2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive appearance that was unmistakably Sonata. Its daring design, from the broad grille to the tapered tail, was a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. The N Line version enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, and bold 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior featured sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its artistic design with deeply sculpted flanks and a hatchback that some might call a "hunchback." Despite its polarizing appearance, the Mazda3 exuded a mature and serious vibe, devoid of flashy spoilers or body kits. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design offered an upscale feel. The Mazda3's interior was driver-focused, with a snug fit and excellent thigh and side bolster support, making it a comfortable and elegant place to drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, and boasted significant improvements in steering, brakes, and suspension. It delivered a thrilling driving experience on mountain roads, with minimal understeer and excellent handling. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 9.9 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available with AWD, delivered 227 horsepower on 87-octane fuel and 250 horsepower on 93-octane fuel. The Mazda3 Turbo provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with gradual power delivery and nimble handling. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 L/100 km for the sedan and 8.9 L/100 km for the hatchback, but real-world testing averaged 10.2 L/100 km.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and lateral support. The rear seat offered limited legroom and thigh support, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port were included. The Sonata's trunk provided 453 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The hands-free trunk release was a convenient feature, though the lack of an interior handle could be inconvenient.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed around the driver, with a snug fit and excellent support. The front seats were comfortable, but the back seat offered limited legroom for taller passengers. Storage space was adequate, with large door bins and a sizable centre console bin. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan's trunk accommodated 374 litres of cargo.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included features like onboard navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues were drawbacks. The infotainment system offered ambient noise tracks for stress relief.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, relying on centre console controls and voice recognition. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and voice recognition issues were frustrating. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these shortcomings. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to vehicle functions, and a Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system was available.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, but the N Line had not been independently tested.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of safety features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Mazda3 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars on the road.