While many families are moving towards SUVs, midsize sedans are still the most popular family and solo-mission vehicles on the road.
There are nearly endless possibilities for a great midsize car: from daily commutes to weekend road trips to the school pickup line. Of course, among the various makes and models out there, two cars tend to stick out from the rest.
The question then becomes, which is the better car? That’s why the battle between the 2021 Mazda6 vs. the Honda Accord is the competition of the century, and it doesn’t require pay-per-view to enjoy it.
Here are some key highlights that will help you see how these two icons compare:
Take Care Of Your Wallet
Winner: The Mazda6 by a hair
While both the Mazda6 and the Accord are extremely affordable options, there are some variations in their starting MSRPs. This could be a deciding factor in your purchasing decisions, especially when the final price might impact which trim levels or upgrades you add.
The Mazda6 starts at $24,325 for its base model. The highest trim comes in at $35,750. The Accord, on the other hand, starts at $24,770 and tops out at $36,700. While these prices are pretty similar, the extra savings could ensure you have enough left over to throw a pair of fuzzy dice around the rearview mirror.
Your Comfort Matters
Toss Up
When comparing the interiors of the 2021 Mazda6 and the Honda Accord, there are two areas to consider: seat comfort and interior quality. Both of these five-seaters offer plenty of space; many passengers enjoy the extra rear-leg from in the Accord. This Honda sedan tends to have an overall bigger cabin.
While the Accord has an attractive interior, you’ll find a combination of soft-touch and hard plastic materials throughout. The Mazda6, on the other hand, provides a more upscale look and feel. You’ll feel like every drive is in first-class from the Mazda’s premium materials.
Enjoy Every Turn
Winner: Too Close To Call
One of the most important elements of picking out any vehicle is how it handles the road. It doesn’t matter how comfortable or attractive a car is if it can’t get you from point A to point B. The Mazda6 comes equipped with a standard 2.5-liter engine that provides a powerful 187 horsepower. The standard Accord engine, however, is a 1.5-liter turbo that kicks out 192 hp. That means the Accord will get you off of the starting line a little faster. Both options also provide a higher-level engine, but their output is pretty similar.
Because the Accord uses a smaller turbo engine that offers more oomph from a smaller engine, it provides better gas mileage. The Mazda6 offers 26/35 mpg city/highway while the Accord gives you 30/38 respectively.
Once you get your sedan moving, the Mazda6 does provide a better ride and handling experience. Both sedans are quick and agile, but the Accord just doesn’t hold up to the Mazda6’s athletic prowess. Mazda’s car also earned higher reliability ratings by J.D. Power, meaning you’ll be able to count on this car to get you to your destination throughout the years.
The Choice Is Yours
The reality is that you probably can’t go wrong with either vehicle. The battle of the 2021 Mazda6 vs Honda Accord may not have a clear and absolute winner; there are enough differences to help make the decision.
If you prefer a sedan with a little more room and a couple of extra miles per gallon, the Accord is an excellent choice. If, however, you want more control on the road with higher reliability ratings at an overall lower cost, the Mazda6 is a great choice for you. Of course, the best way to really know is to stop by your local dealer and test them for yourself.
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