2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 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 LED running lights, which seamlessly integrated into the hood's chrome trim, added a futuristic touch. Inside, the Sonata boasted a luxurious interior with big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, rivaling even some luxury brands. The transformation from previous models was akin to upgrading from a basic TV to a 4K VR headset, showcasing Hyundai's commitment to design excellence.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was celebrated for its dramatic and sophisticated design, earning the World Car Design of the Year award for 2020. The sedan version, while more conservative, still offered a visually engaging experience. The 2.5 Turbo model, with its AWD and Premium Plus trim, provided a premium feel with its Nappa leather interior and attention to detail. However, the interior space was more driver-focused, with some compromises in passenger comfort and storage. Despite these limitations, the Mazda3's design and execution aimed to elevate the brand into the premium segment.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, delivering a combined 192 hp. While not the most powerful, the Sonata Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with a six-speed automatic transmission providing a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. The Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the Blue trim achieving an impressive 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. The driving experience was enhanced by a silent interior, plush ride, and competent chassis, making it a comfortable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission, paired with Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, provided a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo's performance was transformative, offering stunning speed and dynamic handling. The car's Sport mode and G-Vectoring Control Plus software enhanced cornering capabilities, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, the fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim offered innovative features like a solar-panel roof, which could generate extra driving range and run the air conditioning when parked. The interior was spacious, with ample rear-seat legroom and a generous 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The push-button gear selector and intuitive controls added to the car's user-friendly design. The Limited trim also featured a high-res digital dash and a 10-inch touchscreen, providing a sophisticated and modern driving experience.

In comparison, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, offering a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The trunk space was competitive at 13.2 cubic feet, but the hatchback version offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet of space. The driver-focused cabin provided adequate storage for personal items, but the placement of the wireless smartphone charger limited storage capacity.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system was a standout feature, 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 and live camera feeds for blind spots added convenience and safety. The Highway Driving Assist and head-up display provided a semi-automated driving experience, making the Sonata Hybrid feel like a more expensive car.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology detracted from the user experience. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, offering good sound quality. The Active Driving Display provided useful information, but the infotainment system's limitations were a source of frustration.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came standard with a suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the i-ActiveSense collection of ADAS, designed to support the driver and prevent collisions. The Premium Plus trim included exclusive safety features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The ADAS operated smoothly, encouraging drivers to use the system rather than disable it.