The 2026 Mazda Mazda3 is the latest in a long line of cars known for being both affordable and very fun to drive, a rare and engaging combination. The Honda Civic is also known as a fine-handling vehicle, and like the Mazda3, it’s available in both sedan and hatchback forms.
Which one is right for you? Let’s find out.
2026 Mazda Mazda3
Whether you choose the hatchback or sedan form of the 2026 Mazda Mazda3, you’ll get a car that starts below $27,000 (the sedan is slightly more affordable) in base form and ranges up to nearly $40,000 in its upper reaches. While the top-spec Civic Type R is more potent than the top-spec Mazda 3 Turbo Premium Plus, the entry points are the reverse, with the Mazda3 offering an impressive 20% more power.
Mazda Mazda3 Highlights
Available 6-speed manual transmission: If you’re an enthusiast looking for practical daily transportation, the Mazda3 hits a definite sweet spot, and unlike some of the alternatives, it can be had with a proper manual gearbox in the hatchback.
Available AWD: The Mazda3 isn’t just a fair-weather friend; it can be equipped for year-round confidence. If you want all-wheel drive (AWD), you’ll need to opt for the mid-tier 2.5 S Carbon Edition or the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, as the other models are front-wheel drive (FWD) only.
Amazing value: Even if you don’t spring for the top-spec turbo or the 6-speed manual transmission, the Mazda3 remains an engaging choice, and it’s well-equipped for the money, too, from the base trim on up. The 2.5 S Preferred may be a sweet spot, with all of the niceties of the lower trims plus a power moonroof, heated front seats, and 8-way power driver’s seat with memory.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda3 models near you.
2026 Honda Civic
The 2026 Honda Civic is a living legend, one of the top cars in the U.S. market for decades now. Chances are you’ve owned one, and if you haven’t, you’ve at least ridden in one. The Civic is also a solid value, although it is generally priced a bit higher than an equivalent Mazda3.
Honda Civic Highlights
Roomy cabin: Whether you’re in one of the performance variants or the base model, the Civic offers plenty of space in both the front and rear seats. The Civic’s back-seat legroom is almost the best in class at 37.4 inches, over 2 inches more than what the Mazda3 offers. Likewise, the Civic has about 10% more trunk space.
Type R: The entry point to the Civic range offers 150 horsepower, but the peak of the line, the Type R, is good for 315 hp and also comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Type R is hatchback-only, and aside from the Si, the only way to get a manual transmission in your Civic. If you’re looking for a seriously fast yet refined hot hatch, look no further.
Excellent resale value: If you are looking to maximize the money you get out of your next car when it’s time to sell it, you can’t do better than the Civic, which is best in class. The Mazda3 is near the bottom of its class, with somewhat below-average resale value.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Civic models near you.
New 2026 MAZDA MAZDA3 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$25,885 |
$24,300 |
|||
$26,775 |
$25,200 |
|||
$28,525 |
$27,000 |
|||
$31,050 |
$29,400 |
|||
$32,885 |
$31,000 |
|||
$38,175 |
$36,000 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA MAZDA3 vehicles and New 2026 Honda Civic vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2026 MAZDA MAZDA3 | 2026 Honda Civic | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 150 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 133 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 6-speed skyactiv-drive w/manual & sport modes | Automatic, CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 27 city/36 highway/28 combined mpg | 32 city/41 highway/36 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 inches | 107.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.0 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.3 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 35.1 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.7 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.5 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo capacity | 13.2 cubic feet | 14.8 cubic feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
While you certainly can’t go wrong with either of these cars, whether in sedan or hatchback form, it’s equally certain that each will appeal to a different type of buyer. If you’re looking for a sporty, affordable, efficient car with solid features and equipment, the Mazda3 is likely your answer. If you’re looking for something a bit more sensible, or if you’re looking for even more performance than the Mazda3 offers, take a closer look at the Civic.
