2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

Back in the day, the Hyundai Elantra’s design was unremarkable, blending into the crowd with an indistinct presence often likened to a rental car. However, 2021 marked a significant redesign that transformed the Elantra’s aesthetic appeal, making it impossible to ignore. The seventh-generation Elantra flaunted an extended wheelbase, a wider stance, and a lowered roofline, which together conferred a sleek four-door-coupe silhouette. This fresh design, despite bearing a resemblance to the midsize Sonata sedan, forged its own identity with distinct creases and folds creating a "Z" shape along the doors, thus differentiating itself from rivals and even its own Sonata kin.

The interior received a significant upgrade as well, with material quality surpassing the norms typically associated with compact cars. Some hard plastics were present, but overall, the interior felt slightly upscale, a considerable achievement for a car starting at around $20,000. The 2022 lineup offered four main trims—SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited—with additional hybrid Blue and Limited variations. Our test model was a Scarlet Red Pearl N Line, which sported performance-inspired design elements like N Line front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the N Line offered sport seats with leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, further elevating its sporty appeal.

Conversely, the Mazda MAZDA3 continued largely unchanged for 2022, catering to different tastes with its four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions. Unlike the expressive Elantra, the MAZDA3’s deeply sculpted flanks and hunchback-like hatchback design divided opinions. However, its mature and serious demeanor, devoid of gaudy spoilers or flashy body kits, presented an understated but elegant appeal. The Polymetal Gray Metallic paint on our test model added a unique touch to its personality.

Inside, the MAZDA3 felt equally sophisticated, using refined materials and polished finishes that underscored its upscale vibe. The snug but comfortable front seats, with excellent thigh and side bolster support and practical utility around the driver, contributed to its driver-centric design ethos. Though the rear seat offered less generous space, particularly for taller passengers, the front provided a premium experience with thoughtful touches like densely padded armrests and strategically placed bracing points for enthusiastic driving.

Overall, while the Elantra’s radical redesign and sporty aesthetic promised to attract attention, the MAZDA3 played the elegance card, appealing to those who favor a mature, sophisticated look without the need for attention-grabbing features.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a versatile array of powertrains tailored to different driving preferences. Standard models (SE, SEL, Limited) featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While this setup was adequate for everyday driving, it occasionally fell short during hard acceleration, such as merging on highways or overtaking.

For eco-conscious drivers, the Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, generating a total of 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). This arrangement promised enhanced fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience compared to the base model.

Stepping up to the N Line trim, driving enthusiasts could enjoy a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DCT, the N Line also featured sport-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes, offering a more dynamic driving experience. Our test N Line model with the DCT impressed with its crisp shift responses and adaptable drive modes (Normal, Sport, and Smart), although the lower-rpm clunkiness of the DCT was a minor drawback.

In comparison, the Mazda MAZDA3’s performance lineup began with the 2.0 sedan, boasting a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. While not particularly fast, it delivered excellent fuel economy, rated at 31 mpg combined. Most buyers opted for the 2.5 S trim, which offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. The 2.5 S hatchback even provided a manual transmission option for enthusiasts.

At the pinnacle, the MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas (or up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel). This performance-oriented model came standard with AWD and managed a respectable 26-27 mpg combined, depending on the body style.

Although the Turbo’s fuel economy fell short of expectations during our testing (averaging 23.1 mpg), its linear power delivery and seamless ride quality made it an exhilarating drive. The MAZDA3’s nimble handling, precise steering, and balanced chassis shone on twisty roads, offering a trustworthy and communicative drive experience. However, the brakes revealed limitations during intense driving on challenging routes like Deer Creek Canyon Road, although they performed reliably under less strenuous conditions.

In essence, the Elantra N Line catered to those seeking a spirited yet affordable compact sedan, while the MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo offered a refined and thrilling driving experience for those who prioritized performance and luxury in a compact package.

The Hyundai Elantra excelled not just in style but in practicality as well. Its compact dimensions facilitated maneuvering through tight urban spaces, while the layout of controls and instrumentation was intuitive and user-friendly. With plenty of storage options and comfortable seating, the Elantra provided a pleasant cabin experience. However, the N Line’s low seating position made entry and exit a bit challenging, though once seated, outward visibility was excellent.

Rear seat space was acceptable for three children or two adults thanks to ample legroom, although the sloped roofline slightly compromised headroom for taller passengers. Cargo space, while not class-leading, offered a respectable 14.2 cubic feet. The trunk's design, hindered by its narrow opening due to the sloping roofline, required some creativity in arranging luggage.

In contrast, the Mazda MAZDA3, with its lower seating position and small door openings, invited similar ingress and egress challenges. However, it rewarded occupants with a cozy yet snug interior, designed around the driver. Front seats offered excellent support and comfort, augmented by intelligent design touches such as well-placed padding for bracing during spirited driving.

The rear seats told a different story, particularly in the hatchback variant, where taller passengers faced limited legroom and headroom. Additionally, the absence of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports was a downside for rear occupants. However, storage solutions were ample, including sizable door bins, a large glove compartment, and a roomy center console bin.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Elantra's 14.2 cubic feet fell short of the MAZDA3 hatchback’s impressive 20.1 cubic feet. Expanding available space by folding the rear seats revealed a maximum capacity of 47.1 cubic feet in the MAZDA3, underscoring its versatility for carrying larger loads.

Ultimately, while both cars had their strengths and shortcomings regarding interior space and practicality, the MAZDA3 hatchback’s superior cargo capacity and premium cabin materials made it a strong contender.

Hyundai equipped the Elantra with a comprehensive array of tech features, especially impressive at its price point. The base SE trim came with an 8-inch audio touchscreen, rearview camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and dual USB ports. Higher trims like SEL, Hybrid Blue, and N Line added satellite radio and Blue Link connected services, while the top-tier Limited and Hybrid Limited provided a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bose audio system, and wireless charging.

Our experience with the N Line’s infotainment system was positive, with seamless wireless integration of Apple CarPlay. However, the six-speaker audio system was merely adequate, lacking the richness offered by upgrades like Bose systems in other Hyundai models.

The Mazda MAZDA3’s Mazda Connect infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch static display, controlled via a multifunction dial on the center console. This setup eschewed touchscreens to minimize driver distraction, though it lacked a physical tuning function and had a somewhat cumbersome voice recognition system. Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto mitigated many of these issues with better voice command functionality.

Mazda Connect also included features like remote access via a smartphone app, a car finder function, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Our test model’s 12-speaker Bose system delivered superior audio quality, and available features like an Active Driving Display enriched the driving experience by projecting crucial data onto the windshield.

In the technology arena, while Hyundai offered a more intuitive and accessible infotainment system, Mazda's premium features and driver-focused tech provided a compelling alternative.

Hyundai packed the 2022 Elantra with a robust suite of safety features, standardizing SmartSense driver-assistance technologies across all trims. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and driver-attention warning. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra’s safety credentials were solidified by top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest cars in its class.

Mazda mirrored this approach with an equally impressive array of safety features in the MAZDA3. Standard kit included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Upgraded trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Turbos benefitted from adaptive headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MAZDA3 also earned stellar ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, providing peace of mind with its impeccable safety performance.