2025 Hyundai Sonata vs 2025 Mazda MAZDA3

Last redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Mazda 3 is getting old, yet aging gracefully. It still looks, feels, and drives better than some of its rivals. In Canada, GT and above trims get Amazon Alexa Built-in for 2025, while the Sport hatchback adds the new Suna Edition as the top model based on the GT Turbo.

Verdict: Available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, there is a Mazda 3 to suit nearly anyone. Basic or upscale, turbocharged or not, and with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the common threads across all Mazda 3s are quality, refinement, sophistication, safety, and enjoyable driving dynamics. This is a terrific compact car.

While its standout features are its value and safety ratings, in N Line trim the Sonata also offers some emotional appeal. Affordable sports sedans are increasingly rare, and there’s little else in the 2025 Sonata N Line’s segment that gives you this much horsepower for this kind of price. Of course, there is a penalty to pay at the gas pump, but otherwise the N Line delivers. In general, new rear-seat air conditioning vents and improved crash-test ratings boost the 2025 Sonata’s appeal.

Verdict: Hyundai refreshed the Sonata in 2024 and improved its safety rating in 2025, keeping it competitive against midsize sedan rivals. All versions offer compelling value and are impressively safe, while the N Line model is pleasantly sporty.