Honda
Accord
Mazda
6
Honda Accord vs Mazda 6: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Honda Accord comes out ahead of the Mazda 6 on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Accord
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the Accord consistently praised as a benchmark for reliability, practicality, and long-term value. Owners across multiple generations express deep satisfaction, describing their vehicles as "bulletproof," "reliable as fuck," and capable of lasting over 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. The car is widely recommended as a comfortable, spacious, and fuel-efficient family sedan that excels at daily driving.
Best version to buy
For the 9th generation (approx. 2013-2017), the V6 engine, particularly in coupe form with a 6-speed manual transmission, is highly regarded for its smoothness, power (noted as being underrated at nearly 300 hp), and engaging driving character. For the 10th generation (2018-2022), the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is strongly preferred over the 1.5T, with owners noting it is a detuned Civic Type R engine with high tuning potential and a superior, more reliable 10-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠1.5L Turbocharged Engine Reliability: Reports of blown head gaskets and fuel injector failures, described as a "staggering" number of issues, making ownership a "hit or miss." Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠CVT Transmission Performance: Noted as "sluggish," with a detached feeling and a "weird" sound under hard acceleration, though acknowledged to work well enough for average daily driving. Some owners express long-term reliability concerns.
- ⚠Infotainment System Lag: Slow response times, slow menu navigation, and delays in connecting to phones. Frequency: recurrent.
6
Overall
Sentiment is broadly positive, with the Mazda 6 consistently praised for its reliability, longevity, and driving dynamics. Long-term owner reports frequently highlight the vehicle's ability to reach high mileages (e.g., 250,000 miles, 377,000 miles) with minimal major issues when properly maintained. The car is commended for its handsome design, well-regarded interior quality in its class, and a driving experience often described as more engaging than key competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" trim or version across all generations. Feedback is divided by powertrain preference.
Known issues
- ⚠Thin paint / paint chipping and fading: noted on multiple generations, particularly older models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Rust issues: especially on heat shields and exhaust components, causing rattles; mentioned on pre-2014 models and some later examples. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Steering wheel vibration / shake at highway speeds (55-65 mph / 89-105 km/h): often attributed to tire balance rather than mechanical fault. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Honda Accord is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Mazda 6, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Honda Accord are a dealbreaker, the Mazda 6 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Honda Accord than the Mazda 6. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mazda 6 than the Honda Accord. See the known issues comparison above.