2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a head-turner, even among those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its long, elegant design, reminiscent of a sleek fastback, was a testament to Hyundai's transformation from a brand once known for less appealing designs. The Sonata's stunning profile, with its wide grille, low stance, and smooth contours, was complemented by unique features like the coolest LED running lights that extended onto the hood. The interior was equally impressive, offering a luxurious feel with big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials that rivaled more expensive brands. Hyundai's design evolution was evident, making the Sonata Hybrid a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a choice between sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback's curves and unique silhouette often highlighted in advertisements. The sedan, however, was more popular in the U.S., aligning with Mazda's aim to compete with upmarket brands. The Mazda3's design was special, with a sculpted side profile and a blacked-out mesh front grille. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with a focus on premium materials and a driver-focused design. Despite some compromises, like the rear suspension change, the Mazda3 maintained its appeal with a sporty driving position and a well-crafted interior.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine running on the Atkinson combustion cycle, producing 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 51-hp electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery, the total output was 192 hp. The Sonata Hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids, though it occasionally hesitated during acceleration. Despite this, the Sonata Hybrid offered a silent interior, a plush ride, and a competent chassis. The Blue trim level boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined, making it an economical choice for a roomy sedan.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation, which offered a 2.0-liter engine in lower trims. The Mazda3's engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. While a manual transmission was available, it was limited to specific configurations, with most models featuring a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3's handling remained precise, though the switch to a torsion beam rear suspension was a cost-cutting measure that affected ride quality.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim featured solar panels that could generate extra driving range, enhancing its eco-friendly appeal. The interior offered spacious rear-seat legroom, with amenities like vents, manual side-window shades, and heated seats. Cargo space was generous at 16 cubic feet, and the push-button gear selector, while unconventional, became intuitive with use. The Sonata Hybrid's interior was well-equipped, with features like a high-res digital dash and a 10-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim, providing a sophisticated driving experience.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length, with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. Despite its size, the Mazda3 offered ample room for the driver, though rear-seat legroom was tight. The interior materials were high-quality, with supportive front seats and a low driving position for a sporty feel. However, the large transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback. Cargo space was limited, with the sedan offering 13.2 cubic feet and the hatchback 20.1 cubic feet, both smaller than competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a highlight, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, allowing remote operation and diagnostics. The digital key feature and live camera feeds for blind spots added convenience and safety. The Sonata Hybrid also offered advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with polished animations and graphics.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding the tacked-on look common in other vehicles. However, Mazda eliminated touch functionality, opting for a rotary dial controller for navigation and infotainment. While this system required some adjustment, it was easy to master. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a faster and sharper infotainment software. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, reinforcing Mazda's upmarket aspirations.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in a frontal crash test. The regular Sonata was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top ratings in six crash tests and standard emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more, with additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist available on the Limited trim.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a Good rating for the Premium Package's LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Mazda offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. These features were increasingly common in mass-market vehicles, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.