2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. It was available in three trim levels for both body styles, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Canadian buyers had the unique option of a six-speed manual transmission in certain trims. The price range for the lineup was between $21,400 and $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and special paint was priced at $38,981 in Canada. The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape, but it had a mature and serious look. Inside, the car featured refined materials and a sophisticated design, offering an upscale driving experience. It was seen as a cost-effective alternative to entry-level luxury cars, providing more value except in terms of perceived prestige.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, was often mistaken for a luxury sedan due to its sleek design, reminiscent of the Audi A7. It featured a redesigned front grille, updated LED lighting, and a longer body, giving it a more refined appearance. The Accord's exterior was characterized by a planted stance and a long, flowing roofline. The Touring trim offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black HPD alloys. Inside, the Accord Hybrid had an updated dashboard design with a digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It included features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior was comfortable, with supportive front seats and generous legroom in the rear, although headroom was limited by the roofline. The trunk offered 473 litres of space, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. It was known for its fuel efficiency, consuming 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with a six-speed automatic and AWD, delivered 227 horsepower on regular gas and 250 horsepower on premium fuel. However, the turbocharged model's fuel efficiency was lower than advertised, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. Despite this, the Mazda3 Turbo was praised for its fun-to-drive nature, offering a smooth ride, nimble handling, and excellent balance. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, suggesting a need for an upgrade.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower. It was equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Accord Hybrid was smooth and efficient, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. While not exceptionally fast, it provided sufficient power for highway driving and passing maneuvers. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system was improved, allowing for better fine-tuning. The Accord's handling was agile, making it easy to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder parking in tight spaces.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The interior was driver-focused, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats as standard in Canada. The test vehicle featured leather upholstery and user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. 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 bins, a big glove compartment, and a centre console bin. The hatchback provided 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan's trunk held 374 litres of cargo.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring honeycomb mesh trim and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The gearshift was a traditional lever, replacing the previous button system. The front seats offered excellent support, and the rear seats provided generous legroom and shoulder room, although headroom was limited by the roofline. The trunk had a capacity of 473 litres, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, and a collection of controls on the centre console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting, but the lack of a physical tuning function and a voice recognition system with specific commands was a drawback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Touring trim included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical volume and climate control buttons.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with faultless 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. The car's driver-assist features performed well, and it received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.