Some of the toughest competition in the automotive industry happens in the front-wheel drive midsize sedan segment. When you look at the cars in that segment it’s easy to see why. The Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu and several other high-quality cars are in this segment.
Two of the most notable cars are the Honda Accord and the Mazda6. Both of these cars take an approach that’s a bit sportier than some of the competition and when they’re outfitted in sport trim, the make for one heck of a tough matchup. Check out the details below to see just how close these to important midsizers really are.
Honda Accord Sport
Honda’s Accord has always been an attractive and practical car with a little more flare than most of the competition. The latest Accord is no different. It’s attractive and sporty without being polarizing. From a performance standpoint, it features precise steering, decent power and a good all-around driving experience.
When outfitted in sport trim, the Accord offers a truly impressive package for an affordable price. It comes equipped with Honda LaneWatch, auto high-beam headlights, stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, multi-angle rearview camera and tire-pressure monitoring system. As well as available collision mitigation braking system and road departure mitigation system. While we weren’t thrilled with the Accord’s infotainment controls, the system has a robust selection of features accessible through the 8-inch touchscreen, including Bluetooth connectivity, SMS text messaging function, Pandora compatibility and more.
- Base Price for Trim Level: $24,415
- Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
- Power: 189 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
- Drivetrain/Layout: Front-wheel drive, front engine
- Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway (manual); 27 mpg city 36 mpg highway (automatic)
- Curb Weight: 3,300 lbs (manual); 3,369 lbs (automatic)
- Exterior Dimensions: L 192.5 inches, W 109.3 inches, H 57.7 inches
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Legroom Front/Rear:42.5 inches, 38.5 inches
- Cargo Space:15.8 cubic feet
Find Local Discounts on the Honda Accord
Mazda6 Sport
While the Honda Accord is an attractive and stylish car, the Mazda6’s curves make the Accord look bland. Mazda’s KODO design language has birthed a lineup of vehicles that are extremely impressive to look at. The Mazda6 is so much more than just a good-looking car. It has some of the best driving dynamics in the segment thanks to a good chassis, tight, responsive steering and a strong four-pot engine.
Beyond that, it comes equipped with stability control, traction control, a rearview camera, tire-pressure monitoring system, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and more safety features. From an infotainment perspective, the Mazda6 has some of the best controls this side of the luxury market and plenty of features displayed via the 7-inch touchscreen, including Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, SMS text message audio delivery and reply, Pandora and Stitcher integration and more.
- Base Price for Trim Level: $22,995
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
- Power: 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain/Layout: Front-wheel drive, front engine
- Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway (manual); 26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway (automatic)
- Curb Weight: 3,179 lbs (manual; 3,250 (automatic)
- Exterior Dimensions: L 191.5 inches, W 72.4 inches, H 57.1 inches
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Legroom Front/Rear: 42.2 inches, 38.7 inches
- Cargo Space: 14.8 cubic feet
