubles selling their cars to the mainstream market, I doubt with their dealer network they could sell these to people who want a German car. People are brand snobs
Don't like the torsion beam suspension.
I think most cars have vents under the seats aimed at the rear passengers.
Exactly, Nathan should know that instead of complaining!
much cheaper to produce. Our old GM cars all had vents under the seats which was okay for the winter, but I think hot summer days would make me want some vents on the console.
I love the Mazda’s looks but can’t take the back seat.
Yeah, it's a shame that Mazda compromised rear seat and cargo space in the hatch. They could have had it all.
Roger and Ken, realize that not everyone is freakishly tall like you both. When were compact vehicles supposed to accommodate tall passengers sitting behind tall drivers? Are we in the Twilight Zone? Buy a large sedan/SUV if you're so tall.
@@braetonwilson4296 Your comment is ridiculous. They didn’t need to compromise that much space, and many people are tall. SUVS suck and a lot of people want a small hatch.
@@alh06 Majority of people are under 6 feet tall. All vehicles can't be huge and heavy just to suit tall people, sorry.
@@braetonwilson4296 They actually can, stylish vehicles can fit taller people. Ex: every German sedan
always loved the Mazda, my family's has had 4 of the little wagons, as well as 2 of the b series trucks while they were available.
Mazda has never been a high volume brand. I don't know about Honda but you could not find many Mazda 3 in the San Francisco Bay Area after April. Also in 2021 there was a Mazda 3 Premium Plus none turbo model with 360 camera but they seemed to drop that model and only give you that on a Premium Plus in AWD Turbo. Yes, I didn't feel I needed the Turbo but did get a Premium AWD before the chip shortage really hit for $26,992 in Soul Red with 3 other options I really didn't need like the Cargo Mat, Rear Lip Spoiler and Rear Bumper Guard, Stainless but they were on the car. I guess my point or question was just that at the end you pointed out how many units the civic sold compared to the mazda 3. You also said that both cars were better than a corolla but the corolla almost sold as many units as the civic. I don't know the point of my comment. I just think people think Honda and Toyota are reliable and have better mileage. I did want better mileage but I had a 2002 Mazda Protégé ES that didn't give me any trouble. It was fun to drive and so I stuck with Mazda.
I love my 2022 Honda Civic Sport
I can't wait for the Hatchback Civic with 2.0 Manual.
Did you forget you had to review some cars that day and just threw on a TFL shirt and called it good lol?
Mazda 3, but only in the Sedan form. The rear end of the hatchback looks tight, and there's very little headroom. If I wanted a hatchback, I'd pick a Golf for just that reason. Or a previous generation Mazda 3 hatchback.
The previous Mazda 3 Hatch was just as bad.
The way to get the Mazda 3 is to buy the base model hatchback. It's $25,000 all said and done, sports a 2.5L engine and automatic transmission. A comparably priced Civic or Corolla has a 2.0L and a CVT or manual transmission.
Plus it's made in Japan
In my travels I've seen many Mazda 3's and not once have I seen anyone in the back seat. Why do car journalists continue to talk about rear seat room in small cars?? I would say 99% of Mazda 3 owners are single occupancy drivers. Same goes with any small car. People that have families are buying SUV's for more back seat room. So please stop making the back seat part of the review for small cars. I currently have a 2021 Mazda 3 and the back seat is strictly for groceries..lol.
I know lots of young families that own Mazda 3s that use the back seat and yes it’s too tight the long hood on these new Mazda’s kinda take up room
@@f181234 We cross shopped the Cx30, Cx5 and a Forester recently and couldn't believe how tiny the Cx-30 back seat was. We got the Forester.
They both look so damn good.
civic looks good? get your eyes checked.
@@havoc7154 Civic looks very good
Mpg is crazy. My 2016 Mazda 3 gets 34.5 mpg in everything driving and 40 in the highway.
your 2016 what?
@@jamesmedina2062 right lol. Mazda 3
@@Shane101A ok well thats good
The Mazda hatch is 6 inches shorter than the 3 sedan and I can’t wrap my head around the tight confines in the rear. Why wouldn’t they simply stretch that area a touch. To me this would’ve made it unbeatable.
