2025 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Mazda 3
Comparison Overview
The comparison between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Mazda 3 highlights a significant divergence in priorities, starting with fuel economy: the Elantra achieves a combined 36 MPG compared to the Mazda 3's 30 MPG, a 6 MPG advantage. Conversely, the Mazda 3 counters with a substantial performance gap, offering 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, vastly surpassing the Elantra's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. In terms of cost, the Elantra commands a lower MSRP at $22,125 versus $24,550 for the Mazda 3. Physically, the Elantra is slightly longer at 185.4 inches versus 183.5 inches, though the Mazda 3 provides slightly more headroom at 56.9 inches in height compared to 55.7 inches. Cargo capacity favors the Elantra marginally, offering 14.2 cu ft against the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft. These specifications clearly segment the two sedans into an efficiency-focused choice (Elantra) and a performance-oriented option (Mazda 3).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra secures the commuter win due to its superior 36 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Mazda 3's 30 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra is slightly better suited for family duty by offering 14.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.
2026 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is the enthusiast's choice, delivering 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Elantra's output.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra offers a lower entry price point at $22,125, providing significant savings over the Mazda 3's $24,550 MSRP.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- Your primary concern is running costs, highlighted by the 6 MPG advantage in combined efficiency.
- You require the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $22,125 MSRP.
- You prioritize maximizing trunk space, with 14.2 cu ft available versus 13.2 cu ft.
Choose the Mazda 3 if...
- You desire maximum output, as the Mazda 3 provides 186 hp, which is 39 hp more than the Elantra.
- You prefer a sedan with a higher seating position, standing 56.9 inches tall compared to 55.7 inches.
- You value the driving dynamics associated with the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 186 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 | — | ✓ |
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 | 27/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.8/508.4 mi. | 356.4/475.2 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| 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. | 34.4 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 | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 2026 Mazda 3.
How significant is the difference in horsepower between the 2025 Elantra and the 2026 Mazda 3?
The difference is substantial; the Mazda 3 offers 186 hp, which is 39 horsepower more than the Hyundai Elantra’s 147 hp. This power deficit suggests the Elantra is tuned more conservatively for efficiency rather than outright acceleration.
Which sedan offers better long-term running costs based on fuel economy?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving 36 MPG combined versus the Mazda 3's 30 MPG combined. This 6 MPG difference will result in fewer stops at the pump over the vehicle's lifespan.
Is the $2,425 MSRP difference between the two cars justified by the Mazda 3’s performance?
The $24,550 MSRP for the Mazda 3 covers a 39 hp increase and 54 lb-ft more torque over the $22,125 Elantra. Enthusiasts may find the extra cost worth the performance gains, while budget-conscious buyers will stick with the Elantra's superior value proposition.
How do the physical dimensions affect passenger comfort or maneuverability?
The Elantra is 1.9 inches longer overall (185.4 vs 183.5 inches), but the Mazda 3 is marginally taller (56.9 vs 55.7 inches), potentially offering slightly better headroom. Both offer front-wheel drive configurations.
Do both vehicles use the same fuel requirement?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Mazda 3 specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, preventing the need to purchase premium gasoline for either model.
Which sedan has the superior transmission setup?
The Mazda 3 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic, often preferred by drivers seeking more direct engagement, whereas the Elantra features a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) geared toward maximizing fuel economy.
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