2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The redesigned 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, a continuation of its award-winning 2019 model, captivated many with its aesthetics. Its compelling design melded drama and sophistication with daring elegance, apparent in both the sedan and hatchback forms, though each exhibited unique characteristics. The 4-door sedan, tested in the Turbo variant, had a conservative and refined look. In contrast, the 5-door hatchback projected a bold and aggressive stance with its minimalistic greenhouse and short overhangs, though not tested here.

The top-tier 2.5 Turbo variant, available in both sedan and hatchback, boasted all-wheel drive (AWD) and came in standard or Premium Plus trim. Prices started at $29,900 for the base sedan and $33,750 for the hatchback. The tested sedan, outfitted with Premium Plus trim and Machine Gray Metallic paint, totaled $33,890, including the destination charge.

Interior options varied with trim levels, offering black or greige leatherette in the standard specification. The Premium Plus added luxurious Nappa leather, with the sedan offering interior colors in black or white, and the hatchback in black or red. The test car’s white leather was aesthetically pleasing, though prone to staining from dark jeans. Nonetheless, the interior's high-contrast design and use of Nappa leather aimed to elevate Mazda into the premium segment. The close attention to metallic accents, assemblage of a clear gauge cluster, and overall design details underscored Mazda's commitment to quality.

Although the lower half of the cabin featured substantial hard plastic, the design focus was undeniable. The infotainment system, integrated asymmetrically, blended into the dashboard seamlessly, and the driver-centric design placed the driver at the center of the experience. Mazda3’s Premium Plus interior exuded luxury, showcasing how Mazda’s design ethos permeated every detail.

Conversely, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned in 2020, polarized opinions with its bold design. The distinctive front fascia, with large air intakes, did more than draw attention—it improved engine cooling and distracted from the contentious daytime running lights. Gloss black mirrors, window surrounds, and 19-inch alloy wheels differentiated the N Line version. The rear sported a subtle gloss black lip spoiler, reworked bumper, and a four-outlet exhaust system, giving it a sporty but understated look.

Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and suede inserts, accented with red stitching and aluminum pedals, giving it a sporty yet refined feel. A standard panoramic sunroof added a two-tone exterior look and a spacious feel inside. Though using darker materials, the Sonata’s interior echoed an upscale quality with dark chrome accents.

Steering precision and response were enhanced across the 2021 Mazda3 lineup, with the Turbo receiving stiffer suspension components to handle added engine weight. Equipped with 18-inch wheels and Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires, the Mazda3 excelled without the need for high-performance summer tires, though they were available. Despite spirited driving, the car averaged 20.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimated 27 mpg for combined driving, reflecting the vigorous test conditions.

For the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced a robust 290 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), the Sonata N Line provided a dynamic driving experience enhanced by paddle shifters, rev-matching, and launch control. With driving modes including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, the Sonata adapted to various driving styles. The N Line’s sportiness extended to its performance sound, thanks to the Active Sound Design (ASD) and sport-tuned exhaust.

Enhanced stiffness in the engine and transmission mounts, quicker steering, and larger brakes with higher heat capacity contributed to the N Line’s lively handling. Featuring 19-inch wheels with 245/40 tires (performing optimally with summer tires), the Sonata N Line impressed with its nimbleness and surefootedness on twisty roads. While front-wheel drive, the Sonata's understeer was minimal, and its DCT’s N Power Shift delivered sharp, precise gear changes. Suspension tuning kept body roll and excess motion in check, providing a poised, engaging drive without compromising on comfort.

The Sonata N Line managed 23.7 mpg over a mixed test route, slightly lower than the EPA’s 27 mpg estimate, impacted by spirited driving conditions during the evaluation.

In the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo, the cabin exuded luxury with Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Yet, some features detracted from its premium aspirations. The driver’s seat had eight-way power adjustments while the front passenger’s seat lacked similar settings. Rear passengers faced cramped quarters without air conditioning vents or USB charging ports.

Storage space, while adequate, lacked thoughtful design—especially with the optional wireless smartphone charger taking up the center console’s storage capacity. The sedan’s trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet, aligning with compact sedan norms. For more utility, the hatchback version provided 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line combined comfort and sportiness in its interior. Heated front sport seats with supportive suede inserts enhanced driving pleasure without compromising on comfort. The front passenger seat offered manual height adjustment. Rear-seat space, while only slightly more accommodating than in smaller models like the Elantra, included rear air conditioning vents and a USB port, unlike its compact sibling. The rear benefited from a standard panoramic sunroof, alleviating any sense of confinement.

Interior storage was both generous and functional, though the design of the center console, with its transmission control pod and wrap-around storage bin, had a less elegant appearance. Hyundai’s Smart Trunk system allowed hands-free opening if standing near the rear for three seconds, though closing required getting hands dirty as it lacked an internal handle. The Sonata’s trunk measured a spacious 16 cubic feet, exceeding the Mazda3’s trunk volume, with a split-folding rear seat further extending utility.

Mazda Connect, Mazda's infotainment system, paired an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The available WiFi hotspot offered six months or 2GB free data. Despite these offerings, the non-touchscreen display and subpar voice-recognition technology frustrated users. The lack of intuitive controls for changing radio stations added to the inconvenience. However, the paired 12-speaker Bose sound system provided superior audio quality, especially with FLAC files, though lower-quality sources revealed some acoustical flaws.

A head-up display (HUD) presented speed, speed limits, and safety alerts in an easy-to-read format, even with polarized sunglasses, enhancing driver convenience and safety.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line's technology was comprehensive, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and Bose premium sound. It included HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year Blue Link subscription.

While it lacked a WiFi hotspot, the Sonata’s infotainment had some ergonomic shortcomings, such as an inconveniently placed volume knob that often triggered touch functions. Voice recognition efforts were mostly accurate but occasionally misstep. Unique to this system was the “Sounds of Nature” feature, offering calming ambient tracks. Hyundai Digital Key provided innovative keyless access, albeit limited to Android users.

Mazda’s safety principles emphasized driver engagement supported by advanced safety technologies. The i-ActiveSense ADAS suite included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive front lighting. The Premium Plus trim added low-speed reverse automatic braking and Traffic Jam Assist, which provided lane-centering assistance below 40 mph.

Safety ratings were impressive, with NHTSA awarding the Mazda3 top five-star ratings across all crash assessments. The IIHS had not published updated ratings for 2021, but past performance had been strong.

In the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, the comprehensive SmartSense suite included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Additional features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning provided added safety layers. Highway Drive Assist, a Level 2 ADAS, performed reliably even in challenging traffic conditions.

Crash safety ratings were pending, but the standard Sonata had performed well in NHTSA and IIHS assessments. Based on its expansive ADAS and previous safety performance, the Sonata N Line promised excellent safety credentials.