2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with its own unique flair, distinguishing it from its competitors. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a distinctive look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, clear gauges, and average material quality. The Limited trim boasted comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery colour was not to everyone's taste. For those seeking a sportier appearance, the Sonata N Line offered aggressive styling with unique exterior and interior touches, including N-brand sport seats and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both sedan and hatchback body styles with various engine and powertrain configurations. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint was priced at $38,981 in Canada. While the Mazda3's appearance wasn't universally appealing, it exuded a mature and serious demeanour. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale atmosphere. The Mazda3 was a compelling choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet, offering more for less compared to entry-level luxury cars.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of performance options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth and unassuming driving experience. The turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, available on the Sport and Luxury trims, delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Sonata featured a drive mode selector. The Sonata N Line, however, was a different beast, boasting a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's performance was particularly engaging, though an all-wheel-drive option was not available.

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. The most popular choice was the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with a six-speed automatic and standard AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium fuel. The Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience with smooth power delivery, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving, and the fuel efficiency fell short of expectations.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, allowed the Sonata to park itself with the press of a button, though it was more of a novelty than a necessity.

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, with limited legroom for taller passengers and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. 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 held 374 litres of cargo.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE versions featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone connectivity. Higher trims, like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless charging. The Bose audio system was particularly impressive, offering excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display and Bluetooth. Mazda's approach to infotainment avoided touchscreens, instead relying on a control knob and voice recognition. However, the lack of a physical tuning function and the voice recognition system's limitations were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided alternatives for those seeking more intuitive controls. Mazda Connected Services offered remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and more. The Sonata received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests. The Sonata's advanced safety features worked seamlessly, providing peace of mind without false alarms.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also excelled in safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. However, many safety features were not standard in Canada, requiring additional cost. Standard features included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other advanced features were available on higher trims. The driver-assist features performed reliably, enhancing trust in the technology.