2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous unremarkable appearance for a striking new look. The seventh-generation Elantra boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, had its own unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds forming a "Z" shape on the sides. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class. Despite some hard plastics, the Elantra's advanced tech features and starting price of around $20,000 made it a compelling choice. The N Line trim added sporty elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty look and feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 presented a bold and futuristic design, particularly in its hatchback form. The sedan's proportions were more conventional, but the hatchback's clean lines and forward-thinking design set it apart. Inside, the Mazda3 continued the theme of clean futurism with a simple yet stylish cabin. The infotainment system rose organically from the dash, and the conventional shifter design was a welcome choice. The steering wheel, though cluttered with controls, maintained an elegant design. The Mazda3 offered various trim levels, with the GT Turbo trim providing a more powerful engine. The hatchback's design, while visually appealing, had some drawbacks, such as limited rear seat legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trims, with a six-speed manual transmission standard on Essential and a CVT available on other grades. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim, aimed at driving enthusiasts, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, while larger front brake rotors provided more stopping power.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a base Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, producing 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, was optional on GS and standard on GT trims. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on the GT trim, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was engaging, with well-weighted steering and a responsive turbo engine. Sport mode enhanced the driving dynamics, while the transmission's clever gear shifts added to the performance. The Mazda3's handling was precise and refined, offering a balance of agility and comfort.

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. While the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit, the Elantra provided excellent visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, sufficient for a weekend's worth of luggage. However, the narrow trunk opening and trunk lid support arms posed challenges. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan provided 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 569 litres. However, the rear seating area was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area featured a decently sized centre console compartment, though the lid's design was frustrating. The Mazda3's ergonomics were helpful, and the cupholders were sizable. The hatchback's design, while visually appealing, compromised rear seat comfort and cargo space accessibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, including an 8-inch display audio touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Ultimate and N Line trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The N Line's infotainment system was easy to pair with smartphones, though the six-speaker audio system's performance was merely adequate.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a dial in the centre console. The lack of a touchscreen made menu navigation clumsy, and the dial scrolling was unintuitive. The system's learning curve was steep, and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was confusing. The Mazda3 included two USB ports, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice control. The test model featured upgrades like navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Other features included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3's standard safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added features like forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The GT grade included adaptive headlights, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA in front crash tests and rollover tests. However, the hatchback's massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, posing a safety concern.