New 2026 Honda Civic vs. Mazda3 in Zanesville, OH

Compact sedans remain one of the best values on the road, offering efficiency, practicality, and modern technology at a price that suits everyday budgets. The 2026 Honda Civic Sedan and the Mazda3 are two of the top contenders in this segment. However, when it comes to personalization, technology, safety, and long-term satisfaction, the Civic stands out as the clear winner.

At Zanesville Honda, we’ve compared both models head-to-head to help you choose the sedan that delivers the features, comfort, and value you truly deserve.

Pricing & Value

2026 Honda Civic Sedan: Starting at $24,595

2026 Mazda3: Starting at $24,550

Although the prices appear similar, the Civic gives drivers more standard value, more available tech, better fuel economy, and more personalization—all without forcing you into higher trims just to get core features.

Performance

The 2026 Civic Sedan is built for smooth, confident driving, offering efficiency and capability that meet the needs of real-world Ohio roads.

Honda Civic Advantages

The Civic offers up to an available 200-horsepower hybrid powertrain, delivering impressive acceleration while achieving 32/41 mpg city/hwy, which rivals the segment’s best. The available 4-mode drive system (ECOM, Sport, Individual, Normal) also gives drivers more control over how the Civic performs on a day-to-day basis.

Honda engineered the Civic for balance—providing responsive handling, outstanding fuel efficiency, and available hybrid performance without requiring premium fuel.

Where Mazda Falls Short

The Mazda3 does offer more available horsepower on its top-level turbo trim, but achieving that power requires premium gasoline and a far higher MSRP. Even its base powertrain cannot match the Civic’s efficiency. For most drivers, Honda delivers the better blend of everyday performance and long-term savings.

Personalization & Comfort

One of the Civic’s most significant advantages is how much freedom it gives shoppers to choose a look and feel that matches their personality.

Honda Civic: More Colors, More Comfort

• Seven exterior colors + four trims

• Available two-tone-style accents through higher trims

• Available leather-trimmed seats

• Heated front seats & 8-way power driver’s seat

• One-touch power moonroof

• Dual-zone climate control

• 60/40 split-folding rear seatback

The Civic seats five comfortably and adds premium touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, soft-touch surfaces, and a customizable digital instrument cluster—features Mazda often limits to higher trims.

Mazda3: Limited Customization

Mazda offers just three colors for the 3 Sedan, and many desirable comfort features require jumping multiple trim levels. The Civic simply makes personalization easier and more affordable.

Technology

Honda brings an impressive level of connectivity and advanced cabin tech, even at lower trims—something Mazda struggles to match without upgrades.

Civic Technology Highlights

• Available Google built-in

• Available Bose Premium Sound System

• Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility

• Wireless phone charger

• Customizable digital instrument cluster

• LED headlights & taillights standard

The Civic’s integration of Google apps, available wireless connectivity, and intuitive interface give it a major advantage for drivers who rely on seamless smartphone sync and hands-free capability.

Mazda3 Tech Overview

The Mazda3 features Alexa Built-in and a clean interface, but it lacks the deep integration, customization, and Google ecosystem support Honda provides. Its display also feels more restrictive compared to the Civic’s highly customizable setup.

Safety & Driver Assistance

When it comes to protecting you and your passengers, Honda once again leads the way.

Honda Civic Safety Features

Every 2026 Civic Sedan comes equipped with the Honda Sensing® Suite, including:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™

• Road Departure Mitigation System

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

• Lane Keeping Assist System with Traffic Jam Assist

• Traffic Sign Recognition

• Blind Spot Information System

• Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines

These systems work together to provide surround-awareness and proactive protection—standard on every Civic.

Mazda3 Safety

Mazda’s i-Activsense® features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Vehicle Exit Warning, and Cruising & Traffic Support. While helpful, Mazda reserves many advanced safety features for higher trims, whereas Honda makes its entire suite standard.

Ready to Test Drive the New Honda Civic? Visit Us Today at Zanesville Honda!

Ready to experience the 2026 Honda Civic Sedan for yourself? Visit Zanesville Honda to explore our current vehicle inventory, compare trim levels, and take a test drive. You can also stop by our showroom at 3240 Maple Ave, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 or call us at (740) 454-2512 for more information. We offer a wide selection of new Honda inventory, flexible financing options, and we make upgrading easy with top-value trade-ins. Your next Civic is waiting—discover it today at Zanesville Honda.

Disclaimers

MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,195 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

32 city/41 highway/36 combined mpg rating for LX. 31 city/39 highway/34 combined mpg rating for Sport. 50 city/47 highway/49 combined mpg rating for Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.

Total system horsepower (ISO net) as measured by the peak, concurrent output of the two electric motors and gasoline engine.

Data speeds may temporarily be slowed if the network is busy. Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.

Prices and colors may vary by trim. See your local dealer for more information.

Depending on use, Apple CarPlay can share certain user and vehicle information (e.g., vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions) with the connected iPhone. See Apple's privacy policy for details regarding Apple's use and handling of data uploaded by CarPlay. Use of CarPlay is at user's own risk, and is subject to agreement to the CarPlay terms of use, which are included as part of the Apple iOS terms of use. CarPlay vehicle compatibility is provided "as is", and Honda cannot guarantee CarPlay operability or functionality now or in the future due to, among other conditions, changes in CarPlay software/Apple iOS, service interruptions, or incompatibility or obsolescence of vehicle-integrated hardware or software. See dealer for details. Only use CarPlay when conditions allow you to do so safely. Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Google, Android, Android Auto, YouTube Music and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Wireless use of Android Auto requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility.

Wireless phone charger is compatible with Qi wireless charging standards. Check with your device's manufacturer for wireless capability.

The systems are not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes or backing up, and may not detect all objects, or provide complete information about conditions, behind or to the side of the vehicle. System accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object, and speed. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera display does not provide complete information about all conditions and objects at the rear of your vehicle.

Depending on the circumstances, CMBS may not go through all the alert stages before initiating the last stage (of collision mitigation). CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Road Departure Mitigation only alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque to assist driver in maintaining proper lane position or to slow the vehicle's departure from a detected lane. RDM may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

ACC with Low-Speed Follow cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

LKAS with TJA only assists driver in maintaining proper lane position when lane markings are identified without a turn signal in use and can only apply mild steering torque to assist. The system may not detect all lane markings; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

TSR cannot detect all traffic signs, may misidentify certain signs and does not include any braking or speed control functions. Accuracy will vary based on weather and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for complying with all traffic regulations.