2024 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a diverse range of options to suit various preferences. Starting with the budget-friendly Essential trim, it provided an affordable entry point, while the Luxury trim delivered a surprisingly upscale experience. The Elantra Hybrid, with its discreet badge, maintained the same aesthetic as the standard model and boasted impressive fuel efficiency. For driving enthusiasts, the turbocharged Elantra N Line Ultimate and the high-performance Elantra N, developed at the Nürburgring, added excitement to the lineup. Despite its polarizing exterior design, the Elantra's interior impressed with its stylish light grey leather and high-tech displays, though it was let down slightly by hard plastic door panels.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, despite its last redesign in 2019, maintained a modern and luxurious appearance. Its sleek lines and sculpted bodywork positioned it alongside luxury vehicles, a testament to Mazda's design philosophy. The hatchback variant, in particular, was praised for its aesthetics and practicality, offering more storage and powertrain options. The interior, especially with the optional red leather, exuded quality, with leather trimmings throughout and a refined steering wheel. The Mazda3's cabin was beautifully designed, though rear visibility was compromised by its stylish bodywork.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, didn't promise thrilling performance on paper. However, its driving dynamics exceeded expectations, offering a peppy ride and impressive fuel efficiency of 7.1 L/100 km during testing. While not as sporty as the Elantra N Line Ultimate or Elantra N, it provided a comfortable and composed driving experience, with a quiet cabin and stable handling. The 17-inch alloy wheels and suspension contributed to its balanced ride, though the steering lacked sharpness.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 offered two engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, making it a delight to drive. The intelligent AWD system enhanced traction, though the car's low ground clearance limited its suitability for snowy conditions. Fuel economy varied depending on the configuration, with the turbocharged AWD hatchback achieving 10.1 L/100 km in the city. The Mazda3 excelled on winding roads, with precise steering and minimal body roll, appealing to driving enthusiasts despite its stiffer suspension.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra balanced style with practicality, offering ample space for a family of four. Features like proximity-sensing keyless entry and a comfortable leather-wrapped driver's seat added convenience. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a reclined backrest and lack of amenities like air vents and USB ports. The trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3, while visually appealing, sacrificed rear passenger space for cargo capacity. The hatchback offered 569 litres of cargo space, but rear legroom and headroom were tight. The sedan's trunk space was limited to 374 litres. The stylish design also resulted in significant blind spots, affecting rearward visibility.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its 10.25-inch digital displays available in higher trims, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, only Bluetooth supported wireless connectivity, and voice recognition had mixed results. The Bose audio system fell short compared to competitors, but Digital Key technology added a modern touch.

Mazda's infotainment system, used across its lineup, featured a rotary controller instead of a touchscreen. While it required acclimatization, it was safer and more intuitive once set up. The 2024 Mazda3 offered an 8.8-inch display, with a larger 10.25-inch screen available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on upper trims. The Bose stereo in higher trims delivered good sound quality.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of standard features including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver monitoring system. The Elantra Luxury added advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 also received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features like adaptive cruise control available from the GS trim.