2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerged as a bold contender in a market where hatchback popularity was waning. As other automakers retreated from this segment, Honda seized the opportunity to capture a significant share with its redesigned Civic hatchback. Manufactured in Indiana, this model was one of the few compact cars still produced in North America. It shared its front-end design with the Civic sedan but distinguished itself with unique wheel designs and a different grille pattern. Despite its modern appeal, the Civic hatchback retained a somewhat unbalanced profile, with a tendency to appear front-heavy. Inside, the Sport Touring trim offered a sophisticated digital interface and high-quality materials, although the CVT shifter operation was slightly lacking in refinement.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its artistic flair, though its deeply sculpted design was not universally appealing. The hatchback's appearance was understated, with no flashy spoilers or body kits, presenting a mature and serious demeanour. Inside, the Mazda3 exuded elegance with refined materials and polished metallic finishes. The driver-centric design featured an eight-way power-adjustable seat and a sophisticated layout, though the infotainment system's lack of touchscreen functionality was a point of contention. The back seat offered limited space, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Despite these drawbacks, the Mazda3's interior was a testament to quality and style.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 180 horsepower. The latter, available in Sport and Sport Touring trims, delivered peak torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, providing a lively driving experience. The Civic hatchback was exclusively front-wheel drive, with a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. The CVT was well-matched to the turbo engine, offering smooth operation with paddle shifters for a more engaging drive. The manual transmission was praised for its short throws and fluid gear engagement. The Civic's suspension provided a balance between comfort and handling, though it was not suited for aggressive driving on winding roads. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with real-world testing nearly matching official estimates.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre engine producing 155 horsepower. Most buyers opted for the 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with AWD, delivered up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was characterized by smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving. Fuel efficiency was lower than advertised, with real-world consumption averaging 10.2 L/100 km. Despite this, the Mazda3 was a joy to drive, offering a refined and engaging experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. Seating comfort was generally good, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear passengers missed air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The Sport Touring trim added heated rear seats and leather upholstery, enhancing comfort and luxury.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug but comfortable fit. The front seats provided excellent support, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats standard in Canada. However, the back seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable centre console. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen in LX and Sport trims, and a 9-inch display in Sport Touring. The latter included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound controls improved usability, and the voice recognition system was responsive. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in Sport Touring.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch display with a console-mounted control interface. While Mazda avoided touchscreens to reduce driver distraction, the system's lack of a physical tuning function and limited voice recognition were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mitigated some issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions, and a Bose audio system was available in higher trims.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and effective driver aids.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, though many were optional in Canada. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist available as upgrades. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.