Awesome comparison. Have recently been driving both to determine our next vehicle. Without a doubt the Civic is a better overall car on paper, more room, better fuel economy, more modern tech. The new civic interior comes very close to the Mazda’s but is still a little busier and the touch screen is still a bolted on etch a sketch. Driving wise the NA 3 still seemed better. There is just a more relaxed smoothness to the three. I think the civic may take it on handling but the 3 just has better steering feel. Where the three does outshine the Civic is in noise levels. Even the top dog Touring, while greatly improved, still suffers mass market interior noise, where the 3 is premium hushed. The Civic is awesome though and it’s hard to go wrong with either. The 3 is still the emotional and just slightly more premium and drivers choice.
There are a lot of things we like about the Civic but two things made us choose the Mazda3 : There is too much tire noise because of lack of sound insulation and the engine is too busy and noisy when accelerating because of the CVT.
To be honest, I’m not shopping either of these, nor would I likely. But, your reviews are so good, I watch even when not applicable. As usual, I learned some things. Thank you for the great content.
I have long been a big fan of Honda. Over the years I have owned 2 Civic Hatchbacks, 2 del Sols and 2 Accord sedans (all M/T except 1 Accord). But even though Honda still builds builds excellent cars, they are far easier to respect/admire than to love. I have also owned a Mazda6, an RX8 and 2 Miatas. In my view, there is still something undefinably appealing about Madza that Honda no longer has. Even when the Honda is quantifiably superior, I find I *want* the Mazda more
“Leaving room for people to cut in” - that is called sharing the road. It’s not like 50 cars will be likely to cut in as a stream of salmon, is it? People who rubberneck create these pulses in stop and go traffic, whereas if everyone chilled out, we could peacefully chug along at constant, albeit not fast average speed.
I personally prefer the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 over HRV and Civic, mainly because the Mazdas drive in a more lively way than their Honda counterparts, and I also think they look better!
@@JamesPlaysWithCars Thank you. I'm assuming that you like the Mazda CX-30 better than the Kia Seltos?? I've seen other UA-camrs choose the Seltos as the better car and sayingthe CX-30 is sluggish compared to the Seltos. That's hard to believe. I feel the Mazda is an Elevated Quality car versus the Seltos.
I haven’t test driven the Seltos, so I’m sorry wouldn’t be able to say with firsthand knowledge which one drives better. I hope you have the chance to drive them both and make an informed decision that way :)
Good point, Jose. Have you personally used any such devices? I'm thinking of buying one to test it out in our CX-30, and if you've had a good (or bad) experience with one, that would be helpful as I shop for one.
Are you team Civic or team Mazda3, and why? Comment below!
Team mazda 3 but tbh do like the civic’s practical interior space
Mazda3 no CVT, less road noise.
I’ve a 2015 Civic… while the 2022 looks much nicer in design, I prefer Mazda!
Underrated reviewer. I appreciate your insight James!
Awesome comparison. Have recently been driving both to determine our next vehicle. Without a doubt the Civic is a better overall car on paper, more room, better fuel economy, more modern tech. The new civic interior comes very close to the Mazda’s but is still a little busier and the touch screen is still a bolted on etch a sketch. Driving wise the NA 3 still seemed better. There is just a more relaxed smoothness to the three. I think the civic may take it on handling but the 3 just has better steering feel. Where the three does outshine the Civic is in noise levels. Even the top dog Touring, while greatly improved, still suffers mass market interior noise, where the 3 is premium hushed. The Civic is awesome though and it’s hard to go wrong with either. The 3 is still the emotional and just slightly more premium and drivers choice.
There are a lot of things we like about the Civic but two things made us choose the Mazda3 : There is too much tire noise because of lack of sound insulation and the engine is too busy and noisy when accelerating because of the CVT.
To be honest, I’m not shopping either of these, nor would I likely. But, your reviews are so good, I watch even when not applicable. As usual, I learned some things. Thank you for the great content.
I have long been a big fan of Honda. Over the years I have owned 2 Civic Hatchbacks, 2 del Sols and 2 Accord sedans (all M/T except 1 Accord).
But even though Honda still builds builds excellent cars, they are far easier to respect/admire than to love.
I have also owned a Mazda6, an RX8 and 2 Miatas.
In my view, there is still something undefinably appealing about Madza that Honda no longer has. Even when the Honda is quantifiably superior, I find I *want* the Mazda more
Mark, thanks for sharing your perspective, which is clearly based on many years of experience with the two brands!
“Leaving room for people to cut in” - that is called sharing the road. It’s not like 50 cars will be likely to cut in as a stream of salmon, is it?
People who rubberneck create these pulses in stop and go traffic, whereas if everyone chilled out, we could peacefully chug along at constant, albeit not fast average speed.
This comment is not really about James, rather about hearing multiple people saying they don’t want to let people cut in…
Hi James, If you could have only 1 car...Do you like the MAZDA CX-30 or the Honda Civic better? Thank you!
I personally prefer the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 over HRV and Civic, mainly because the Mazdas drive in a more lively way than their Honda counterparts, and I also think they look better!
@@JamesPlaysWithCars Thank you. I'm assuming that you like the Mazda CX-30 better than the Kia Seltos?? I've seen other UA-camrs choose the Seltos as the better car and sayingthe CX-30 is sluggish compared to the Seltos. That's hard to believe. I feel the Mazda is an Elevated Quality car versus the Seltos.
I haven’t test driven the Seltos, so I’m sorry wouldn’t be able to say with firsthand knowledge which one drives better. I hope you have the chance to drive them both and make an informed decision that way :)
I am trading my 2020 mazda 3 sport gt for 2022 civic touring sedan. How much should i lower my expectation for honda’s stereo/audio system?
That wireless carplay can be installed in most cars now plug & go device.
Good point, Jose. Have you personally used any such devices? I'm thinking of buying one to test it out in our CX-30, and if you've had a good (or bad) experience with one, that would be helpful as I shop for one.
@@JamesPlaysWithCars If you decide to buy one please do a video reviewing it.
In Australia, Honda sucks. The civic is only available in one trim that cost $35,000 USD.
Typical modern Honda/Acura awful styling & likely average quality & reliability at best.