2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to captivate with its award-winning design. Its bodywork exuded a blend of drama and sophistication, making it a standout in its class. The sedan version, while more conservative, still offered a visually engaging experience. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, came with all-wheel drive and a choice of standard or Premium Plus trim. The interior, especially in the Premium Plus trim, featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather and a high-contrast two-tone design, aiming to elevate Mazda's brand into the premium segment. Despite some use of hard plastics, the attention to design detail and driver-focused cabin layout made it a compelling choice for those seeking an entry-luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved from its early days of mimicking competitors to establishing its own identity. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, featured a distinctive wide grille and sloped rear roofline, offering a unique aesthetic that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with clear gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim offered comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery was not to everyone's taste. For those seeking a sportier look, the Sonata N Line added aggressive styling elements and unique interior touches, transforming the car's appearance and adding personality.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was a performance enthusiast's delight. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine 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 advanced i-Activ AWD system, the car offered a transformative driving experience. The Turbo model featured stiffer suspension components for enhanced handling, and the G-Vectoring Control Plus system improved cornering dynamics. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 maintained a smooth and predictable driving character, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a dual personality in terms of performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a calm and composed driving experience. A turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft was available on higher trims, offering slightly more spirited performance. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, however, was the performance standout, featuring a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, sport suspension, and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. While all Sonatas were front-wheel drive, the N Line's sporty setup delivered an engaging driving experience, though it lacked the option for all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, exuded luxury. However, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver-focused cabin offered adequate storage, but the placement of the wireless smartphone charger in the center console bin reduced storage capacity. The sedan's trunk provided 13.2 cubic feet of space, while the hatchback offered more utility with 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, earning it a "Large Car" classification from the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were class-leading, though rear-seat space was average. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was generous, accommodating a full set of luggage. A standout feature was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the car to park itself with the push of a button, though it was more of a novelty than a necessity.

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 drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, which delivered impressive audio quality, especially with FLAC files. A head-up display was standard, providing useful driving information.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's technology offerings varied by trim. Base models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim added features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. Pairing smartphones via Bluetooth was seamless, and the Bose system impressed with its clarity and power, offering excellent value for the price.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning top ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS for 2020.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view monitor. The Sonata received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection, and the 2021 model earned top ratings from the IIHS in crash tests, though headlight performance varied by trim.