Mazda and Honda are two of the most popular car brands in the world. Many compare the two brands as they have similar vehicles. So we will look at Mazda and Honda in this article to see how they compare. Mazda vs Honda – is Mazda more reliable than Honda?
When it comes to space and practicality, Honda vehicles are the better option. When it comes to safety and performance, Mazda vehicles are slightly better than Honda.
When it comes to Honda vs Mazda reliability, Honda is considered to be a more reliable car. Honda was recognized in 2020 for being one of the best car manufacturers for families because of its reliability. Mazdas are very reliable, but Honda scores slightly higher for reliability.
Read on to learn more about the difference between Mazda vs Honda and which is the better choice for you.
Mazda vs Honda
Honda vehicles are a better option when it comes to space, practicality, and long-term reliability. When it comes to safety and performance, Mazda vehicles are slightly better than Honda.
Mazda and Honda are both vehicle manufacturers that originated from Japan. Both are also well-known brands in the U.S. They are both recognized as leaders in the automotive industry too. But I know that you, as a buyer or user, are probably curious which one is the better brand.
When it comes to models, Honda offers more choices. And when it comes to sales, Honda sells more too. The reason is that they cater to the mass market. They also emphasize two aspects – overall value and sportiness. Honda vehicles are known for being family-friendly and dependable as well.
On the other hand, Mazda focuses on a more specialized market. It emphasizes nimble handling and style. Mazda vehicles are known for being head-turners and fun to drive.
To compare the two, we have to take into consideration several factors. Among these factors are:
- Price
- Reliability
- Safety
- Performance
Let’s discuss each one of them.
Mazda vs Honda Price
For pricing, it isn’t easy to compare the two brands. Both brands indeed have comparable vehicles. However, there are some types of Honda vehicles that Mazda doesn’t offer — and vice versa. For example, Honda offers a compact pickup truck, a minivan, and a few hybrids, while Mazda doesn’t.
Honda manufactures the most expensive vehicles, but they produce the cheapest ones too. The lowest Honda Ridgeline model costs US$33,900, and the lowest Honda Fit model costs US$16,190. With Mazda, the lowest CX-9 model costs US$33,890, while its cheapest CX-3 model is at US$20,640.
Some Mazda vehicles are also more expensive, such as the Mazda 3. It costs approximately US$1,700 higher than the Honda Civic. But between the Mazda 6 and the Honda Accord, prices are more or less the same. Suffice it to say, it can be quite challenging to know if these vehicles cost or save you more money.
Mazda vs Honda Reliability [Is Mazda More Reliable Than Honda?]
Honda has always been acknowledged for its reliability. That’s why it is also recognized to have the most family-friendly vehicles. In fact, this vehicle manufacturer received recognition in 2020 for being one of the best cars for families.
In this category, Mazda has not recognized the way Honda is. Nonetheless, it offers reliable vehicles too.
Are Mazdas Good Cars? Is Mazda Reliable?
Mazda vs Honda Safety
If we compare the safety features of the two, both Mazda and Honda deserve to get high scores.
Aside from the usual safety features, Honda has incorporated more into its 2020 vehicles, and they are quite impressive. These safety features are as follows:
- Honda Sensing
- Honda’s Safety Timeline
- Auto High-Beam Headlights and Cross Traffic Monitoring
- Honda LaneWatch with Blind Spot Information
Mazda highly prioritizes safety too. This vehicle manufacturer believes that ultimate safety and driving experience must go hand in hand. Its latest vehicle releases have incorporated the i-ACTIVSENSE technology, along with other features that promote advanced safety technologies.
Among the safety technologies incorporated in Mazda vehicles are as follows:
- Safety and Comfort Technology
- Hazard Perception and Avoidance Technology
- Pre-Crash Safety Technology
- Passive Safety Technology
We will discuss all these safety features later.
