2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic sedan was available in familiar trims: LX, EX, Sport, and Touring. In Canada, the pricing started at an MSRP of $24,465 for the LX and went up to $30,265 for the Touring, excluding a $1,700 destination charge. The Civic Touring, our primary evaluation vehicle, featured the extra-cost Morning Mist Blue paint, bringing its total price to $32,396, including destination charges. The Civic Sport, with Platinum White Pearl paint and the Honda Performance Development appearance package, was estimated at $31,467. The redesigned 2022 Civic had a more conservative and plain appearance compared to its predecessor, resembling the larger Accord sedan. Its interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic approach to controls and a metal honeycomb mesh elegantly hiding the air vents. The Touring trim's interior materials reflected a maturity that the previous Civic lacked.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in both sedan and hatchback body styles, offering three trim levels with a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Canadian trims included options for a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrade costs and a $1,750 destination charge. Our test car was a top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, priced at $38,981 in Canada. The Mazda3's appearance was not universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback design that some might call "hunchback." However, it exuded a mature and serious look, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the Mazda3 offered refined materials and sophisticated design, creating an upscale and elegant driving environment. It was a compelling choice for those seeking more value than an entry-level luxury car, despite lacking perceived cachet.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The LX, EX, and Sport trims featured a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT), featuring new Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing responsiveness. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel. However, during a 150-kilometre driving loop, the Civic Touring returned 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of the estimated 6.9 L/100 km combined fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options. The base GX sedan had a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy at 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption between 7.8 and 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with a six-speed automatic and standard AWD, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. Despite its advertised fuel efficiency, the turbocharged Mazda3 averaged 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3 Turbo offered a smooth and thrilling driving experience, with nimble handling and outstanding balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense driving, and the ride exhibited hints of float on uneven roads.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering better support. The Touring trim featured leather-lined, power-adjustable front seats, though the passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The Civic's low ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, but the back seat provided ample legroom. The interior redesign included a new centre console with less storage space but more accessible cupholders. Trunk volume was generous at 419 litres, or 408 litres with Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and offering a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low ground clearance and small door openings made entry and exit difficult. However, once inside, the front seats provided a snug and comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The back seat offered decent comfort and legroom for shorter passengers, but taller occupants would find it cramped. 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 accommodated 374 litres of cargo.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel. The Vehicle Activity display provided real-time information about the car's lighting status. The standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a navigation system. The voice recognition technology was notably improved, enhancing the overall infotainment experience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch static display with Bluetooth. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, relying on centre console controls and voice recognition. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and the voice recognition system's limitations were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mitigated some issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. The car included an eight-speaker audio system, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted an upgraded Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The car's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning top crash-test ratings. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. GT grades offered adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver-assist features performed reliably, fostering trust in the technology. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.