2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 was a striking vehicle with its rakish headlights and large, menacing grille. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, the sedan had conventional proportions, while the hatchback boasted a daring and futuristic design. The rear angles of the hatchback curved up around the rear window and doors, creating a clean and forward-thinking aesthetic. Inside, the cabin continued this clean futurism with a simple yet elegant design. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The climate controls were easy to use, and the steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, had an elegant design. Trim levels in Canada included the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with various features and drivetrain options available.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid exuded a luxury sedan vibe, often drawing comparisons to the sleek Audi A7. The redesigned exterior featured a more upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and a long, flowing roofline. The Accord was longer than its predecessor, giving it a planted stance. The Touring trim offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black HPD alloys. Inside, the Accord's cabin was updated with a new dashboard design and a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Hybrid Touring. The interior featured a Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather, with cloth seats standard in the Hybrid Sport. The Accord's interior was praised for its upscale feel and solid build quality.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four was optional on the GS and standard on the GT, delivering 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available on the GT trim, produced 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a fantastic engine sound. The turbocharged engine provided moderate off-the-line acceleration, shining in second gear and Sport mode. The handling was precise and refined, with excellent balance through corners and a comfortable ride.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 204 horsepower. The powertrain sent power to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with front-wheel drive as the only option. The Accord Hybrid delivered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. While not overwhelming in acceleration, it provided ample power for highway merges and passing. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, offering a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, making it easier to fine-tune. The Accord's agile handling and ease of parking made it a relaxing drive in various environments.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, which was small compared to other compact sedans. The hatchback provided 569 litres of cargo space, though still less than many small SUVs. The rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid was frustrating to use. The ergonomics were helpful, and the cupholders were sizable.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted the layout used in Honda's Civic and CR-V models. A strip of honeycomb mesh trim hid the dash-mounted air vents, and the infotainment screen was conveniently placed atop the dashboard. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Accord Hybrid featured a traditional gearshift, replacing the previous button system. The front seats provided excellent support and comfort, while the rear offered generous legroom and shoulder room. However, headroom was limited by the tapering roofline. The trunk space was generous at 473 litres, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The system was criticized for its clumsy menu navigation and lack of touchscreen functionality. The learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. Upgrades included navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system with excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus and easy-to-navigate graphics. The Touring trim included advanced tech features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, Google Built-in with Google Assistant and Google Maps, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also included.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, automatic cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The GT grade added adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 hatchback's massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, posing a safety concern. The infotainment system's layout was also a distraction. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Accord Hybrid Touring added front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display. Honda's next-generation airbags and slimmer front A-pillars improved safety and visibility. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.