2024 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a diverse range of options to suit various preferences and budgets. Starting with the affordable base Elantra SE, buyers could opt for the more upscale SEL or Limited trims, with the latter providing a surprisingly premium feel for its price. The Elantra Hybrid models, available in Blue or Limited trims, boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving between 50 mpg and 54 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking a sportier experience, the turbocharged Elantra N Line and the high-performance Elantra N, with its 276-horsepower engine, were available. The Elantra's exterior design was polarizing, but its interior, especially in the Limited trim, was praised for its stylish and high-tech features, despite some hard plastic elements.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its sleek lines and sculpted bodywork gave it a premium look, aligning with Mazda's aspirations to compete with luxury brands. The Mazda3 was available in both sedan and hatchback forms, with the hatchback offering more storage space and better appointments. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, priced at $38,210, impressed with its high-quality materials and design, featuring options like red leather upholstery. However, the Mazda3's rear passenger space was limited, and its stylish design resulted in significant blind spots, affecting rearward visibility.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, was not particularly thrilling on paper. However, its driving dynamics exceeded expectations, offering a peppy performance and a class-leading CVT/IVT. The Elantra Limited achieved an average of 33 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating of 34 mpg. While the standard torsion-beam rear axle suspension was cost-effective, it didn't noticeably compromise ride and handling. The Elantra Limited provided a communicative ride, suitable steering, and a quiet highway experience. Although not as fun as the Elantra N Line or N, it delivered consistent handling and stability, with only minor drawbacks in steering feel and brake performance.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo Premium Plus trim, with its turbo engine, provided an exhilarating driving experience. The Mazda3's intelligent AWD system managed traction well, though its low ground clearance limited its suitability for snowy conditions. Fuel economy varied depending on the configuration, with the turbocharged AWD models achieving 23/31/26 mpg. The Mazda3 excelled on back roads, with precise steering and minimal body roll, appealing to enthusiastic drivers despite its stiffer suspension.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra balanced style with practicality, offering a spacious interior suitable for a family of four. The Limited model featured a comfortable leather-wrapped, six-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a reclined backrest and lack of amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Elantra's trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while visually appealing, sacrificed practicality for style. The hatchback offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive with some rivals, but rear passenger space was limited, with tight legroom and headroom. The sedan's trunk space was even more constrained at 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback's design also resulted in significant blind spots, affecting rearward visibility.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra featured advanced technology, with 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays available in the SEL Convenience package and standard in the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and more, though only Bluetooth supported wireless connectivity. Voice recognition was generally effective, but had some limitations. The Elantra Limited came with a Bose premium audio system, though its sound quality was not as impressive as some competitors. Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert were also available.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 utilized a rotary controller for its infotainment system, which some found safer than a touchscreen. The system included an 8.8-inch display on most trims, with a new 10.25-inch screen on top trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. A wireless charging pad and Mazda Connect system with Wi-Fi and remote services were available. The Bose stereo in higher trims offered good sound quality, though the system required some acclimation.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with a comprehensive package of standard features including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the 2023 model.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 also performed well in safety, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Turbo Premium Plus trim added Cruising and Traffic Support, enhancing its adaptive cruise control capabilities.