2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer its four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles without significant changes. It was available in the affordable Mazda3 2.0 (sedan only), the popular Mazda3 2.5 S, and the speedy Mazda3 2.5 Turbo model series. The 2.5 S lineup provided the most variety, with five trim levels and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (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.

Our test car was a top-of-the-line hatchback in 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim, equipped with extra-cost Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, carrying an MSRP of $35,810, including the destination charge. The Mazda3’s appearance wasn’t universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks casting odd reflections and a hatchback design that some might call “hunchback.” However, there was a certain artistry to the car that was easy to appreciate.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was all about stealth, lacking a big rear spoiler, an obnoxious body kit, or an attention-grabbing paint color. It looked like a mature, serious automobile. Inside, refined materials and sophisticated design, decorated with polished metallic finishes, created an upscale, almost elegant driving environment. People wise with money were drawn to the Mazda3 for its value, delivering more for less compared to entry-level luxury cars, except in perceived cachet.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered something for almost everyone. The base Elantra SE was priced affordably, and higher trims like the SEL and Limited provided more upscale features. Elantra Hybrids achieved between 50 mpg and 54 mpg in combined driving, depending on the trim. The sporty turbocharged Elantra N Line and the performance-tuned, 276-horsepower Elantra N catered to driving enthusiasts.

Prices for the Elantra ranged from $21,545 to $33,245, including a $1,095 destination charge. Our Elantra Limited test vehicle had an MSRP of $27,395 with destination. For 2023, changes were minimal, with the SEL Convenience package adding 17-inch wheels from the Limited trim, and the N Line model receiving a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The N Line was no longer available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The Elantra’s exterior styling was somewhat controversial, but the interior was well-received. The light gray leather seats and interior panels contrasted sharply with the otherwise black cabin. The Melange descriptor referred to the upscale fabric paired with the Gray leather upholstery. The Elantra Limited’s cabin featured classy nighttime illumination, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, making it anything but entry-level, except for the hard plastic coating on the upper door panels.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engines. The most affordable version, the 2.0 sedan, had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel economy of 31 mpg in combined driving. Most buyers chose the 2.5 S model, which had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy ratings between 27 mpg and 30 mpg in combined driving.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and standard AWD. Power output varied based on the fuel type: 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with 87-octane gas, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93-octane fuel. Turbos achieved 26 mpg (hatchback) or 27 mpg (sedan) in combined driving. However, real-world fuel economy was lower, averaging 23.1 mpg.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo was fun to drive, with a smooth and supple ride, nimble handling, flawless steering, unyielding grip, and outstanding 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 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite its modest specs, the Elantra Limited’s driving dynamics were impressive, averaging 33 mpg during testing, close to the EPA rating of 34 mpg.

The Elantra Limited offered a communicative yet compliant ride, a properly calibrated brake pedal, and suitable steering effort levels. On the highway, it was remarkably quiet. The car displayed remarkable composure on twisty roads, with a flat cornering attitude and stable handling. However, the steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed minor shuddering but did not fade.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a low seating position, making entry and exit challenging. The front seats were snug but comfortable, with excellent thigh and side bolster support. The interior was driver-focused, with user-friendly controls, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. 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 panel bins, a big glove compartment, and a sizable center console bin. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra was a roomy compact car, suitable for a family of four. The test vehicle had proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable six-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, the rear seat was less comfortable, with a too-reclined backrest and hard plastic panels on the front seatbacks.

The Elantra’s trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with the ability to stow full-size suitcases on their sides. The Limited model’s 60/40-split folding back seat expanded utility when needed.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via a center console knob, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a cumbersome voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to some vehicle functions.

An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system available. An Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays in the SEL Convenience package and N Line trim. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, connected services, dynamic voice recognition, a navigation system, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The voice recognition system worked well, except for some commands. The Elantra Limited had a Bose premium audio system, but it didn’t sound as good as expected. Digital Key technology transformed a compatible smartphone into the vehicle’s key, and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a useful feature.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with standard 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 from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra also offered a comprehensive safety package, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a safe exit warning system. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.