That Mazda interior 🤤
I take a Honda with the 6 speed manual anyday, Because our 9-2020 Civic Sport with 6000 miles on it now Averages 37.5 MPG, The one thing That Mazda can't do for anyone with a 2.5l engine. Ours has the K20C2 none turbo none GDI naturally aspirated.
It’s a close call between the Honda and the Mazda. If I were the only one using the car I would choose the Mazda with the manual gearbox. However, because I have a family I would choose instead the Honda because it’s more spacious inside the cabin. The Mazda’s are good looking cars but all their models all look alike with the exception of the MX-5. I was seriously considering to buy the 2022 Honda Civic hatchback with the manual gearbox if it doesn’t rev hang like in the previous generation.
The rev hang is also related to the heavy flywheel. I don't know what the new one will be like, but I don't let it bother me that much because if you just engage the clutch even when revs are above target level, the car absorbs it as if it was meant to do that.
Another great video, Nathan!
sound isolation is going to separate the mazda 3 from the civic but the fuel economy is a deal breaker for the mazda for me. so i dont know....something else besides the 2 entirely with a handbrake
You do realize that the milage difference over the lifetime of these vehicles is maybe $1,000 - not much to pay for overall more reliable and better designed vehicle in the Mazda - I suspect the manual 2.5 will last much longer.
@@matthewvezina3462 cr has a mileage table. The electronic parking brake is the real dealbreaker 4 me. Handbrakes r much more fun.
Mazdas are for people who love to drive and expect performance at a price normal people can afford. I've driven both the Civic and the Corolla. The Civic is darn good but is not good enough performance wise for me to own one. Whereas the Corolla, ha ha ha. I'll try to be polite and not comment. Mind you, the Mazdas are some of the most reliable cars around. Mine 2009 is hitting 240,000km and I am leasing its mid range successor the 186hp GS leaving run of mill small sedans in the dust. Once, in my 2009 Mazda 3 with only 146hp, it took a BMW 325 almost half a minute to catch up when I stepped on the gas going from 80 to 120km/hr. I couldn't believe it. Of course the BMW passed me by after that but it was in illegal speed territory. I had a 1984 Mazda 626 with 84hp topping out at 176km/hr. When my new 186hp Mazda 3 sport GS arrives, you can imagine what it could do.
I drove the new Corolla and found it more fun to drive than the Civic and Mazda 3. You seem very biased.
The Honda Civic is more fun to drive than the Mazda.
Pleasantly surprised you went with the mazda, interesting choice to review its best trim: manual hatch. The mazda 3 has been out for a while now. I always thought the 10th gen civic beat the mazda 3 overall, but the 11th gen civic sedan styling didn't change enough and now the old mazda 3 looks nicer than the 11th civic sedan. Can't wait to see reviews on new civic manual hatches Si and Type-R.
The 11th civic looks far better than the angles and fake vents of the 10th, unless you're 18.
Mazda all day just great looking and have to have the manual and just so well put together,quality
Screw these little cars with CVTs. Get a base Camry and get better fuel economy without a turbo and get an 8 speed transmission in the deal.
The Mazda has a regular automatic, albeit an old six speed unit.
@@damilolaakanni True. I get the Mazda 3 mixed in with the Corolla and the Civic. I'd be fine with a 6 speed.
@@Real_Natural I have a 3 with the 6MT, but the Mazda 6AT is amazing. It's great that they haven't switched to a cvt.
@@damilolaakanni Mazda 3 has cylinder deactivation which has had recalls in the past. I don't trust it and would rather buy a Camry.
More is not always better. But I get what you are saying and if you want more real estate, more lux, more quiet, more power, and more gears, then YES. I downsized from Passats and Mazda 6 to compact segment with Civic and I am happy to not have such a larger car to haul around, although the Mazda 6 was lithe and not heavy. Market studies have apparently led Honda to believe that CVT's are acceptable. All auto boxes have downsides to me. Manual for me unless it is a much bigger engine. Then it makes sense and that is one reason they use the CVT: to get more out of a small engine.
