2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, while more conservative, still exuded a sense of drama and sophistication. The 2.5 Turbo model, especially in Premium Plus trim, showcased Mazda's commitment to luxury with its high-quality materials and attention to detail. The interior, adorned with white Nappa leather, offered a premium feel, although it was noted that dark blue jeans could quickly mar the pristine appearance. Despite the use of some hard plastics, the overall design and execution were top-notch, with a driver-centric layout that emphasized the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous rental-car image for a more striking and dynamic look. The new design featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a four-door-coupe silhouette that stood out in the compact sedan segment. The interior also saw improvements, with materials and design elements that were above average for its class. While some hard plastics were present, the overall quality and functionality of the cabin were commendable. The Elantra's design was both stylish and practical, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a modern and attractive compact sedan.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a standout in terms of performance. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, familiar from other Mazda models, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a smooth, predictable, and exhilarating driving experience. The car's Sport mode enhanced transmission shifts and cornering capabilities, while the stiffer front suspension and improved steering feel contributed to its sporty character. Despite its performance prowess, the Mazda3 Turbo's fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options to cater to different driving preferences. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT for smooth and efficient operation. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and featured a six-speed DCT for a more engaging drive. The N Line variant, with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, offered 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and multi-link rear suspension provided a more dynamic driving experience. The Elantra N Line's fuel economy was impressive, especially in Smart mode, which balanced performance and efficiency.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The driver-focused cabin offered adequate storage, but the placement of the wireless smartphone charger in the center console bin was impractical. Trunk space was competitive at 13.2 cubic feet, but the hatchback variant provided significantly more utility with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality and comfort. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the well-designed controls and instrumentation were user-friendly. The Elantra's seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required some effort to get in and out. The rear seat offered ample legroom, but taller passengers might find headroom limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was adequate at 14.2 cubic feet, and the trunk could accommodate a surprising amount of gear with careful packing. However, the trunk lid support arms could crush items in their path, and the power moonroof produced an annoying droning noise when fully open.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice-recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, but the system's performance varied depending on the audio source. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, providing essential information without distracting the driver.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added more speakers, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. The Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Hyundai Digital Key, available on higher trims, allowed for keyless operation via an Android smartphone. The infotainment system was easy to use, and the wireless Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) was designed to support the driver rather than replace them. The system included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Plus trim added features like a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA, earning five stars in every assessment.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra's SmartSense suite of driver-assist technologies included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received five-star overall crash protection ratings from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with the Limited trim's LED headlights earning a "Good" rating as well.