Posted on December 16, 2019

Honda and Mazda are both Japanese automakers that offer sporty, compact sedans that provide outstanding gas mileage, comfortable drives, and top-of-the-line safety features. Even though they are considered "compact," these sedans offer enough room for the entire family and provide relaxation, even on long journeys. The compact sedan market is inundated with vehicles from almost every manufacturer, so it can be difficult to choose the one that is right for you. Honda and Mazda offer two of the most popular options.

Overview of the 2020 Honda Civic

The 2020 Honda Civic is part of a generation that started with the 2016 model year. While a few years old, the styling was refreshed and new features were added to make the 2020 a more improved and solid vehicle. Starting at $18,390 with an engine that produces 158 hp, the Civic sedan is offered in six different trim levels with both manual and automatic transmissions. However, the sedan is only offered with front-wheel-drive. While the focus of this article is on the sedan, it should be noted that Honda offers other Civic-based models, such as the Civic Coupe, Civic Hatchback, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan Si, and Civic Type R. Even the lowest trim packages of the Civic sedan come standard with Bluetooth, rearview camera, remote entry, and Honda Sensing technologies, which include a forward collision warning system, a collision mitigation braking system, a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Overview of the 2020 Mazda 3

The 2020 Mazda 3 was completely redesigned in 2019, so this crisp and stylish car still looks luxurious on the road. Starting at $18,000 with an engine that produces 155 hp, the Mazda 3 is offered in three different trim levels. Different from Honda, Mazda offers all-wheel-drive as an optional upgrade on the two highest trim levels. Mazda also offers several safety and security features, though many are not available unless chosen as part of a higher (and more expensive) package. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, dynamic stability control, hill launch assist, and traction control. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are only available as part of a package, and more advanced features such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, and Pedestrian Detection are only available on higher trim levels. The Mazda3 is also offered as a Sport compact hatchback model.

2020 Honda Civic vs. 2020 Mazda 3 Features

Both the Honda Civic sedan and Mazda 3 sedan have their positive attributes. However, while Mazda might be the most recently redesigned model and offer optional AWD, the Honda Civic offers more bang for your buck. The Honda Civic comes standard with features that will drive the price up on a Mazda--things such as lane departure warning system, collision mitigation braking system, and more. Honda also offers a more comfortable and responsive ride. For only a few hundred dollars more, Honda provides an exemplary sedan both inside and out.