The current market favors the Honda Accord for most buyers: it’s still sold new, offers up-to-date safety tech and powertrains, and provides strong practicality and resale value. The Mazda6 is not sold new in the United States, but remains a compelling option on the used-car market for those who prize driving dynamics and a premium-feeling interior.
Market reality and updates
In the United States, Mazda discontinued new Mazda6 sales after the 2021 model year, while the Honda Accord continues to receive updates and remains in production. This fundamental difference shapes purchasing decisions today, particularly for buyers seeking a new midsize sedan with the latest software, safety features, and warranty coverage.
Regional nuance
Availability varies by market. Some regions outside the U.S. still offer Mazda6 in certain trims or under different branding, but the global focus for Mazda in the midsize sedan segment has shifted toward SUVs and crossovers.
Head-to-head factors
Here are the main dimensions buyers compare when considering these two midsize sedans today:
- Driving dynamics and ride quality
- Interior design and materials
- Technology, infotainment, and safety features
- Practicality and cargo space
- Ownership costs, reliability, and resale value
In summary, your choice will depend on whether you value a driver-focused feel and premium interior (Mazda6, primarily in the used market) or a well-rounded, modern, and readily available new-car package (Honda Accord).
Category-by-category deep dive
Driving dynamics
The Mazda6 has long been praised for sharp handling, precise steering, and a chassis that aims for a premium feel. The Accord, by contrast, emphasizes a smoother, quieter ride with strong acceleration from its turbo engines and a refined chassis that prioritizes comfort and daily usability. In a new-car context, the Accord offers a balanced blend of comfort and poise, while a well-kept used Mazda6 can still appeal to drivers who crave a sportier, more engaged feel.
Interior design and materials
Mazda6 interiors have historically stood out for premium materials, tasteful design, and a driver-centric cockpit. The Honda Accord interior is spacious, modern, and highly functional, with roomy rear seats and a straightforward control layout. New Accord cabins tend to feel more upscale and practical for daily use, while a used Mazda6 may impress with its tactile quality if well maintained.
Technology and safety
Honda Sensing is standard on many Accord trims, providing a robust suite of driver-assistance features. Honda’s infotainment system has become more intuitive with recent generations, including strong smartphone integration. Mazda offers its i-Activsense safety features, but some advanced tech tends to appear across higher trims or in newer model-year updates. In practical terms, new Accord models generally deliver more up-to-date software and safety tech out of the showroom.
Practicality and ownership costs
The Accord typically offers more interior space, a larger trunk, and strong real-world fuel economy, contributing to favorable ownership costs and resale value. The Mazda6, when available as a new car in certain markets or years, often commands premium-feel interior quality and engaging performance, but maintenance and parts costs can be higher, especially for older models. Overall, new-car affordability and ongoing costs tilt toward the Accord, while used Mazda6 ownership can appeal to enthusiasts who accept the trade-offs.
Bottom line for buyers
The Honda Accord is the clearer choice for most buyers seeking a new midsize sedan today. It delivers modern tech, solid safety scores, practicality, and reliable ownership experience. The Mazda6 remains a strong option for those who prioritize driving dynamics and a premium feel, but its limited new-car availability means most shoppers will encounter it only in the used market (where conditions vary by year and maintenance history).
Summary
In brief: For current-value and convenience, the Honda Accord typically offers the smarter package as a new car. The Mazda6, though not widely available new, continues to attract fans of a sportier drive and upscale interior in the used-car segment. Your final choice should hinge on whether you value new-car certainty and space (Accord) or driving engagement and premium ambience (Mazda6, used).
Are mazdas as reliable as Honda's?
Reliability Comparison
According to Consumer Reports' statistics, Mazda and Honda both excel in reliability, but Mazda edges out in some categories. Mazda's overall reliability score is 65 points, while Honda scores 62 points.
What is the common problem with the Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 is known for its sleek design and smooth driving experience, but like any car, it has its share of common issues that can arise over time. Owners often encounter problems such as faulty brakes, transmission hiccups, and occasional electrical glitches.
Why is the Mazda 6 not selling?
One of the main reasons why the Mazda6 was discontinued was a shift in consumer preferences. The demand for midsize sedans decreased as the public became more interested in crossovers and SUVs because of their increased ground clearance and cargo space.
Which is more reliable, the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6?
Overall Reliability Rating
The severity and frequency of repairs are both much lower than other vehicles, so the Accord is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road. The Mazda 6 Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 24 for midsize cars.