2025 Mazda3 Sedan vs. 2025 Honda Civic Sedan
These top Japanese compact passenger sedans offer sensible motoring. However, sensible does not necessarily have to mean boring, as both of these sporty and stylish sedans are top-10 rated family movers in the US compact passenger segment.
So, how do you choose which best suits your family's motoring needs?
Read on as we compare the 2025 Mazda3 vs. 2025 Honda Civic.
2025 Mazda3 Sedan
Undeniably elegant, stylish, and modern-looking, the Mazda3 sedan in its current fourth-generation version was first seen in 2019. For 2025, there will be no significant changes aside from some trim-dependent interior trim, infotainment, and drivetrain upgrades.
Six trim levels are available for 2025: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, and range-topping 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
2025 Honda Civic Sedan
For 2025, Honda's mainstay award-winning Civic model receives some styling updates to ensure it remains fresh-faced. The changes are mostly cosmetic to help differentiate the latest model from the 2024 version.
Adding a hybrid powertrain to the Civic Sedan lineup is good news for fuel-economy-conscious drivers.
Buyers of the Honda Civic sedan can choose from a lineup of four trims, including two hybrid versions.
Powertrain Comparison
Now let's compare the Mazda3 vs. Honda Civic powertrain. The sedan lineup offers two engines: a base naturally aspirated 2.5-liter SKYACTIV four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 189 pound-feet of torque @ 4000 and the turbocharged version of this engine, which produces 250 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm and 320 pound-feet of torque @ 2500 rpm.
SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with manual and sport modes is fitted on non-S trims and FWD, and Mazda i-ACTIV AWD is fitted from middling 2.5 Carbon Edition trim and up.
The Civic's lower LX and Sport trims are standard with a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The Sport Hybrid and range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid have an electrified powertrain. They have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with two electric motors producing a combined 200 horsepower.
These Civic Hybrid trims are front-wheel-drive only and feature a driver-selectable regenerative braking system that helps to keep the battery charged.
2025 Mazda3 vs. 2025 Honda Civic: Exterior Comparison
When it comes to comparing the 2025 Mazda3 Sedan vs. 2025 Honda Civic Sedan, one cannot overlook the aesthetic details of these vehicles, which can make a difference in a buyer's decision. Mazda's family design philosophy is clearly displayed in the Mazda3 sedan's aesthetically striking exterior, which features elegant curves and angles.
The smooth exterior features standout appointments, including auto on/off LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers, and a front grille finished in matt black mesh or gloss black, depending on trim.
All trim levels feature a bright signature wing, and upper trims receive a power sliding-glass moonroof with a one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade.
All but the base 2.5 S trim, with its 16-inch alloy wheels, roll on 18-inch alloys. The exterior features LED combination tail lights and body-colored or gloss black dual power-folding side mirrors.
The 2025 Civic Sedan sports a sleek and athletic exterior that effectively hides the unavoidable three-box design of any sedan. As mentioned, the 2025 Civic Sedan saw a few mild exterior refreshes, mostly to the Civic sedan's front fascia and grille.
The Civic sedan's new front features a reshaped grille and restyled, more angular lower air intakes with defined crease lines. New modern dual low beam LED headlights, expansive glass areas, alloy wheels, and angular LED tail lights all lend the Honda a purposeful, sporty style.
Top trims offer items such as a power sunroof and LED fog lights, and seven exterior colors are available.
Interior Comparison
Let's take a look at the interiors of the 2025 Mazda3 Sedan vs. 2025 Honda Civic Sedan. The 2025 Mazda3 sedan continues with a thoughtfully designed interior space featuring premium materials and top-tier Japanese craftsmanship. Even in the base trim, there is no shortage of luxury and comfort features.
The 2025 Mazda3 sedan comfortably accommodates five passengers and offers a Dual-zone automatic climate control system in all trims except the base trim, which has a manual air conditioning system.
Some standout interior features are:
- 7-inch LCD instrument gauge display
- Power windows with a one-touch up/down feature
- Power door locks - speed-sensitive auto door locks
- Steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches
Infotainment equipment includes a six-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics and a standard 8.8-inch full-color center display or 10.25-inch screen on Turbo trims. The range-topping Carbon Turbo gets a Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®.
Standard features include:
- Infotainment system voice command
- Multifunction Commander control
- Mazda Connected Services
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The 2025 Honda Civic sedan cabin has impressive standard features such as a push-button start, single-zone climate control, a manually tilting/telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, and adjustable front seats. Upper trim levels see enhancements like heated front seats, leather finish on seating, steering wheel, and gear knob, and an upgrade to dual-zone climate control.
The base Honda infotainment system features dual seven-inch digital displays fitted with a gauge cluster and a touchscreen, while the flagship trim gets nine and 10.2-inch screens, respectively. The audio experience offers four to eight and up to 12 speakers across trims.
Standard features are:
- Bluetooth with audio streaming
- HondaLink
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Cargo Space
The Mazda3 sedan standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback allows for easy loading of bulkier items and offers an EPA cargo volume of 13.2 cubic feet. In contrast, the latest Civic allows up to 14.8 cubic feet of cargo loading.
Safety and Driver Assistance
When we compare the 2025 Mazda3 Sedan vs. 2025 Honda Civic Sedan at safety features, both vehicles come with impressive features. Mazda's suite of standard and available safety features, including i-Activsense®, will alert drivers to hazards to help them avoid collisions.
The 2025 Mazda3 sedan won an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, which is evidence of its safety.
The 2025 Civic offers standard driver assistance, including front-collision alert, automatic braking, lane- and road-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Range-topping trims receive front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Find your 2025 Mazda3 Sedan at Seacoast Mazda
Visit Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth, NH, to learn more about and test drive the refined 2025 Mazda3.
Still torn between the 2025 Mazda3 vs. 2025 Honda Civic? Explore our selection of Mazda3 models in person and discover the sleek design, premium features, and dynamic performance that set them apart. Our team is here to walk you through the options, answer your questions, and ensure you find the perfect Mazda3 to match your lifestyle.