2021 Mazda 3 vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra
The 2021 Mazda 3 and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra are two very similar compact sedans that appeal to the same customer base, but have distinctive personalities and designs. The recently overhauled 2021 Hyundai Elantra features a busy grille, sharp creases and tons of technology. The Mazda3 is an premium compact car with an elegant design, optional all-wheel drive and surefooted confidence. These vehicles represent different compact segment elements, have relatively accessible price points, as well as a long lists of outstanding features that make them stand out from the competition.
Styling
These two vehicles have different approaches to style that's obvious at first glance. There's a certain elegance to the Mazda3's sleek, uninterrupted body with it's shapely curves. It's an alluring and mesmerizing compact with an impressive cabin reminiscent of the top luxury brands. With its central gauge screen smartly integrated, tactile controls, knurled knobs, top-notch seat materials and attractive speaker grilles the 2021 Mazda3 sets the benchmark for its class.
The eye-catching, redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra has bodywork that features lots of attention-drawing lines and creases. Up front its wide, patterned grille and nice, slim headlights create an evocative style. One slick design detail is the light bar that connects the taillights. The Elantra’s impressive cabin isn't as cohesive as Mazda3’s, but its large, customizable, infotainment system and digital dashboard makes it feel a little more high-tech.
Safety
Both the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and 2021 Mazda3 have a wide range of safety equipment. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. The base model Mazda3 GX only has rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. The mid-level GS has many more key safety features and the top-trim GT has a head-up display, surround-view camera, rear automatic braking and traffic-sign recognition. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety named the 2021 Mazda3 among the Top Safety Pick+ winners.
The base model Hyundai Elantra Essential trim only has a few of the essential safety features. However, mid-trim Elantra Preferred has a great deal more and the Ultimate trim comes fully loaded with all the best safety and driver assistance features. They include forward-collision intersection-oriented warning system and parking sensors. The IIHS has not yet rated the safety features on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
Features
The base models of both these compact cars have lots of truly appealing features. The 2021 Mazda3 has features like push-button start, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, 8.8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated cloth front seats, automatic headlights, heated door mirrors and a dual-zone climate control system. The highest trims have navigation, leather-trimmed seats, a 12-speaker sound system, parking sensors in the front and rear and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Standard features on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra are automatic headlights, heated front seats, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and heated side mirrors. Mid-level Preferred trims have a heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped shifter and upgraded cloth upholstery. The Hyundai Elantra's top-level Ultimate trim has a digital gauge cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment system, 8-speaker sound system, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, leather seating and heated rear seats.
User Friendly
The controls and infotainment system on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra feel both natural and intuitive. Its touchscreen is both quick and responsive. The wireless phone charger and USB port are easy to reach. But using some features is challenging. The Mazda3's infotainment system has a rotary knob that makes using it simple and easy. But it does not have navigation options with quick and easy access. Without a touchscreen, using the navigation system is a little cumbersome. Still, the controls feel responsive, tactile and upscale.
Practicality
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra tops the 2021 Mazda3 when you compare space and practicality. The Elantra has more headroom, leg room and cargo space than the Mazda3. That includes the Elantra's 402 L of cargo room versus 374 L in the Mazda3. So while the back seat passengers in the Mazda3 may feel a little cramped, the 37.3 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom in the rear seat of the Elantra is a little more accommodating.
Comfort
Both the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Mazda3 have comfortable leather seats. But the Mazda3 has plush armrests while the armrests on the Elantra are rougher and thinly padded. The ride on the Mazda3 is firm and smooth when driving over potholes, uneven pavement and other road imperfections and provides a premium experience overall. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has a little softer ride and may be a little more comfortable for commuting everyday. But, the Elantra's cabin is very loud with wind and tire noise.
Power
The 2021 Mazda3 has 3 available engines. The base model is a 2.0 liter, 155 horsepower, four-cylinder engine that produces 150 pound-feet of torque. A 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder, 186 horsepower engine that generates 186 pound-feet of torque is available for use with the mid-trim GS and is standard equipment on the GT model. The third is a turbocharged 250 horsepower, 2.5 liter engine that delivers an impressive 320 pound-feet of torque. All the engines are mated to a six-speed transmission and available with front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter, 147 horsepower engine that provides 132 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission that surprisingly responsive.
A Tough Choice
The 2021 Mazda3 is a refined, athletic, compact car, with high-tech features and a stylish, sophisticated and comfortable cabin. It has the added benefit of all-wheel-drive traction and good performance. But, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra has good in-cabin tech and attractive style, is more accommodating, has better fuel economy and a lower price. It has a modern look and a quality driving experience. While the 2021 Mazda3 is more stylish and attractive, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra has a more roomy interior and cost a lot less to operate. Deciding which compact car to choose depends on which features are most important to you.