Honda Reliability – Are Hondas Reliable? [Civic, Accord, Fit and more]
Mazda vs Honda Performance
So, is Mazda more reliable than Honda? Critics say that some Honda models have lackluster engines. They also say that Mazda’s powertrains are quite impressive. Mazda wins this category when it comes to handling. In this category, it seems like Mazda is slightly ahead of the game.
Safety Features of Honda Vehicles
The following information talks about the safety technologies incorporated in 2020 Honda vehicles.
Honda Sensing
Honda Sensing is an intelligent driver assistance and safety technologies suite exclusively incorporated in Honda vehicles. This safety feature includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which automatically places pressure on the brakes when an unavoidable impact is detected.
Another safety feature is the Road Departure Mitigation System. In the event that you fail to use the signal light to drift out of your lane, this feature accordingly adjusts the braking and steering systems.
The suite consists of the Adaptive Cruise Control System. It allows the driver to set its predetermined following distance. That way, the vehicle maintains a distance that corresponds to a reasonable speed, minimizing driver interaction.
The suite also consists of the Traffic Sign Recognition System and the Lane Keep Assist System. The former can scan posted speed limits and alert the driver, whereas the latter allows your vehicle to remain centered in your lane.
Honda’s Safety Timeline
Honda has always been dedicated to prioritizing the safety of both drivers and passengers. Company engineers have decided to incorporate omnidirectional safety systems beginning with their 2020 vehicle models. These systems expect to decrease driver workload and minimize the incidence of crashes by roughly 50 percent.
Auto High-Beam Headlights and Cross Traffic Monitoring
The Auto High-Beam Headlights system allows automatic switching from low- to high-beam positions, and vice versa, as the need arises. The system is capable of monitoring surrounding conditions.
The Cross Traffic Monitoring system detects other vehicles using the rearview multi-angle camera. This way, drivers will know if vehicles are crossing as they back up. The system prevents parking lot collisions through beeps and indicator lights.
Honda LaneWatch with Blind Spot Information
The Honda LaneWatch system minimizes, if not eliminates, the driver’s problem with blind spots. This system features a side-mirror-mounted camera that activates when the signal light is on. If it detects another car or vehicle in the adjacent lane, the Blind Spot Information System automatically notifies the driver.
Safety Features of Mazda Vehicles
The following information talks about the safety technologies incorporated in 2020 Mazda vehicles.
Safety and Comfort Technology
This system is composed of several technologies that promote both safety and comfort. These features are as follows:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control
- Hill Launch Assist
- i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane-Keep Assist System
- Driver Attention Alert
- Adaptive LED Headlights
- High Beam Control System
- Adaptive Front Lighting System
Hazard Perception and Avoidance Technology
Mazda models allow drivers to be more aware while on the road. They are capable of sensing potential hazards. This technology consists of the following features:
- Forward Obstruction Warning
- Emergency Signal System
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Rear Vehicle Monitoring
In the event that the driver starts to drift from his lane, the Lane Departure Warning System steps in. This feature lets you take corrective action. There are additional features that help you prevent hazards and accidents, and these features include:
- Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control systems
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System
- Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Pre-crash Safety Technology
This safety feature allows the driver to minimize his risk exposure to collisions. It is capable of monitoring the surrounding conditions, including the behavior of vehicles near you.
This technology consists of these features:
1. Acceleration Control for AT
This feature automatically works if the driver hits the gas pedal accidentally. Obviously, it prevents accidents caused by sudden acceleration.
2. Smart Brake Support & Smart City Brake Support
These systems intend to minimize the gravity of rear-end collisions by decreasing engine output and applying brakes when a collision is evident.
