2025 Mazda 3 vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra

$24,150 · Sedan

$22,625 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The age-old question for compact sedan shoppers is whether to prioritize engaging driving dynamics or maximize upfront savings and fuel economy. The 2025 Mazda 3 starts at a higher MSRP of $24,150 compared to the 2026 Hyundai Elantra's $22,625, presenting a clear initial cost difference. However, the Mazda offers a more potent powertrain, boasting 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Elantra's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency favors the Hyundai, achieving a combined 35 MPG (31 city/40 highway), while the Mazda nets 31 combined MPG (27 city/37 highway). Though the Mazda is slightly shorter at 183.5 inches versus the Elantra's 185.4 inches, the Elantra offers marginally more cargo space at 14.2 cu ft compared to the Mazda's 13.2 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether a $1,525 difference in price and 4 MPG is worth sacrificing 44 horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The 2026 Elantra wins for daily commuting due to its superior combined 35 MPG, which saves money over the long haul.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Elantra

Families will appreciate the Elantra's slightly larger 14.2 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

The 2025 Mazda 3 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering a substantial 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra offers better overall value by starting at a lower MSRP of $22,625 while providing better fuel economy.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You prioritize performance and enjoy spirited driving thanks to its 191 hp engine.
You prefer a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
You value the Mazda's slightly more compact exterior dimensions (183.5 inches long).

Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...

Saving money on fuel is paramount, given its 35 MPG combined rating.
You need the absolute lowest starting price at $22,625.
You need maximum trunk space, as the Elantra offers 14.2 cu ft versus 13.2 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Preparation System	✓	—
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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Mazda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/37 MPG	31/40 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/488.4 mi.	384.4/496.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	53.4 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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda 3 and 2026 Hyundai Elantra.

Which sedan is more powerful for highway merging?

The 2025 Mazda 3 is significantly more powerful, putting out 191 hp, which is 44 hp more than the 2026 Elantra's 147 hp. This extra power means the Mazda 3 will feel punchier during passing maneuvers on the highway.

How much more will I save on gas with the Elantra?

The Hyundai Elantra has a distinct advantage, offering 35 MPG combined versus the Mazda 3's 31 MPG combined. Over many miles, this 4 MPG difference translates directly into noticeable annual fuel savings.

Are the exterior sizes very different between these two sedans?

They are quite similar in size, but the Elantra is slightly longer (185.4 inches) and wider (71.9 inches) than the Mazda 3 (183.5 inches long and 70.7 inches wide). The Mazda sits slightly taller at 56.9 inches compared to the Elantra's 55.7 inches.

Which car uses a traditional automatic transmission?

The 2025 Mazda 3 comes standard with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which some drivers prefer for smoothness but others find less engaging.

Is the Mazda 3's higher price justified by its features?

The Mazda 3 has a $1,525 higher starting MSRP ($24,150 vs $22,625 for the Elantra). This premium covers the significant boost in horsepower and the use of a conventional geared automatic transmission instead of a CVT.

How does cargo space compare for weekend trips?

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra edges out the Mazda 3 in trunk volume, offering 14.2 cubic feet compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cubic feet. While both are standard for the class, the Elantra gives you an extra cubic foot for luggage.