The Honda Accord and the Mazda6 are both popular cars among sedan shoppers. Honda’s model is fun to drive, offers plenty of passenger space, and boasts some excellent fuel economy numbers. The Mazda6 provides drivers with excellent ride quality and many standard features.

Since both cars are so similar, it can be hard to choose which one to buy. The Mazda6 and Honda Accord are also very affordable, with base trims starting at around $25,000. According to a recent review on Autotrader, each car has a lot of strengths and very few weaknesses. Is one car better than the other?

The 2020 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord offers drivers a choice between two engines. The standard is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that can make up to 192 hp. It’s paired with a CVT or a six-speed manual, depending on the trim.

The Touring, Sport, and EX-L versions can have a turbo 2.0-liter engine capable of 252 hp. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which operates smoothly and gives drivers a more exciting drive. However, the base engine still offers plenty of power for daily driving. It also gets the best gas mileage – up to 33 mpg combined city/highway.

If you want to save even more on fuel, the Accord is also available as a hybrid. It gets up to 48 mpg combined city/highway. Whether you buy the hybrid or the gas-operated Accord, both vehicles have the same aesthetically pleasing interior.

The inside of the Honda Accord is thoughtfully designed with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. The seats are comfortable and taller passengers won’t have any problems getting comfortable in the second row. The infotainment system is very easy to navigate, though it doesn’t come with standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2020 Mazda6

The Mazda6 sedan’s interior is just as upscale as the one inside the Honda Accord. However, it has some unique upgrades, like real wood accents inside the cabin. Its base infotainment system offers a good selection of features, though some critics like Car and Driver found the menus to be a little confusing.

While the seats inside the Mazda6 are cozy enough, the car itself is smaller than the Accord. Taller passengers may find less legroom in the backseat, but the car’s wide-opening doors allow for easy entry and exit. Trunk space is also below average for its class, but the opening is large and the seats fold down easily.

The Mazda6 has two powertrain options. The standard motor is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder capable of 187 hp. In 2018, a new turbocharged engine was made available that can make up to 250 hp. Both offer ample power, but the turbocharged motor predictably gets the best acceleration.

Both engines also come with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. Like many other Mazda vehicles, the Mazda6’s handling is nimble and steady around tight corners. Critics were also impressed with the performance of the larger brakes on the Grand Touring Trim.

Which car is right for you?

If you have a larger family, the Honda Accord may be the best option. Rearseat room in the Mazda6 is slightly less generous, and there’s not as much cargo space. The Honda Accord is also more fuel-efficient than the Mazda6.

However, the performance from the Mazda6’s available turbo is hard to beat. It got better crash test ratings than the Honda Accord, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It also comes with more standard and available safety functions, including a 360-degree backup camera. Still, both the Honda Accord and Mazda6 are excellent vehicles overall.