2025 Honda Accord vs 2026 Mazda 3

$28,295 · Sedan

$24,550 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the roomy reliability of the 2025 Honda Accord and the sharp, accessible style of the 2026 Mazda 3 often comes down to how you prioritize space versus initial savings. The Accord commands a $3,745 higher MSRP at $28,295, but it backs that price with tangible utility. For instance, the Accord offers a significantly larger 16.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft, a noticeable difference for weekly errands. Fuel economy is nearly a wash, with the Accord achieving 32 MPG combined versus the Mazda 3's 30 MPG combined. While the Accord pushes out 192 hp, the Mazda 3 is slightly behind with 186 hp. Buyers needing true long-haul comfort and superior passenger volume will lean toward the Accord's larger 195.7-inch frame.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda Accord

The 2025 Honda Accord offers slightly better highway efficiency at 37 MPG versus the Mazda 3's 36 MPG, making slightly smaller gains over long commutes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Accord

With a substantial 16.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Accord easily swallows more gear than the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3's smaller footprint (183.5 inches long) often translates to a more nimble feel, despite only having 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Accord's 192 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda 3

The 2026 Mazda 3 undercuts the Accord by $3,745 at its $24,550 MSRP, making it the cheaper entry point.

Choose the Honda Accord if...

You frequently haul large amounts of luggage or gear, needing the sedan's maximum 16.7 cu ft of trunk space.
You prefer slightly more horsepower, as the Accord delivers 192 hp compared to the Mazda 3's 186 hp.
You prioritize overall passenger volume delivered by the Accord's larger 195.7-inch exterior length.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

Saving money upfront is key, as the Mazda 3 starts $3,745 cheaper at $24,550.
You prefer the engagement of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a standard CVT.
You want a smaller, slightly more city-friendly vehicle based on its narrower 70.7-inch width.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Accord	Mazda 3
Length	195.7"	183.5"
Width	73.3"	70.7"
Height	57.1"	56.9"
Wheelbase	111.4"	107.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	192 hp @ 6000 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	192 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/37 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	32 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	429.2/547.6 mi.	356.4/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 in.	54.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	34.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.4 in.	50.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/50R	205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Accord and 2026 Mazda 3.

What is the primary performance difference between these two sedans?

The 2025 Accord has a slight edge in power, producing 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Mazda 3 offers 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, meaning the difference in acceleration will be minimal in real-world driving.

Is the fuel economy significantly different for daily commuting?

No, the difference is minor; the Accord gets a combined 32 MPG (29 city/37 highway), just beating the Mazda 3's combined 30 MPG (27 city/36 highway). Both use regular unleaded fuel.

Which car is substantially better for fitting passengers and cargo?

The Accord is better for utility, offering a generous 16.7 cu ft for cargo, substantially more than the Mazda 3’s 13.2 cu ft. The Accord is also longer overall at 195.7 inches.

Why would someone choose the Mazda 3 despite the lower horsepower?

The main draw for the Mazda 3 is the significantly lower starting MSRP of $24,550, saving buyers $3,745 immediately compared to the Accord.

What about the transmissions—are they similar?

They are quite different; the Accord uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), whereas the Mazda 3 comes equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Since both are FWD, do they handle similarly?

Both models utilize front-wheel drive, but the Mazda 3’s lighter weight and narrower body might provide a more connected, smaller-car feel compared to the larger, road-oriented Accord.