2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a diverse lineup catering to a wide range of preferences. From the budget-friendly Essential trim to the more upscale Luxury version, the Elantra offered a blend of affordability and sophistication. The Elantra Hybrid, available as an option on the Luxury trim, maintained the same aesthetic as the standard model, with only a subtle "Hybrid" badge distinguishing it. For those seeking a sportier experience, the Elantra N Line Ultimate and the high-performance Elantra N provided thrilling driving dynamics. Despite its controversial exterior design, the Elantra's interior impressed with its light grey leather seats, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, although the hard plastic on the upper door panels was a minor letdown.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, showcased a striking design with its rakish headlights and bold grille. The hatchback, in particular, stood out with its futuristic curves, although this design choice compromised rear visibility. Inside, the Mazda3 continued its clean and minimalist theme, with an infotainment system that seamlessly integrated into the dash. The conventional shifter design and easy-to-use climate controls added to the car's appeal. The Mazda3 offered various trims, including the GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, each with its own set of features and drivetrain options. The GT Turbo, with its powerful engine, provided an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury, while not boasting impressive specs on paper, delivered a surprisingly engaging driving experience. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Despite its modest power, the Elantra Luxury offered a peppy performance, with the CVT being one of the best in its class. The car's handling was commendable, maintaining composure on mountainous roads and achieving a fuel economy close to its official rating. The Elantra N Line Ultimate and Elantra N provided more performance-oriented options with dual-clutch transmissions and independent rear suspensions.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-litre inline-four, available on higher trims, delivered 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The standout was the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The Mazda3's driving experience was characterized by well-weighted steering, precise handling, and a sporty feel. The turbo engine provided a satisfying sound and impressive performance, especially in Sport mode, where the transmission held gears longer for optimal turbocharger performance.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated a family of four. The test vehicle featured proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable leather-wrapped driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, rear-seat passengers might find the seating position less comfortable due to the reclined backrest and lack of rear air vents. The Elantra's trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan offered 374 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided 569 litres. The rear seating area was less accommodating, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roofline. The front seating area featured a centre console compartment and ergonomic design, but the console lid's sliding mechanism was somewhat frustrating. Despite these limitations, the Mazda3's interior was designed for front-seat comfort and usability.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, available on higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection, requiring a USB port for smartphone integration. The voice recognition system was generally effective, though it struggled with certain commands. The Elantra Luxury also featured a Bose premium audio system, though its sound quality fell short compared to competitors.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 came with an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via a centre console dial. This setup proved to be a weak point, with clumsy menu navigation and a steep learning curve. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose premium stereo system, which delivered excellent sound quality. However, the lack of a touchscreen and the confusing interface detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Luxury added advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash protection.

The 2023 Mazda MAZDA3 included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features such as forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, the massive C-pillar created a significant blind spot, posing a safety concern. The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars in front crash tests and rollover tests from the NHTSA.