Mazda MAZDA3 vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid showcased significant styling updates, particularly with its streamlined front fascia featuring a single slim lightbar, known as the “seamless horizon lamp.” This design element gave the sedan a modern flair, with the badge repositioned above the grille and the headlights placed independently below it. The resemblance to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was evident, although the Sonata avoided some of the more polarizing design elements of that EV. The rear end, already equipped with a lightbar, now resembled the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, forming a wide “H” shape with the taillights. From the side, the 2024 Sonata appeared similar to the 2023 model, with no obvious changes to its profile. In Canada, the Preferred-Trend trim came with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the N Line trim featured 19-inch wheels. The interior saw changes with a redesigned dash, a new T-shaped steering wheel, and a relocated gear shifter to the steering column.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 sported an organically shaped design with a long hood, tapered greenhouse, and stubby rear. Its sheetmetal swells created S-shaped reflections, hinting at its capability on mountain roads. Depending on the light and angle, the car could appear odd and out of proportion, a common trait among hatchbacks. The test car, painted in Polymetal Grey with red leather interior, looked striking. The interior was driver-oriented, with clean design and high-quality materials, although the gloss black plastic trim on the centre console showed wear easily. The test vehicle featured metal speaker grilles, analog climate controls, and clear gauges. In Canada, the Mazda 3 Sport was available in non-turbocharged and turbocharged versions, with trims including GX, GS, GT, and the hatchback-exclusive Suna Edition. The test car, equivalent to a GT model in the U.S., was the only version with a manual transmission, and it included extra-cost paint, a rear bumper scratch guard, and a rear hatch spoiler.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an all-wheel drive (AWD) system for the first time, available on the Preferred-Trend trim for an additional $2,000. The N Line remained front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. The Preferred-Trend trim featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm, with power transferred via an 8-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Sonata's steering feel and handling were praised, along with its configurable driver-information display.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine from its Skyactiv family, producing 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm in non-turbo models. The turbocharged version generated 250 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm with premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. The standard engine was smooth, quiet, and refined, providing ample power. Most Mazda 3s featured a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and manual shift control, while the GT trim offered a six-speed manual gearbox. The manual had a fuel economy rating of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though the test averaged 9.7 L/100 km. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling and stability, though the torsion-beam rear suspension magnified road imperfections. The steering response was praised, but the steering-wheel rim was considered thin. Despite elevated road noise at highway speeds, the Mazda 3 was a joy to drive.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with the driver’s seat adjustable for exceptional visibility. The standard panoramic moonroof provided 975 millimetres of front-seat headroom, slightly above competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Rear-seat headroom was 950 mm, and front-row legroom was prioritized with 1,170 mm, while rear-seat passengers had 885 mm. Heated and ventilated front seats were standard in the Preferred-Trend trim, with ventilation dropped in the N Line’s sport seats. The slimmer steering wheel rim was appreciated for comfort, and the trunk close button added convenience.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 felt compact, with snug seating and limited stretch-out room. The seats were comfortable, and the test car’s eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat allowed for a perfect driving position. The red leather upholstery was soft and supple, and the heated front seats were effective. Forward visibility was excellent, aided by large heated exterior mirrors, though the long and low nose compromised rear visibility. The reversing camera lacked guidance lines, but a surround-view camera system was standard on the GT trim. Rear-seat legroom was tight, with complaints about the lack of air vents, USB ports, and storage space. The front offered a sizable centre console storage bin with USB ports. Cargo space was practical, with 569 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a selectable driver’s side front USB-C port, allowing it to switch between data-transmitting and charging-only modes. This was particularly useful for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, standard on all trims. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel, with the N Line featuring a pair of 12.3-inch screens. The Preferred-Trend trim had a smaller digital instrument cluster. Hard controls were minimal, but climate control and media functions had dedicated haptic “buttons.” The N Line included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, while a six-speaker sound system was standard.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a display measuring 8.8 inches or 10.25 inches, depending on the version. The display was elegantly integrated but out of easy reach. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be used with a touchscreen, but physical controls on the centre console, steering wheel buttons, or voice recognition were needed for other functions. Alexa Built-in required internet access, and the native voice-recognition system had limitations. Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was available only on the GT trim or higher. The test car’s 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio system was praised, and a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services was standard. A wireless charging pad was present but not functional.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist as standard. Forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning detection, safe exit warning and assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert were also standard. Hyundai’s infotainment system made safety features easy to find and use, with clear graphics explaining each function.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 was a standout in safety, earning a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and five stars in all NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety equipment included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention alert. The manual transmission test car lacked stop-and-go capability, and lane centring assist was unavailable. The lane departure warning system issued inaccurate alerts, and the adaptive cruise control system reacted smoothly in traffic. The head-up display showed blind spot warnings, and the automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive front lighting system enhanced safety.