Elantra vs Mazda3
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Elantra and the Mazda3 show how Hyundai and Mazda each approach the compact car class. The Elantra wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mazda3 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Elantra wins
- Space & Practicality Elantra wins
- Off-road & Towing Mazda3 wins
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Space & Practicality4.8
- Engine & Performance2.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality4.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Mazda3 has 44 hp more power
The Elantra gives up a lot on total system output: 147 hp, compared with 191 hp on the Mazda3. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Elantra has better fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The Elantra brings 36 mpg to the table; the Mazda3 brings 31 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Mazda3 has 54 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Mazda3 wins comfortably with 186 lb-ft against 132 lb-ft. The Mazda3’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Elantra has 7.6% more cargo space
It’s a small lead (14.2 cu ft versus 13.2 cu ft), but it’s real, and it goes to the Elantra. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Elantra has better city fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (32 mpg for the Elantra, 27 mpg for the Mazda3) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Elantra has the better rating here.
Design & Size
- Elantra 184.1 in × 71.9 in × 55.7 in
- Mazda3 183.5 in × 70.7 in × 56.9 in
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 183.5 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 70.7 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 107.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Mazda3 leads
In this area the Mazda3 has a lead the Elantra can’t close. On the Mazda3, you get 44 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the Mazda3 comes out ahead.
Total system output
Elantra: 147 hp Mazda3: 191 hp The Mazda3’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Elantra: 132 lb-ft Mazda3: 186 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Elantra leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Elantra is comfortably ahead. The Elantra brings better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the Elantra is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
Elantra: 36 mpg Mazda3: 31 mpg The Elantra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Elantra: 32 mpg Mazda3: 27 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Elantra starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Elantra leads
This area is close, with the Elantra just ahead of the Mazda3. The Elantra pulls ahead with 7.6% more cargo space. The Elantra’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. For space & practicality, the Elantra is the one to beat.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Elantra: 14.2 cu ft Mazda3: 13.2 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Mazda3 leads
The Mazda3 takes off-road & towing by a nose. The Mazda3 has the edge with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. If this section decides it for you, choose the Mazda3.
AWD / 4WD available
Elantra: no Mazda3: yes The Mazda3 offers all-wheel drive; the Elantra doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Elantra | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 147 hp | 191 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | IVT (CVT) | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Elantra | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 36 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 32 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 41 mpg (winner) | 37 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Elantra | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 14.2 cu ft (winner) | 13.2 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 38 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Elantra | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Elantra | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 183.5 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 70.7 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 107.3 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Elantra if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (36 mpg vs 31 mpg)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (14.2 cu ft vs 13.2 cu ft)
- you want better city fuel economy (32 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (41 mpg vs 37 mpg)
Choose the Mazda3 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (191 hp vs 147 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (186 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Elantra or the Mazda3?
The Elantra wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you care more about 44 hp more power than anything else.
Is the Elantra bigger than the Mazda3?
Neither by much. The Elantra and the Mazda3 have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Elantra and the Mazda3 chase the same buyer. In the details, Hyundai and Mazda made different calls. Practically speaking, the Elantra’s biggest advantage is better fuel economy. Add 7.6% more cargo space to the list, and the Elantra looks even better. The Mazda3 does have a strong card to play: 44 hp more power.
The Elantra makes sense for anyone who values fuel economy & range; the Mazda3 for anyone who values engine & performance.
My pick: the Elantra; the one scenario where I’d reach for the Mazda3 is if your top priority is 44 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.