2024 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $32,895 to $38,890, excluding a $1,095 destination charge. The Sport trim offered great value, the EX-L excelled in fuel efficiency, the Sport-L added leather and black wheels, and the Touring featured luxury and exclusive tech. The redesign in 2023 gave the Accord a clean, technical look, especially striking with the machined-finish 19-inch wheels on the Sport and Touring trims. The Canyon River Blue metallic paint on the Touring test car paired with a black leather interior, though gray leather would have been a more appealing match. Despite some shiny plastics, the interior impressed with its ‘Acura Lite’ feel.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback featured an organic design with a long hood and tapered greenhouse, creating S-shaped reflections on its flanks. The Polymetal Gray paint over red leather in the test car looked stunning. The interior was driver-focused, with high-quality materials, though the gloss black plastic trim showed wear easily. The Mazda 3 came in 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with prices from $25,150 to $37,150, excluding a $1,185 destination charge. The 2.5 S Premium hatch was the only version with a manual transmission, and the test car included extra-cost paint and other upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $33,045 with destination.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The setup provided a normal driving experience, with simulated gear changes for a traditional feel. The Accord Hybrid was front-wheel drive only, weighing around 3,500 pounds. It offered zippy city driving and smooth freeway acceleration, achieving 48 mpg in combined driving for the EX-L trim and 44 mpg for others. The Touring returned 43.1 mpg in testing. The Accord impressed with its blend of ride and handling, making it a reliable daily driver.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 S models had a 2.5-liter engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Turbo models offered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium gas. The standard engine was smooth and refined, paired with a six-speed automatic or a manual gearbox in the Premium trim. The manual achieved 29.1 mpg in testing. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus enhanced handling, though the suspension could be firmer. The car was communicative and enjoyable to drive, despite some road noise and a thin steering wheel rim.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid prioritized comfort, though taller drivers might find the seat lacking in rearward adjustment. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with heated front seats in leather-upholstered versions. The Touring added ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and headroom, with air vents and USB ports. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing rivals.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 felt snug, with comfortable seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Forward visibility was excellent, but rear visibility was compromised. The rear seat lacked legroom, air vents, and USB ports. The center console provided storage and USB ports. Cargo space was 20.1 cubic feet, accommodating two full-size suitcases, with expandable space via the folding rear seat.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid included a 10.2-inch digital display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose system, wireless charging, and Google Built-in features. However, Google Assistant had issues, leading to reliance on Apple CarPlay for a seamless experience. The digital instrumentation was practical, providing clear information.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 used the Mazda Connect system with an 8.8 or 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were accessible via touchscreen, but other functions required physical controls. Alexa Built-in faced connectivity issues, and voice recognition was unreliable. Apple CarPlay improved the experience, and the 12-speaker Bose system delivered excellent audio. The car offered Wi-Fi hotspot access and a one-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured Honda Sensing with automatic high beams, collision warnings, emergency braking, lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The system had some issues with sun glare and traffic gaps, but overall, it provided valuable assistance.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. It included forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The system handled traffic smoothly, though lane departure alerts were sometimes inaccurate.