2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Mazda 3

$22,625 · Sedan

$24,550 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the pragmatic efficiency of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the premium driving dynamics of the 2026 Mazda 3 is a classic dilemma for compact sedan shoppers. If your budget is tight, the Elantra wins upfront with an MSRP of $22,625 compared to the Mazda 3's $24,550, saving you nearly $2,000 immediately. However, this upfront saving translates directly into long-term running costs, as the Elantra boasts a fantastic 35 combined MPG versus the Mazda 3’s 30 combined MPG. Furthermore, the power discrepancy is notable: the Mazda offers a punchier 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the Elantra’s 147 hp. While the Elantra is slightly longer at 185.4 inches, the Mazda compensates slightly in headroom with a height of 56.9 inches. Ultimately, buyers must weigh daily fuel savings against superior performance metrics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the superior choice for daily commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 40 MPG on the highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Elantra

While the Mazda 3 is slightly taller, the Elantra provides marginally more overall length and a slightly larger 14.2 cu ft of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda 3

The 2026 Mazda 3 appeals more to enthusiasts thanks to its substantially higher output of 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra offers better value, beginning with a lower $22,625 MSRP and better long-term running costs due to its 5 MPG efficiency advantage.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...

You prioritize saving money at the pump, as the Elantra achieves 35 combined MPG.
You want the lowest barrier to entry, with an MSRP starting at $22,625.
You prefer the slightly larger interior dimensions, including 14.2 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You enjoy spirited driving, given its 186 hp engine versus the Elantra's 147 hp.
You prefer a transmission with more driver engagement, opting for the 6-speed shiftable automatic.
You value a slightly taller stance for entry/exit, as the Mazda 3 sits at 56.9 inches high.

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)	31/40 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.4/496.0 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	✓	✓
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: Premium 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
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more powerful is the Mazda 3 compared to the Elantra?

The 2026 Mazda 3 boasts 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly punchier than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra, which produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Which sedan will cost less to run weekly based on fuel economy?

The Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner for fuel savings, delivering 35 combined MPG versus the Mazda 3's 30 combined MPG. This 5 MPG advantage adds up over a standard commuting schedule.

Are the physical sizes of these two sedans very different?

They are similarly sized, but the Elantra is slightly longer (185.4 inches vs. 183.5 inches) and the Mazda 3 is slightly taller (56.9 inches vs. 55.7 inches).

Does the higher price of the Mazda 3 translate to more storage room?

Surprisingly, no; the less expensive Elantra offers better utility with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

What are the main powertrain differences between the two?

The Elantra uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission paired with its lower horsepower engine, while the Mazda 3 uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic, giving enthusiasts more control.