CAR WARS! A Mid-Size Sedan Showdown - 2013 Honda Accord vs. 2014 Mazda6

CAR WARS! A Mid-Size Sedan Showdown - 2013 Honda Accord vs. 2014 Mazda6
In recent weeks we've seen two unveils against cars that go head-to-head in the same class. In one corner we have the 2013 Honda Accord. In the other corner we have the 2014 Mazda6. Now, let's have a clean fight!

Here's the thing about both of these products that makes them each interesting though: Each was built with a different perspective in mind.

Honda's Accord is a go-to vehicle in its class. Its owners are incredibly loyal and even when Honda makes a "meh" vehicle, the automaker will still walk away with some dollars in its pocket. Honda knows it can get away with making a marginally better vehicle but I have to say that I sort of like the 2013 Accord. It doesn't feature groundbreaking design, but it doesn't have to. Then we have its interior, which to my eyes isn't necessarily visually appealing, but is one of the tops in its class. The two screen set up is pretty rad.

Now the Mazda6, on the other hand, could be this manufacturer's swan song. Mazda is enduring some tough times but with the success of the CX-5, it could be the brand's renaissance. The Mazda6 has generated a TON of attention here on AutoSpies ever since the Takeri Concept made its big-time debut. Frankly, I don't believe there is a better looking product in this class, though the new Ford Fusion is easy on the eyes. However, the Mazda6's interior isn't what I'd call class leading. It's a good attempt but when you compare it with the Accord it looks a generation behind already.

Being that they're both Japanese products, will be priced similarly and are all-new vehicles, we want to know: Of the two, which would YOU rather have? The 2013 Honda Accord or the 2014 Mazda6?


2013 Honda Accord Photo Gallery



















































2014 Mazda6 Photo Gallery





















































cericceric - 9/8/2012 11:12:32 PM
+1 Boost
The new Accord looks very Hyundai-ish to me.
Love the exterior of Mazda6. Interior-wise, it is a wash to me.


vilmos2kvilmos2k - 9/8/2012 11:19:04 PM
+4 Boost
That is how I would sum it up based on my preferences.
Bluetooth not important for me.
USB not important for me.
Navigation not important (prefer after market GPS)
Pandora will take if it comes free....

Exterior:
Mazda 1 Honda 0
Interior
Mazda 0 Honda 1
Made in:
Mazda 0 Honda 1
Manual transmission:
Mazda 1 Honda 1
Redline limiter:
Mazda 0 Honda 1
Reliability
(past models)
Mazda 1 Honda 2
TOTAL:
Mazda 3 Honda 5
Therefore come this fall the Ohio made Accord will have my close attention.


lexworldlexworld - 9/9/2012 12:00:30 AM
+1 Boost
...Wow, Honda is so lost. This car will be dated in a couple of years. From the bird beak Acura's to this, what a shame.


gkearns56gkearns56 - 9/9/2012 3:58:22 PM
+3 Boost
Is the dash in the Honda's navigation area suppose to be crooked like that. That is awful and way too much plastic. The Mazda looks cleaner looking.


cidflekkencidflekken - 9/9/2012 1:58:33 AM
+3 Boost
the last 2 Mazda6s have been some of the better-looking cars in the class, but it hasn't helped its ability to compete with the stalwarts: Accord, Camry, Altima and now Sonata.

The new Accord has a class and elegance, mixed with a sportiness that is just a great balance in its styling. It will not look dated in a couple of years. That's irrelevant since Honda always does a mid-cycle refresh.

The new Mazda6 looks good, too, but it lacks a bit in its overall exterior and interior design. There is just something missing that makes it somewhat anonymous despite its sporty and dynamic styling. It's an odd oxymoron. From the pics, if I saw this car on the street, I probably wouldn't think it cost more than $20k, loaded. And if I sat in the interior, my opinion wouldn't change much. Maybe if Mazda added a good dose of chrome to the grille area or more substantial LED lighting to the front-end that would help, and some better trim in the interior might help. The interior actually is reminiscient of the Audi approach, but it just doesn't seem to pull it off as easily and with as much visual appeal.


F1_DriverF1_Driver - 9/9/2012 2:49:54 AM
-1 Boost
The Accord just looks bland. The cockpit is a sea of buttons. By default I have to go with the Mazda6.


irishmikeirishmike - 9/9/2012 9:45:03 AM
+3 Boost
Throw the Fusion in, as I think that covers the top contenders. The Accord is just right, as far as I'm concerned. The '98 Accord still looks timeless. The novelty of gimmicky styling just wears off. That's the reason for redirection of styling with every generation of the imitators.


HughJassHughJass - 9/9/2012 3:02:06 PM
+1 Boost
Both look nice, the Mazda is sexier though.

Introducing the 2015 KIA Optima and Hyundai Sonata?


PLAYPLAY - 9/9/2012 7:42:16 PM
+3 Boost
The Mazda looks the best hands down, but lack of a V6 or turbo 4 option is just driving me into the arms of the Accord.


cericceric - 9/10/2012 1:26:10 AM
+1 Boost
Mazda Speed6 will have turbo-2.5L Skyactiv-G making close to 300hp.
Same motor will be used for CX9.


cericceric - 9/10/2012 1:27:30 AM
0 Boost
Honda's automatic does not offer manual mode. No-no for me.


Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC