2023 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

With the ubiquitous growth of the small SUV—including the Mazda3’s corporate cousin, the Mazda CX-30 subcompact crossover—the compact car segment might get overlooked when shopping for your next new car. But small cars can do many of the things that are asked of a small SUV—especially if that car is a hatchback. The 2023 Mazda3 is a stark reminder of just how great hatchbacks can be for everyday life.

Mazda’s approach with its vehicles has been simple, yet ambitious: to “deliver luxury-level performance and cabin quality without the luxury price,” according to the company. The Mazda3 is no different. It punches well above its weight and raises the bar for what a small car can be. The Mazda3 hatchback even offers SUV-like versatility thanks to added cargo space and a rear liftgate. But does the Mazda3 have the features and attributes that will have you reconsidering cars over crossovers?

It’s easy to discount the value of a family sedan with so many crossovers on the road. But the fact is that this body style makes a lot of sense for a lot of families. The more manageable and maneuverable the vehicle, the better for teaching budding young drivers. Lighter weight also translates to better fuel economy, not to be sneered at when there are mouths to feed and tuitions to pay. And your typical midsize sedan is plenty spacious for four.

Fortunately, automakers have not forgotten about the venerable family sedan, keeping one another on their toes with updates, and it’s consumers who stand to benefit from that sort of healthy competition. Now, it’s the 2024 Hyundai Sonata’s turn for a mid-generation refresh.

Verdict: We already liked the Sonata, and this refresh only improves it. The styling update and generous standard feature set make it a compelling choice.