2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 offered both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the hatchback standing out due to its unique curves and silhouette. The sedan, however, was more popular among U.S. shoppers aiming for an upmarket feel. The test vehicle, a sedan with the Premium Package and all-wheel drive, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out mesh front grille, and round running lamps. The side profile was sculpted without being angular, unlike many competitors. The rear design, however, felt somewhat disproportionate, especially when compared to the larger Mazda6. Inside, the Mazda3 leaned towards a premium feel with minimalist design, creamy white leather, and a driver-focused cockpit. However, the sheet metal felt low rent, and the trunk and doors lacked a satisfying thud when closed.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing, was a collection of sharp creases and dramatic angles, making it distinctive and appealing. The Z-shaped dent in the doors added unique character, breaking conventional design rules. The Elantra came in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited. Prices ranged from $19,650 to $25,450, excluding destination charges. The high-performance Elantra N, debuting in early 2021, promised serious power and Nurburgring-tuned handling, expected to cost less than $34,000. Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering a more upscale look and feel. The Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray was particularly impressive, with light gray seats and Scandinavian-like door panel inserts.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's performance was compromised by its torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure that replaced the previous multi-link setup. While this decision might deter enthusiasts, everyday drivers likely wouldn't notice the difference. The steering remained precise, with minimal roll through corners, though the ride could be jostling over potholes. All 2020 Mazda3s were powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation's 2.0-liter engine. The engine was predictable but lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. A six-speed manual transmission was available only with the front-wheel-drive hatchback in preferred or premium packages, while most models came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain combinations, including the high-performance Elantra N. The standard Elantra SEL had a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. It returned 31.4 mpg in combined driving, though the engine felt gutless during highway merging. The Elantra Limited Hybrid used a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, an electric motor, and a 1.32-kWh battery, producing 139 horsepower. It returned 42.2 mpg in combined driving, with better performance in city and coastal areas. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making 201 horsepower, was fun to drive with its sport suspension and multi-link rear setup. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower, offered an exhilarating driving experience, especially on challenging roads.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was 175.6 inches long. Despite compact dimensions, the interior provided ample room for the driver, though rear legroom was tight. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with materials holding up well even after 10,000 miles. The rear middle seat was compromised by a large transmission hump. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, felt roomy from the driver's seat. All test cars had a height-adjustable driver's seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, with heated front seats in higher trims. The rear seat offered best-in-class legroom, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release. However, the Elantra lacked a height-adjustable front passenger seat and a grab handle inside the trunk.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding the tacked-on look. However, it was not a touchscreen; instead, Mazda opted for a rotary dial controller between the front seats, arguing that touchscreens are dangerous while driving. The system included dedicated buttons and a volume knob, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio available. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra's SE, SEL, and N Line trims had traditional instrumentation with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, angled toward the driver. This setup included dynamic natural voice recognition and a Sounds of Nature function. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a Hyundai spokesperson demonstrated better performance in another car. A new Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key were also available, enhancing the Elantra's tech offerings.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. These features were standard, making the Mazda3 a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, built on a new platform, featured SmartSense, Hyundai's suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Upgrades included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist, Hyundai's Level 2 ADAS.