Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda 3 Comparison
Looking to buy a new compact sedan? Are you torn between the Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda3? Both are great compact sedans but differ when it comes to performance and looks. The Mazda 3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback, so that gives you an option to choose from. The Hyundai Elantra is available with your standard sedan performance, or you can take it up a notch with the N Line Elantra trim level. Take a look at our Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda 3 comparison to find out which sedan is best for you.
Elantra vs Mazda 3 Performance
Does the Mazda 3 or the Hyundai Elantra have better performance? Well, take a look for yourself. The Mazda 3 offers two different engines, one of which is standard and the other is standard on Turbo trim levels. And the Hyundai Elantra offers three different engines: one standard on all trims, one exclusive to the N Line trim, and one on the hybrid trim levels.
- Elantra Engine Options: 2.0L Inline 4-cylinder (147 horsepower and Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission), 1.6L Inline 4-cylinder (201 horsepower and 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC), or 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain (139 combined horsepower and 6-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission)
- Mazda 3 Engine Options: SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder (186 horsepower and 6-speed automatic transmission) or SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine (227 horsepower and 6-speed automatic transmission)
Take a look at other performance features of each sedan below:
Hyundai Elantra | Mazda 3 | |
EPA Estimates (city/hwy/combined) | 32/41/36 MPG | 27/36/30 MPG |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gallons | 13.2 gallons (12.7 gal. on AWD) |
Fuel System | Multi-Point Fuel Injection | Advanced Direct Injection |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
Drive Mode Select | Normal, Sport & Smart | Normal and Sport |
Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut w. Coil Springs | Independent MacPherson Strut |
Rear Suspension | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Torsion Beam Axle |
Brakes | 4-wheel Disc Brakes | 4-wheel Disc Brakes |
Both the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3 are equipped with standard and available safety features. The Elantra may have more advanced safety features compared to the Mazda 3. Take a look at some of the available safety features:
- Hyundai Elantra Safety Features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w. Ped, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Smart Cruise Control w. Stop & Go, Highway Drive Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Mazda 3 Safety Features: Dynamic Stability Control w. Traction Control System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control w. Stop & Go, Vehicle Exit Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Cruising and Traffic Support, 360° View Monitor
Mazda 3 vs Elantra Exterior Design
When it comes to the Elantra vs Mazda 3 for its exterior design, the Hyundai Elantra wins. The Elantra has a more sleek look to it, which makes it look luxurious. But the Mazda 3 has an elegant exterior look. So really it all depends on what you prefer. Take a look at the exterior features on each sedan below:
Hyundai Elantra | Mazda 3 | |
Wheels | 15", 17", or 18" Alloy | 16" or 18" Aluminum Alloy |
Front Grille Finish | Black or Dark Chrome | Matte or Gloss Black |
Window Trim | Black or Chrome | Black |
Body-Color Door Handles | Standard | Standard |
Side Mirrors | Dual Fold-Away Power (Heated with Turn-Signal Indicators Available) | Power with Integrated Turn Signals (Heated and Auto-dimming Available) |
Headlights | Dual-LED Projector | LED |
Taillights | Bulb Type or LED | Combination |
Sunroof | Available Power Tilt-and-Slide Sunroof | Available Power Sliding Glass Moonroof |
![]() Hyundai Elantra Exterior | ![]() Mazda 3 Exterior |
Interior: Elantra vs Mazda 3
Each sedan has a spacious interior but comes with different features. Some may say the Mazda 3 has more quality features compared to the Elantra. But the Hyundai Elantra comes with more standard features. Take a look at the interior features on each sedan below:
Hyundai Elantra | Mazda 3 | |
Seating Material | Cloth, Leather-trimmed, or N Line Leather Sport Seats | Cloth, Leatherette-trimmed, Leather-trimmed, or Perforated Leather-trimmed |
Heated Front Seats | Available | Available |
Adjustable Driver's Seat | 6-way | Available 8-way |
Center Display | 8" or 10.25" Navigation Touchscreen | 8.8" or 10.25" Full-Color Center Display |
Gauge Cluster | 4.2" or 10.25" | 7" LCD Meter Display |
Customizable Ambient Interior Lighting | Standard on Limited Trim | No |
Hands-Free Smart Trunk Release | Available | No |
Climate Control | Manual or Dual-zone Automatic | Air conditioning or Dual-zone Automatic |
![]() Hyundai Elantra Interior | ![]() Mazda 3 Interior |
Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda 3 Dimensions
The Elantra and Mazda 3 are very similar when it comes to exterior and interior dimensions. As you can see, the Hyundai Elantra is slightly larger when it comes to both the exterior and interior.
Hyundai Elantra | Mazda 3 | |
Wheelbase | 107.1" | 107.3" |
Length | 184.1" | 183.5" |
Width | 71.9" | 70.7" |
Height | 55.7" | 56.9" |
Legroom (front/rear) | 42.3/38.0" | 42.3/35.1" |
Headroom (front/rear) | 40.6/37.3" | 37.6/36.7" |
Passenger Volume | 99.4 cu.ft. | 91.4 cu.ft. |
Cargo Volume | 14.2 cu.ft. | 13.2 cu.ft. |
Comparing the Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda 3
Now that you have compared the Elantra vs the Mazda 3, it is time to make a decision. Napleton River Oaks Hyundai is the place to go for a new or used Hyundai Elantra! Our Hyundai dealership offers great deals and amazing customer service. Fill out the free online form on this page to get more information.
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