2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was a standout in the compact sedan category, thanks to its bold and distinctive design. With Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, the Elantra featured sharp creases and dramatic angles, making it easily recognizable. The Z-shaped dent in the doors, a controversial design element, was intended to break conventional automotive design rules and give the car a unique character. The Elantra's interior varied in quality depending on the trim level, with the Ultimate trim offering a modern and upscale look with its gray interior, which contrasted nicely with the black cabin. However, lower-grade interiors were less impressive, with noticeable cheaper plastic panels.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was celebrated for its alluring bodywork, which combined drama and sophistication. The sedan version was more conservative, while the hatchback, known as the Mazda3 Sport, had a more aggressive stance. The Mazda3 Turbo, with its white leather interior, exuded a premium feel, although it lacked some features that could elevate it to true luxury status. The interior was driver-focused, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked similar adjustability. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, and the absence of air conditioning vents and USB ports was a drawback. Despite these shortcomings, the Mazda3's attention to design detail and premium materials made it a compelling choice.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, from the standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower to the high-performance Elantra N with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine generating 276 horsepower. The standard engine, paired with a CVT, provided adequate power for city driving but felt underpowered on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with its 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, although it fell short of expected numbers in mountainous terrain. The Elantra N Line, with its 201-horsepower turbocharged engine, offered a sportier driving experience, while the Elantra N delivered exhilarating performance with its advanced features and powerful engine.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, offered a transformative driving experience. With 250 horsepower on 93-octane fuel and 320 lb-ft of torque, the Mazda3 Turbo delivered stunning speed and smooth, predictable performance. The 6-speed automatic transmission, combined with Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, enhanced corner-exit capability and provided a more natural driving character. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software contributed to its sporty handling, while the brakes and suspension were well-calibrated for maximum driving pleasure. Despite its impressive performance, the Mazda3 Turbo's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort for the driver. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustability, and the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels was a drawback. The Elantra's trunk provided 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release, although the absence of a grab handle inside the trunk was noted.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a leather-lined interior with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, creating a luxury car feel. However, the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment, and rear-seat passengers faced cramped accommodations without air conditioning vents or USB ports. In-cabin storage was adequate, and the trunk offered 374 litres of space. The Mazda3 Turbo hatchback provided more utility, with 569 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded down.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Ultimate trim offered an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a premium experience. The infotainment system included a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Sounds of Nature function. A Bose premium audio system was available, delivering impressive audio quality for the price point.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The system relied on a control knob and voice commands through smartphone digital assistants. The 12-speaker Bose premium audio system offered excellent sound quality, enhanced by Audio Pilot road noise reduction. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, providing useful information to the driver.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways for enhanced safety. Most Elantra models, except the base, were equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai's suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). These included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist, providing a high level of safety in the compact car segment.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its ADAS, designed to support rather than replace the driver. The adaptive cruise control offered stop-and-go capability, and the GT trim featured an Adaptive Front Lighting System. The Premium Package added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks in NHTSA testing and a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.