3. Passive Safety Technology
Its Passive Safety Technology focuses on the safety of passengers if a collision occurs. This feature consists of the following:
- Rear Seat Occupant Protection
- Isofix-Compliant Child Seat Anchor
- Impact-Absorbing Steering System
- Anti-Intrusion Brake Pedal
- Impact-Absorbing Soft Interior
- A structure that avoids rear seat passengers from sliding forward in case of a crash
- Rear seat that avoids luggage from flying into the cabin
- Front seat that minimizes neck-related shock
- Seat belt with Load Limiter and Pretensioner
- SRS Airbag System
- SKYACTIV-BODY
Mazda vs Honda – Comparing Similar Models
Let’s compare the features of several Mazda and Honda vehicles.
Mazda 3 vs Honda Civic
First, let’s compare the Mazda 3 vs Honda Civic. When it comes to traditional small cars, the compact 2020 Honda Civic competes directly with the compact 2020 Mazda 3.
Both sedan and hatchback versions are available in the Mazda 3 and feature an all-wheel drive. But the 2020 Honda Civic comes in hatchback, sedan, and coupe. It has performance-focused and sporty models in its lineup, namely, the Si and Type R models.
The base price tag for the Mazda 3 sedan is US$21,500, while for the Honda Civic, the sedan’s price starts at US$20,650. The Mazda 3 hatchback costs US$23,700, while the Honda Civic hatchback costs US$21,750. As for the Honda Civic Coupe, the base price is US$21,050.
When it comes to seating accommodation, both of these models can seat five people. However, with Mazda 3, the rear row is quite a tight squeeze.
Both models feature a sleek design, soft-touch surfaces, and overall pleasing cabin atmospheres. The lower trims of the Honda Civic feature hard plastics, but they do not look cheap. The Mazda 3’s base model features cloth seating. Its middle trims feature synthetic leather upholstery, while the highest trim features genuine leather seating.
When it comes to the Honda Civic vs Mazda 3, the Civic shows slightly better performance – getting from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and completing a quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 90.8 mph (15.8 seconds at 90.2 mph for the Mazda 3). The Civic also has better fuel economy numbers.
Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CRV
Choosing between the Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CRV is probably one of the most difficult choices to make as a buyer. Both have the following features:
- Comfortable accommodations
- Top-notch cabins
- Safe and fuel-efficient compact crossovers
- Good overall driving dynamics
The starting price of the base 2020 Honda CR-V LX is US$25,050. Whereas, for the Mazda CX-5 Sports, the base price is at US$25,090.
When it comes to seat comfort, both models can accommodate five passengers. The Mazda CX-5 has comfortable front and rear seats. However, its rear seats are not as spacious as the rear seats of the Honda CRV. After all, Honda has always been known for its spacious head and legroom.
So Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 – which is better? The Honda CR-V is very functional, while the Mazda CX-5 is luxurious. The Honda CR-V also has a higher reliability score than the Mazda CX-5.
Mazda 6 vs Honda Accord
It is also quite difficult to choose between the Mazda 6 vs Honda Accord as both offer the following features:
- Safety
- Upscale interiors
- Desirable driving dynamics
The price of the 2019 Honda Accord’s base model is US$23,720, whereas the price of the 2019 Mazda 6’s base model is US$23,800.
In terms of seating capacity, both the Honda Accord and the Mazda 6 can accommodate five passengers. Both offer seat comfort, but Honda has the edge when it comes to the legroom. As earlier mentioned, Honda has always been known for providing plenty of legroom for the driver and passengers.
The 2020 Honda Accord and the 2020 Mazda 6 have both been released in the U.S. market. However, these models only feature minor changes from the 2019 models.
Conclusion – Honda vs Mazda
When it comes to space and practicality, Honda vehicles undoubtedly offer these features. But when it comes to safety and performance, Mazda vehicles are slightly ahead of the game.
Both brands are known for providing comfort and safety. And both are also known for offering the ultimate experience for the driver and passengers.
If you are buying a new vehicle and choosing between Mazda and Honda, buy the one that suits you best. When it comes to quality, design, and overall performance, both fare well.
My advice is to be specific about what you want in a vehicle. Look at the features of the Mazda and Honda vehicles, and identify which ones match your requirement.
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