2021 Mazda3 vs. 2022 Honda Civic: For the Love of the Drive

July 21 2021,

2021 Mazda3 vs. 2022 Honda Civic: For the Love of the Drive

The performance-enhanced 2021 Mazda3 more excitement and features than ever before. The Skyactiv-G 2.5 T Dynamic Turbo makes its introduction in select models with horsepower and torque that opens up a new driving experience. A rarity in its class, the Mazda3 is also available in Canada with all-wheel drive. This makes the Mazda3 even more capable of taking on what your roads and highways offer every season. 

The compact sedan segment is full of competition, but the Mazda3 doesn't budge. Here, we compare it to the 2022 Honda Civic. 

The 2021 Mazda3 opens up more places

Many car shoppers are surprised to learn that all-wheel drive is not a common feature in sedans. However, the Mazda3 breaks that barrier with available i-Activ All-Wheel Drive, and it helps you through more challenges. However, the Honda Civic only offers front-wheel drive. This is just one reason why the Mazda3 was recently recognized as Car of the Year by AJAC. 

Find more powertrain options in the 2021 Mazda3 lineup

With three production powertrains, the Mazda3 jumps ahead of its competitor in equipment offered. The GX and GS both include a 155-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine that hits a sweet spot for compact power and efficiency. The Civic sedan's base engine is also a 2.0-litre four-cylinder that virtually matches the Mazda3's output, but has a noticeably lower torque of 138 lb-ft. If you want better response, the Mazda3 pulls ahead. 

The Mazda3 GT upgrades to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder that outputs 186 horsepower, which is more powerful than the Civic's best engine in its standard sedan lineup. However, the Mazda3 doesn't stop there. 

Upper trims offer a turbocharged 2.5L that outputs up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The Civic makes this kind of power available in its Type R sport model, but it is much more expensive and we don’t have any information about its availability at this time.

Inside, the Mazda3 deploys a refined cabin that can be compared to that of a luxury sport sedan, while the Civic uses more basic textures and materials – as it always has. Mazda also offers the Mazda3 Sport, which is a five-door alternative to the sedan and competes with other Civic models.

The 2021 Mazda3 is here to deliver a sportier drive in an upscale setting. You can shop for your car online with us. Our representatives are waiting for your call and can answer all your questions.

 

Contact Us

Other Articles That May Interest You

How i-Activ AWD Works Across Mazda's Lineup for Saskatchewan Driving Conditions

December 10 2025

How i-Activ AWD Works Across Mazda's Lineup for Saskatchewan Driving Conditions

Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system comes standard on every CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-90, and the upcoming 2026 CX-5, and is available on the 2026 Mazda3 sedan and Mazda3 Sport hatchback. For Saskatchewan drivers facing winter snow, spring mud, unpaved grid roads, and summer gravel conditions, understanding how this system works helps explain its effectiveness across the Prairies. i-Activ AWD... Read more
How the All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5 Transforms Rear-Seat Comfort for Prairie Road Trips

November 17 2025

How the All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5 Transforms Rear-Seat Comfort for Prairie Road Trips

Saskatchewan families regularly drive 2-4 hours to lakes, rural relatives, or cross-province destinations where rear-seat comfort becomes critical. A cramped second row turns these journeys into endurance tests, with adult passengers arriving stiff and uncomfortable. Children complain, teenagers slouch, and parents spend the trip managing discomfort rather than enjoying the drive. The all-new... Read more