2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, moving away from its previous unremarkable appearance. The new model boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, had its own unique personality, with distinctive creases forming a "Z" shape on the doors. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality and design, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class. Despite some hard plastics, the Elantra provided advanced tech features at a competitive starting price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its artistic design, though not universally appealing. The hatchback's deeply sculpted flanks and unique shape gave it a distinctive look. The Mazda3 Turbo emphasized stealth with its mature and serious appearance, avoiding flashy elements. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale atmosphere. The Mazda3's interior was driver-focused, with excellent thigh and side bolster support, and a snug fit. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the Mazda3's quality and style made it a compelling choice for those seeking a more refined driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate performance for most buyers, though it lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line variant offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) in Canada. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 started with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing fuel economy over speed. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, generating 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with a six-speed automatic and standard AWD, offered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. While the turbocharged Mazda3 provided thrilling performance, it fell short in fuel efficiency, averaging 10.2 L/100 km. The Mazda3's smooth ride, nimble handling, and outstanding balance made it a joy to drive, though the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior offered clear instrumentation and controls, along with ample storage options. The Elantra's seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The rear seat provided adequate space for children, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, accommodating a variety of items despite its narrow opening. However, the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a drawback for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a snug but comfortable fit. The front seats provided excellent support, and the controls were user-friendly, except for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. The back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the absence of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports was a downside. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,334 litres with the seats folded. The sedan's trunk accommodated 374 litres of cargo. Despite its limitations, the Mazda3's interior quality and thoughtful design made it a compelling choice for those seeking a more refined driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base Essential trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The N Line trim in Canada included the Bose system, enhancing the audio experience. While the infotainment system was easy to use, the six-speaker setup in the U.S. N Line was less impressive.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and Bluetooth. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, using a centre console controller and voice recognition instead. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and a challenging voice recognition system were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions, and an eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. The Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Other driver-assist technologies, such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning, were standard on most trims. The Elantra received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with five stars for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings in all crash tests.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, though many features were optional in Canada. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist were available. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, making it one of the safest compact cars on the road.