2020 Mazda3 vs 2020 Honda Civic

The Mazda3 is a special vehicle - it beat stiff competition to win Canada’s prestigious AJAC’s Best Small Car of the Year award at the 2020 Montreal International Auto Show. With improvements in styling, torque vectoring and customer feedback, the Mazda3 captures the respect of both experts and consumers. The competition wasn’t easy, and the exceptional qualities of the Mazda3 prevailed. To illustrate this, here we compare the Mazda3 to the 2020 Honda Civic. We focus on the Civic Hatchback since the Mazda3 is also a hatchback. 

The Mazda3 offers more engine options and performance than the Honda Civic 

The Mazda3 line features two engines that offer more choices than the Civic. Available on the GX trim, the Skyactiv-G 2.0L four-cylinder engine pairs with a six-speed manual transmission (automatic optional) and produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The Civic’s only engine develops 12 more horsepower, but it does not offer a choice for drivers who prefer more tame performance. 

The Mazda3 also offers the Skyactiv 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This exceeds the Civic’s 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder by six horsepower - if the Civic is running on premium fuel. Otherwise, the Civic generates 12 fewer horsepower on regular unleaded for 174 total horsepower. 

Get a better grip with the 2020 Mazda3

If you would like all-wheel drive (like most Canadians), the Mazda3 makes it available - and the Civic doesn’t. The i-Activ AWD system optimizes the Mazda3, whether you are on the trail, on a dry road, or experiencing challenging weather-related road conditions. The system continuously monitors changes in driving conditions to forecast potential loss of traction. 

Cylinder deactivation technology is also standard on the Mazda3 GT and available on the GS. The Civic does not offer this advancement. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode, Drive Selection switch and paddle shifters is also standard on the GT. 

The Mazda3 offers a generous amount of cargo volume of up to 1,334 litres, which is more cargo capacity than the Civic Hatchback or Sedan. This creates more room for gear, bags, or anything else that suits your needs. The extended cargo space also translates into more passenger volume. The Mazda3 features more front and rear head room than the Civic. 

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