2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

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 AWD, 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 of the sedan felt somewhat disproportionate, but the hatchback's rounded shape mitigated this issue. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a driver-focused design. However, the sheet metal felt less sturdy, lacking the solid construction found in more expensive luxury sedans.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive look. The N Line treatment enhanced its appeal with larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The rear featured a gloss black lip spoiler and a reworked bumper with a four-outlet exhaust system. Inside, the Sonata N Line boasted sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents. A standard panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. The materials were of high quality, though the hard plastic front seatback panels could be uncomfortable for taller passengers.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter engine, offering more power across all trim levels. The car's handling was precise, with minimal roll through corners, but the torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure, resulted in a less sophisticated ride compared to a multi-link suspension. The Mazda3 was available with a six-speed manual transmission, but only in the FWD hatchback model with the preferred or premium package. Most models, including the test vehicle, came with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. An eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control helped manage this power. The car offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. The Sonata N Line featured significant hardware upgrades, such as stiffer engine and transmission mounts, faster steering, larger brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. On the road, it provided a responsive and engaging driving experience, with minimal understeer and excellent handling. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was shorter at 175.6 inches. The interior offered ample room for the driver, with supportive front seats and soft materials. However, rear legroom was tight, and the large transmission hump in the rear middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both front occupants. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and a USB port, though legroom and thigh support were similar to the smaller Elantra N Line. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was a convenient addition, though the lack of an interior handle for closing the trunk was a minor inconvenience.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, controlled via a rotary dial rather than a touchscreen. This design aimed to reduce driver distraction. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The head-up display (HUD) reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel. The new infotainment software was faster and featured sharp graphics, complementing the minimalist interior design.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The system supported HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, it lacked a WiFi hotspot and a tuning knob, which could be frustrating for some users. The infotainment system also offered Sounds of Nature, providing ambient noise tracks for a calming experience. Hyundai Digital Key was standard, though it only worked with Android devices.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, earning Good ratings in all crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of 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.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata had high safety ratings, though the N Line had not been separately rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.