2024 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its swooping lines and scalloped bodywork allowed it to stand confidently alongside luxury vehicles. The front featured squinting headlights with LED turn signals and stylish round lighting elements, adding to its dramatic and expensive look. Available in sedan and hatchback styles, the hatchback was particularly praised for its aesthetics and additional storage space. The interior boasted an impressive red leather option, enhancing its luxurious feel with leather trimmings throughout.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, with its 2023 redesign, adopted a clean and technical look. The machined-finish 19-inch wheels complemented its design, reducing the visual mass of its flanks. The Touring trim, tested in Canyon River Blue metallic paint, offered a black leather interior with grey accents and metallic finishes. Despite some shiny plastic elements, the interior was likened to an 'Acura Lite' experience, impressing with its comfort and style.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 250 horsepower. The turbo engine, paired with AWD, provided a thrilling driving experience, though fuel economy varied with configuration. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with tight steering and minimal body roll, making it a favourite among driving enthusiasts.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre gasoline engine with electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system provided a smooth and normal driving experience, with impressive acceleration and fuel efficiency of 5.5 L/100 km during testing. The Accord Hybrid's handling was responsive and enjoyable, making it an excellent daily driver.

The Mazda3 hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, competitive with some rivals but at the expense of rear passenger space. Rear legroom and headroom were tight, and visibility was hindered by the design. The sedan provided even less trunk space at 374 litres.

The Honda Accord Hybrid excelled in comfort, especially for rear passengers, with ample legroom and headroom. The Touring trim added features like air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers. The trunk offered 473 litres of cargo space, surpassing its class rivals, and the wide-opening doors facilitated easy access.

Mazda's infotainment system, centred around a rotary controller, required some acclimation but offered features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on upper trims. The 10.25-inch screen provided touchscreen functionality only with smartphone integration, and a Bose stereo enhanced the audio experience.

The Accord Hybrid boasted a 10.2-inch digital display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim featured a 12-speaker Bose system and Google Built-in, though voice recognition issues were noted. The digital instrumentation was practical, providing essential information clearly.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control available from the GS trim. The GT trim added Traffic Jam Assist.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with the Touring trim adding parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking. Some challenges with the safety systems were noted during testing.