2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in base and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $36,105 to $42,805. It was known for its elegant design, featuring a well-proportioned body, stylish detailing, and a refined stance. The 2021 model introduced minor front styling updates, including a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim boasted 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, although they were challenging to clean due to their gloss black inserts. Inside, the Accord Hybrid's cabin exuded an upscale feel with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display featured both a volume and tuning knob, enhancing usability.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles with various engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels, with prices ranging from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and destination charges. The Mazda3's design was polarizing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback that some might call a "hunchback." However, it had a mature and serious appearance, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the Mazda3 featured refined materials and sophisticated design, with polished metallic finishes creating an upscale atmosphere. The car was appealing to those seeking value, offering more for less compared to entry-level luxury cars, except in terms of perceived cachet.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor. This setup produced 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, providing quick acceleration from a standstill. The hybrid system operated in three modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, allowing the car to adapt to different driving conditions. The Accord Hybrid achieved impressive fuel efficiency, using 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a slightly higher average of 5.5 L/100 km during testing. The car's suspension was tuned for athletic handling, and the brake-by-wire regenerative braking system offered excellent feel and response.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, produced 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on 87-octane fuel, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet with 93-octane fuel. The Mazda3 Turbo was fun to drive, with smooth power delivery and nimble handling. However, it didn't achieve the advertised fuel efficiency, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, but overall, the Mazda3 Turbo was a brilliant and enjoyable car to drive.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a full-size sedan experience in a midsize package. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and roomy back seat provided excellent comfort, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Touring trim added heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large centre console bin, hidden storage compartments, and ample door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's 473-litre trunk was larger than any competitor in its segment, accommodating full-size suitcases and expanding utility with 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a snug but comfortable interior, designed with the driver in mind. The front seats offered excellent thigh and side bolster support, and most versions included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom for taller passengers and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,334 litres with the back seat folded. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Touring trim added a head-up display and navigation with bilingual voice recognition, although the system required specific prompts for voice commands. The car included quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers and wireless smartphone charging. However, the voice-activated navigation system struggled with certain tasks, such as locating the nearest hospital.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch static display and Bluetooth. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, using a collection of controls on the centre console and steering wheel. While this reduced distraction, the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system that required specific commands were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for navigation and music streaming. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, and higher trims included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and an Active Driving Display.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Touring trim added low-speed braking control and front and rear automatic emergency braking. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems received refinements for smoother operation, although some features remained intrusive.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. In Canada, most safety features were optional, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. GT grades added adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver-assist features performed reliably, instilling trust in the technology.