2025 Honda Civic vs 2025 Mazda 3

$24,250 · Sedan

$24,150 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Honda Civic and the 2025 Mazda 3 often comes down to prioritizing efficiency versus engagement. If you spend hours daily in stop-and-go traffic, that extra 5 MPG combined efficiency of the Civic (36 MPG combined vs. Mazda 3's 31 MPG) translates to significant annual savings at the pump. However, if you crave a little more pep for highway merging, the Mazda 3 pulls ahead substantially, boasting 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Civic's 150 hp and 133 lb-ft. While the Civic offers a slightly larger cargo area at 14.8 cu ft versus 13.2 cu ft, the Mazda 3 is slightly nimbler on paper, being about 1.3 inches shorter in length. Priced almost identically, with the Mazda 3 starting at $24,150 and the Civic at $24,250, the real choice hinges on whether that superior horsepower or superior fuel economy better serves your driving routine.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda Civic

The 2025 Honda Civic wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 36 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Civic

The Civic edges out the Mazda 3 for families because it offers slightly more usable space with 14.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

The 2025 Mazda 3 appeals more to enthusiasts with significantly more power, delivering 191 hp compared to the Civic's 150 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Civic

The Civic offers better long-term value because its 5 MPG advantage directly translates to lower running costs for the average driver.

Choose the Honda Civic if...

You need the best possible fuel economy, netting 41 MPG on the highway.
You prefer the proven reliability and slightly greater cargo space of 14.8 cu ft.
You prefer the simple operation of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You prioritize spirited driving, benefiting from 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You want a slightly more compact sedan, measuring 183.5 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Civic	Mazda 3
Length	184.8"	183.5"
Width	70.9"	70.7"
Height	55.7"	56.9"
Wheelbase	107.7"	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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	150 hp @ 6400 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	133 lb-ft @ 4000 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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)	32/41 MPG	27/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	36 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.8/508.4 mi.	356.4/488.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
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
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.3 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 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	37.1 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	35.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	48.9 in.	50.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Mazda
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	16 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	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.
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 Civic and 2025 Mazda 3.

How much better is the fuel economy on the Civic versus the Mazda 3?

The 2025 Honda Civic offers a clear advantage here, achieving 36 combined MPG (32 city/41 highway). The 2025 Mazda 3 trails with a combined rating of 31 MPG (27 city/37 highway), a 5 MPG difference overall.

Which car feels faster in everyday driving?

The Mazda 3 feels notably faster on the road, generating 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial 41 hp increase over the Civic’s output of 150 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque.

Are the prices significantly different between these two models?

No, their starting prices are nearly identical for the base sedan models. The Mazda 3 starts at $24,150, while the Honda Civic is positioned slightly higher at $24,250, meaning initial cost isn't a major deciding factor.

Does one offer more practical storage than the other?

The Civic provides slightly more trunk space for your groceries or luggage, offering 14.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cubic feet.

What is the main transmission difference between the two sedans?

The Civic uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) designed to maximize efficiency, whereas the Mazda 3 utilizes a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for potentially more engaging driving feel.