2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold 2019 restyle, maintaining a geometric-influenced design that set the stage for the upcoming 2021 model. Available in five trims, the Elantra's price ranged from $17,099 to $27,549, excluding a $1,825 destination charge. The Ultimate trim, tested here, showcased a striking black paint job that highlighted its angular features and chrome detailing, resulting in a stylish, albeit divisive, appearance. Inside, the Elantra's interior received an upscale update with silver trim accents, though it still featured some hard plastics, reminding occupants of its mainstream compact car status.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its award-winning 2019 redesign, exuded drama and sophistication. The sedan version, tested here, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive hatchback. The 2.5 Turbo model, sitting atop the lineup, came with AWD and a base price of $34,881. Our test car, equipped with the Premium Package and Machine Gray Metallic paint, cost $36,881. The interior, adorned with white leather, showcased Mazda's attention to detail, with metallic accents and a clear gauge set, aiming to elevate the brand into premium territory. Despite some hard plastics, the design focused on the driver, creating a luxurious feel.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new CVT, replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, dubbed "Intelligent Variable Transmission," offered simulated gear shifts for a traditional feel. Despite Hyundai's claims of improved fuel efficiency, our test car averaged 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of the expected 6.8 L/100 km. The Elantra Sport trim, with a 201-horsepower 1.6-litre turbo engine and independent rear suspension, provided a more engaging drive. However, the standard Elantra's torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride quality, making it more of a commuter car than a thrilling drive.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, with its 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a transformative driving experience. The powertrain's smoothness and predictability, combined with Sport mode and G-Vectoring Control Plus, enhanced cornering and driving pleasure. Despite its torsion beam rear suspension, the Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and 18-inch alloy wheels provided a sporty ride. Our test drive averaged 11.5 L/100 km, reflecting spirited driving rather than powertrain inefficiency.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered spacious accommodations for four adults, with a fifth squeezed in for short trips. Our test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console armrest. Upper trims included dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk provided 407 litres of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, with a convenient interior grab handle for easy closure.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo, lined in leather with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuded luxury. However, it lacked front seat ventilation and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, and the sedan's trunk offered 374 litres of space. The hatchback version provided more utility, with 569 litres behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded down.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a standard touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The Essential trim featured a 5-inch screen, while the Preferred trim upgraded to a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Ultimate trim added a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a premium Infinity sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy navigation, and the Infinity sound system impressed with its depth of sound.

Mazda Connect, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's infotainment system, featured an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. However, the lack of a touchscreen highlighted the system's poor voice-recognition technology. The 12-speaker Bose audio system, with Audio Pilot road noise reduction, offered excellent sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, visible with polarized sunglasses, showing speed, speed limits, and safety technology status.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) on the Preferred trim, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade added full LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though rear-door intrusion was noted in side-impact tests.

Mazda's safety philosophy emphasized driver support, with a comprehensive ADAS suite in the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3. The Premium Package added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in crash tests, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS.