2025 Hyundai Elantra vs 2025 Mazda 3

$22,125 · Sedan

$24,150 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra leaps out with its incredible efficiency, boasting a combined 36 MPG, which significantly undercuts the Mazda 3's 31 MPG. Its approachable MSRP of $22,125 also sets a lower entry barrier compared to the Mazda's $24,150. However, the 2025 Mazda 3 answers back with pure driving exhilaration, unleashing a potent 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Elantra's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. While the Elantra is the frugal choice, offering 41 highway MPG, the Mazda provides a much more spirited performance feel through its dedicated 6-speed automatic transmission. This contest boils down to prioritizing fuel economy over raw power; the Elantra saves you fuel dollars daily, whereas the Mazda delivers nearly 44 more horsepower for your driving pleasure.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra is the clear commuter champion due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 36 combined MPG versus the Mazda 3's 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra offers a slightly larger 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft, beneficial for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 delivers thrilling dynamics with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly more power than the Elantra's 147 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Elantra

Starting at $22,125, the Elantra presents a compelling value proposition with a $2,025 lower MSRP than the Mazda 3.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel stops, as the Elantra offers 41 MPG on the highway.
You are looking for the lowest initial purchase price, starting at an MSRP of $22,125.
You require maximum utility, benefiting from 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the competitor.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You prioritize engaging driving dynamics, supported by a robust 191 horsepower output.
You prefer the traditional feel and quicker response of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You need higher torque figures (186 lb-ft) for immediate acceleration response.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Elantra	Mazda 3
Length	185.4"	183.5"
Width	71.9"	70.7"
Height	55.7"	56.9"
Wheelbase	107.1"	107.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	32/41 MPG	27/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	36 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	396.8/508.4 mi.	356.4/488.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.4 in.	54.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	35.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.5 in.	50.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	15 x 6.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	195/65R15	205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2025 Mazda 3.

How much faster is the Mazda 3 compared to the Elantra based on specs?

The 2025 Mazda 3 is significantly faster, producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is 44 more horsepower than the Elantra's 147 hp and 54 more lb-ft of torque.

Which car is more economical for daily driving over the long term?

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the more economical choice, delivering a 5 MPG advantage with a combined rating of 36 MPG compared to the Mazda 3’s 31 MPG.

Are the transmissions fundamentally different in feel?

Yes, the Elantra uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), focusing on efficiency, while the Mazda 3 employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic, offering a more traditional, engaging gear feel.

Does the size difference impact passenger or cargo needs?

The Elantra is slightly longer at 185.4 inches and provides slightly more luggage room with 14.2 cu ft, compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft cargo capacity.