2018 Mazda3 Sedan vs. 2018 Honda Civic Sedan
When you think of budget-friendly and reliable sedans, the Honda Civic might immediately come to mind. The car has a long reputation for its stylish yet affordable design, as well as its durability and dependability. However, it is certainly not the only – or even the best – option in the field. The Mazda3 is a gorgeous sedan that has an equally budget-friendly price and is loaded with features. The Mazda3 has been the quiet, steady type that has flown relatively under the radar, but with its 2018 model, it will certainly develop a higher profile.
Here’s a closer look at how the 2018 Mazda3 compares to the 2018 Honda Civic to give you a better idea of which sedan would be the better choice for you
Size Comparison
Both the 2018 Mazda3 sedan and the 2018 Honda Civic sedan seat up to five people, with both offering two bucket seats in the front and a bench seat for three in the back. Both the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic offer comfortable seating and enough room for three adults in the back. However, adults will find they have more leg room in the back of the Mazda3, while they have more room in the front of the Honda Civic.
The Honda Civic does offer a bit more space for cargo in the sedan. It has 15 cubic feet in its trunk, while the Mazda3 offers 12.4 cubic feet of space in the trunk. The difference isn’t huge, but it might matter to you if you regularly have to haul bigger loads or longer items, such as sports gear for your children.
Obviously, the best way to know how these sizing differences play out in real life is to take a test drive of both sedans. Basic measurements aren’t enough to know if your knees hit the dash at a weird angle or if you don’t like the way the side of a seat feels, for example. Bring a passenger or two with you for the test drive to get feedback on all the seating areas.
Interior Differences
You’ll find an attractive, high-quality interior in both the 2018 Mazda3 and the 2018 Honda Civic. You’ll find similar layouts, as well as high-end materials and stylish designs.
The 2018 Mazda3 offers a more impressive array of interior features, however. The Mazda3 has a great infotainment system that includes a seven-inch touchscreen display on the dash, making it quite easy to see and reach the controls. It has HD radio, Bluetooth streaming, and two USB ports for charging and streaming. Through upgrades, you can get features like navigation or satellite radio.
Meanwhile, the infotainment system on the 2018 Honda Civic comes with just a five-inch display and only one USB port. You don’t get popular features like smart phone integration or HD radio unless you upgrade to a higher trim level.
You can upgrade with options packages on both sedans, but you’ll get more on the standard 2018 Mazda3 than you will with the Honda Civic.
Performance
What most people want in a sedan is dependable performance, not necessarily strength. Both the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic have a reputation for reliable performance and easy handling.
The 2018 Mazda3 comes standard with a four-cylinder engine that puts out 155 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. You can opt or a six-speed automatic if you prefer it. If you want a bit more power, you can upgrade to a four-cylinder engine that puts out 184 horsepower, which should be plenty for the type of driving conditions you’ll encounter in a sedan, such as your commute to work or the occasional road trip.
The 2018 Honda Civic comes standard with a four-cylinder, as well, but it puts out 158 horsepower. The six-speed manual is standard, but you can upgrade to a continuously variable transmission. A turbocharged engine is available that can put out up to 180 horsepower, an Si that puts out 205 horsepower, and a Type R that puts out 306 horsepower.
While you may get a bit more power with the Honda Civic, you will enjoy smoother handling with the Mazda3. Drivers report more accurate steering with the Mazda3, and it offers stronger braking and smooth turning. Those are things that will have a much bigger impact on your daily commute, especially when you are dealing with stop-and-go traffic.
Pricing
Both the 2018 Mazda3 and the 2018 Honda Civic are priced affordably – and are less than $1,000 apart. The 2018 Mazda 3 comes in a bit lower, starting at just $18,095. Meanwhile, the 2018 Honda Civic starts at $18,940.
Prices go up as you choose higher trim levels, and you can tack on options packages to get more features. Financing offers will also vary by dealership, so you may find that one vehicle becomes even more affordable based on the terms of your financing, such as getting a lower interest rate or a significant rebate.
Which Sedan is Right for You?
There are so many similarities between the 2018 Mazda3 and the 2018 Honda Civic that you might have a hard time choosing between the two. However, the Mazda3 is available for a more affordable price, has better handling, and offers more interior features. It is a stylish sedan that will deliver reliable performance for many years to come, helping you to save even more money. It’s also fuel-efficient and safe.
Visit your local Mazda dealership to discover what there is to love about the 2018 Mazda3. You’ll fall in love with the way the Mazda3 handles, and you’ll love how comfortable and stylish the interior is. Explore the features in the different trim levels to discover the right configuration for you.
Once you figure out your perfect build, talk to the dealership about current financing offers. It’s a great time to shop since the next year’s models will be arriving soon, so it’s worth visiting the dealership now and making an offer on your next dream sedan.