Although the Mazda 3 is much more elegant than the Civic, the significant difference in gas mileage is a deal breaker.
I think my math is bad. I keep getting the wrong answer.
The mpg difference is primarily down to him testing the manual model.
@@69memnon69 27 city / 36 highway EPA Mazda and 33 city / 42 highway EPA Civic is still significant. I do here it often where someone buys one car over another car over fuel economy
@@midwestfarm757 that’s fine, if you’re ok with an interior that’s not as good and a cvt transmission. If the difference in fuel is that important between the two cars, then buying a new car probably isn’t the wisest choice. Honda is one of the worst sellers in Australia and deservedly so. Their lineup is boring. On the plus side, at least the new civic is as ugly as sin anymore.
@@69memnon69 I am in the US so I can't comment on the product lines outside of North America, but I am sure the way the Chinese and Americans purchase cars has a big influence on how they make cars in other markets with some exceptions with the engine choice. If you look at their home market Japan, the cars look like box robots. Also Mazda vehicles for some reason don't get driven to the high miles or length of ownership that other vehicles from Toyota or Honda do so it's hard to say if those interiors do hold up for the long haul. I am buying from auctions so I get to see what holds up after 2-500,000 miles.
I'm in South Africa and our lowest trim only comes with a manual transmission. You'll laugh but all the Mazda 3's come in 1.5 only the highest astina model comes 2.0 and the 2.0 only comes in automatic and we're a country that mostly drives manual. My Nissan X-Trail url call it a Rogue in the u.s. comes in a 2.5. So y only 2 variants. Forgot to add I have the 2020 1.5 and I must admit for the 1.5 it does have some kick to it
You don't need a touchscreen. Actually they can be harder to operate while driving. The only thing it can't do well is Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
LOL, doesn't matter if you need one, you can't have one.
the mazda 3 fuel economy is really good, ik the manual is typically less efficient but in the auto you can pretty easily get 40 mpg on the highway
You're nuts if you consider the Mazda 3's fuel economy good. It's a nice car and very engaging to drive, but you sacrifice fuel economy to get that fun driving experience. 40 mpg even on the highway sounds made up, and manuals are typically more efficient.
@@MrBrian-fq4lr I got 40 in mine
@@colinknutson3711 Either Kpg or a different generation.
@@MrBrian-fq4lr 2019 hatch, mph
I like the Mazda for styling, but I would buy the Honda for comfort and reliability.
Sorry, I think you are behind the times. Consumer reports says Mazda is the most reliable brand ( though admittedly , the 3 is lowest rated Mazda). Honda reliability trend has been downward in recent years, opposite Mazda's.
@Allen Tokyoo As I already stated that info is from Consumer Reports. www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2020/11/19/consumer-reports-auto-reliability-survey-2021-cars-trucks-suvs/6337648002/ Honda is 6th , still a good showing, but has traditionally been more near the top, hence an unfavorable trend, somewhat the result of the 1.5 turbo's oil dilution problems.
@@chawpino8320 That's nonsense. Consumer reports isn't the final word on reliability or anything else for that matter.
@@mic7856 I did not say CR is the final word on reliability or anything else for that matter. There is no nonsense in using CR as they are probably the most widely quoted as an unbiased source , strictly relying on surveys given to their subscribers. They do not rely on advertisements placed by the auto companies and are not generally regarded as a tool of the automotive manufacturers or dealers . For sure they are not infallible as their survey spectrum is limited by the number of their readers buying new cars and holding on them for long enough period to offer up useful data. But please do offer a better alternative rather than a negative knee jerk reaction stemming from your personal bias.
Nice Rush shirt!!
And I’ve basically never used the touch screen. I always use that dial.
Because you couldn't touch the screen. Duh.
Mazda3 sedan for me 🙂
The Honda in the Mazda great inside and out. However the Honda interior along with the Fisher-Price simple HVAC, infotainment and car controls is what makes it so good..! There is no to little learning curve to know how to operate your vehicle... That over all makes it a safer car because of less distractions and taking your eyes off the road. Cannot wait for the SI and the Type r...!
touch screen makes it more difficult to use whenever one is driving..
