2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was unmistakable among compact sedans, thanks to Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles created a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to help the Elantra stand out, breaking conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra’s styling improved with higher trims, ranging from SE to Limited, with a hybrid powertrain option available for the SEL and Limited trims. The high-performance Elantra N, debuting early in 2021, promised serious power and Nurburgring-tuned handling.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering a more upscale and high-tech cabin. The Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray was particularly favored for its modern and upscale look, with light gray seats and trim contrasting against the black cabin. The Elantra SEL with the Premium Package, however, had a drab black interior with glossy black plastic that was less appealing.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in both sedan and hatchback body styles, with the most variety found in the 2.5 S lineup, offering five trim levels and a choice between FWD and AWD. The 2.5 S Premium hatchback was the only model offering a six-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding the $1,015 destination charge. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, with extra-cost Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, had an MSRP of $35,810.

The Mazda3’s appearance wasn’t universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback design that some might call a “hunchback.” However, its artistry was easy to appreciate. The 2.5 Turbo model was all about stealth, with no showy spoilers or body kits, presenting a mature and serious look. Inside, refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale, almost elegant environment. The Mazda3 was seen as a smart choice for those seeking more value than an entry-level luxury car, despite lacking perceived cachet.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain combinations, including the high-performance Elantra N. The standard engine, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra SEL Premium, priced at $25,015, returned 31.4 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA’s 35 mpg estimate. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, produced 139 horsepower and achieved 42.2 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA’s 50 mpg estimate due to mountainous terrain.

The Elantra N Line, priced at $26,245, featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering a fun driving experience with its sport suspension and performance tires. The high-performance Elantra N, estimated to cost around $34,000, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, delivering an exhilarating driving experience with its N performance configuration and advanced features.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered three engine options. The 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, achieving 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model, with a 2.5-liter engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, returned 27-30 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, produced 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on premium fuel, achieving 26-27 mpg in combined driving.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, despite its lower-than-advertised fuel economy of 23.1 mpg, offered a thrilling driving experience with its smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving on Deer Creek Canyon Road, though they performed well on less demanding roads. The Mazda3’s ride quality and handling were praised, but an adaptive damping suspension was suggested as a potential upgrade.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a roomy interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Heated front seats were standard, with the Limited Hybrid also offering ventilated front seats. However, the height-adjustable front passenger seat from the previous model was no longer available. The Elantra boasted best-in-class rear-seat legroom, though the backrest shape and angle were less supportive. Storage space included dual-stage adjustable cupholders and a 14.2-cubic-foot trunk with a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Some versions featured a hands-free trunk lid release, though the interior grab handle was removed.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, with its low seating position and small door openings, was challenging to enter and exit. However, once inside, the front seats offered a snug but comfortable fit, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The driver-focused interior featured user-friendly controls, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system was less intuitive. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, offering a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Sounds of Nature function. The Limited Hybrid’s voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a Hyundai spokesperson demonstrated better performance in another vehicle. A new Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key were also available.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3’s Mazda Connect infotainment system used an 8.8-inch static display with center console controls, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Mazda’s non-touchscreen approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, though the lack of a physical tuning function and the voice recognition system’s limitations were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mitigated some issues. Mazda Connected Services, complimentary for three years, provided remote access to vehicle functions, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and automatic emergency notification. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including forward collision warning, 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.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.