Honda Civic vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Civic and Mazda MX-5 Miata contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Honda Civic and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
In comparing the Honda Civic's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Honda Civic's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic is a better car than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Pricing: For a new model, the Honda Civic's price is between $25,044 and $32,100, with the Mazda MX-5 Miata priced between $30,420 and $38,894.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Civic loses 23.5 percent of its value and the Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 33.5 percent of its value. This means the Honda Civic retains 9.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Civic is 9.0 out of 10 while the Mazda MX-5 Miata's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Honda Civic being ranked 2 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Mazda MX-5 Miata being ranked 1 out of 14 Best Sports Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Civic is 8.8 out of 10. For the Mazda MX-5 Miata the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Civic’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata base engine makes 181 horsepower. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles. This gives the Honda Civic the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Civic uses regular unleaded, and the MX-5 Miata uses premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Honda Civic has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Honda Civic has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
25044 - 32100
Starting MSRP:
23950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
26555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
17795 - 45665
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30420 - 38894
Starting MSRP:
28985
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
34022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
28985 - 42970
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
27777
Price Range:
24951 - 32094
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
28855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
19171 - 47673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1815
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
20084
# Good or Great Deals:
435
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
50979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
35475 - 58789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
80
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3552
# Good or Great Deals:
14
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
5875
Depreciation %:
0.24531794
Resale Value $:
18075
Residual Value %:
0.7546820599999999
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3164027
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.24379468 - 0.4011125
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9865
Depreciation %:
0.340354
Resale Value $:
19120
Residual Value %:
0.659646
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
0.29826328
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
0.23886597 - 0.44328098
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.95802 / 10
Reliability:
8.829082 / 10
Retained Value:
9.044978 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.210681 / 10
Reliability:
7.998978 / 10
Retained Value:
8.422384 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Civic
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.419
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.005
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.669089400250495
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.0 - 18.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5730989055117566
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 37Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 14Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda Civic Trim Levels
Not yet available
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
Sport, Club, Grand Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
138 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
31 / 40 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
384 / 496 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
14.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2877 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
184 inches
Wheelbase:
107.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2368 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
48.6 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Aegean Blue Metallic
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic
Red
Rallye Red
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