@Abubakar Abdullahi you can't really do anything with those touch screen when driving..
Way too ugly for me. I think 10th gen Civics looked way better. Interior is nice but not nicer than the Mazda
@@dornierserctajon8094 it's not. The knob is terrible.
Where is the Skyactiv X in the United States?
Great t-shirt ! ;-)
I needed this review.
im a pretty big fan of mazdas as they are usually sporty and increasingly luxury, but the fuel economy is atrocious
7:22 It is 34 combined and 38 on the highway.
I like the civic just don’t want a cvt and don’t want a manual:(
The CVT that Honda makes is actually very reliable. Same goes with the one Toyota makes. It’s the Jatco CVTs you want to avoid.
Funny people always like Mazda over Honda and Toyota on the internet and at the end of each year we hear honda or toyota sold x-times more vehicles than mazda! According to Forbes, Honda sold 261,225 civic in 2020 which makes it the largest selling sedan in USA after Toyota Camry. Mazda 3 is not even in the top 20! None of Mazda's vehicles are in the top 20! But you will see tons of videos and comments on how mazda looks good, performs, and feels better than honda and toyota. So, I think much of these enthusiasms are just following what others say and putting a comment to feel good. I live in NYC and I barely see a Mazda 3 or,6 compared to civic, camry, and corolla, heck even Elantra is more numerous on roads than mazda 3 or 6. The only Mazda model I see regularly is CX-5. So, good people around watching these videos, please be careful about internet reviews!
It's because most people buy cars without much thought. They will walk into a dealership and buy something because they see these cars a lot on the road. I for one would do my research but many cases people buy cars just for necessities and not for enjoyment... Sad..
These 'sport' sedans are becoming like teaser models - they bring you to the showroom but you look at your wife and kids and say you'll take a CX-5.
Obviously you have not driven a Mazda yet. Mazdas are for people who love to drive and expect performance at a price normal people can afford. I've driven both the Civic and the Corolla. The Civic is darn good but is not good enough performance wise for me to own one. Whereas the Corolla, ha ha ha. I'll try to be polite and not comment. Mind you, the Mazdas are some of the most reliable cars around. Mine 2009 is hitting 240,000km and I am leasing its mid range successor the 186hp GS leaving run of mill small sedans in the dust. Once, in my 2009 Mazda 3 with only 146hp, it took a BMW 325 almost half a minute to catch up when I stepped on the gas going from 80 to 120km/hr. I couldn't believe it. Of course the BMW passed me by after that but it was in illegal speed territory. I had a 1984 Mazda 626 with 84hp topping out at 176km/hr. When my new 186hp Mazda 3 sport GS arrives, you can imagine what it could do.
@@danielfong2941 I found the new Corolla to be more fun to drive than the Civic and Mazda 3.
Save yourselves $1100 and get a 2021 Mazda CX-30 which is basically a raised Mazda 3 hatch. The CX-30 is just under 300 lbs. heavier with AWD and has the same 0 - 60 and 1/4 mile times as the new Civic. The real world MPG of the CX-30 and 300 ft. road handling is better in the CX-30 while the braking is the same. If you want a safer car with better reliability the CX-30 is an SUV that actually beats the all new Civic! (Some of this data is from Car & Driver)
We test drove one and found the back seat was awful. My friend ended up with a Forester which is a decent vehicle, and much better than the CX30. She lives in an urban area so not much spirited mountain driving like in the Mazda commercial, so the Subaru works better.
@@midwestfarm757 I love the Forester! It's the best looking SUV on the market inside and out. Mazda and Subaru are the safest vehicles. The Forester is far more fuel efficient and roomy but it's also more of a small SUV instead of a subcompact. If room is more important than acceleration and handling than I would also consider the CX-5 if you haven't test driven it yet.
Sorry but Mazda's jog dial is the best in the industry - I love it - I don't need touch screen in a car. Mazda's got the looks inside and out. BTW - You look like you only drive Harley's and Ford Trucks. Can't really see you driving any car except for testing.
The dial is terrible.