Head-to-head
2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Mazda Mazda3
The Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 90.5 to 86.9, on safety, tech & comfort, performance. The Hyundai Elantra is ahead on fuel & range and price. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.5 and it flips.
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2026 Hyundai Elantra
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Elantra Hybrid B…
vs
A2026 Mazda Mazda3
The 2026 Mazda Mazda3 is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the 3 4-Door 2WD, is EPA-rated at …
More Hyundai Elantra head-to-heads More Mazda Mazda3 head-to-heads Every Elantra vs Mazda3 model year
Verdict · default weights
2026 Mazda Mazda3
Slight edgeThe Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 90.5 to 86.9, on safety, tech & comfort, performance. The Hyundai Elantra is ahead on fuel & range and price. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.5 and it flips.
Fuel & range 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads by 44.4
Safety 2026 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 24.5
Tech & comfort 2026 Mazda Mazda3 leads by 32.2
| Category · weight | 2026 Mazda Mazda3overall 90.5 | 2026 Hyundai Elantraoverall 86.9 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 92.6 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 55.6 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 75.5 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 96.2 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 79.8 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 67.8 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 90.5 | 86.9 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mazda Mazda3: base trim 2.5 S Sedan FWD · Hyundai Elantra: base trim SE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.5 and the answer flips.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 4 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 68).
- It lists 28 standard driver-assist features against 21.
Where the 2026 Hyundai Elantra answers
- It costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,250 against $2,250).
- It is rated 54 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
49 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $24,650 | $22,825 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,488 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | SKYACTIV-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder | 2.0L MPI Atkinson DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | 4 valves per cylinder, Variable-Valve Timing | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 27 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 36 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.626 | 4.892 |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | — |
| Transmission type | SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT | Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | 5.3 in |
| Overall height | 56.9 in | 55.7 in |
| Overall length | 184 in | 185 in |
| Overall width | 70.7 in | 71.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 107 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 92.8 cu-ft | 114 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 38 in | 40.6 in |
| Third-row headroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Third-row legroom | 35.1 in | 38 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,111 lbs | 2,868 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,111 lbs | 2,725 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 3,858 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent, MacPherson strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear suspension type | Torsion Beam Axle | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack-and-pinion | Column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 17.4 ft | 17.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 280 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | Mechanical Cable (Hand lever) |
| Rear brake diameter | 265 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 15 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | 6.5 in | 6 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 205/60R16 M+S | 195/65R15 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | 12.4 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mazda Connected Services | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 55.7 in | 56.5 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 53.5 in | 55.6 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
145 features · differences first, then sharedSafety23 differ · 36 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA - camera only) w/ Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go (SCC & S&G) | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support with pedestrian, bicycles or motorcycles detection (SBS) | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System | std | — |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | — | std |
| 3-point safety belts for all seating positions | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | std | — |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Child safety rear door locks | std | — |
| Cruise control | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Front & Rear safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Hill Launch Assist and Auto Hold | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | — | std |
| Knee air bags (Driver and Passenger side) | std | — |
| LATCH rear seat child safety seat anchors & upper tether anchors | std | — |
| Rear Seat Alert | std | — |
| Safe Exit Warning & Rear Occupant Alert | — | std |
| Seat belt warning/reminder for driver, front passenger and rear passengers | std | — |
| Side impact air curtains (front and rear) with roll-over protection | std | — |
| Smart Pedal | — | std |
| Vehicle Exit Warning | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | — | std |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Warning (BCW) w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCA) | std | std |
| Advanced dual front airbags w/ Occupant Classification System (OCS) | std | std |
| Driver and Front Passenger Side-impact (2) | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) & Lane Following Assist (LFA) | std | std |
| Rearview camera with Dynamic Guidance | std | std |
| Side Air Curtains (front and rear passengers) (2) | std | std |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) & High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | std | std |
| Automatic High Beam Assist | std | std |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | std | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Anti-theft System integrated with Remote Keyless Entry and Panic | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | std | std |
Infotainment14 differ · 16 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-fi Hotspot (tied to Navigation) | std | — |
| Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with Voice Recognition | — | std |
| 2 Rear USB-C charge | — | std |
| 8.8" full-color center display | std | — |
| AM/FM/Radio | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ integration | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability | std | — |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with Voice Recognition | — | std |
| Dual USB ports (1 USB charge + data, 1 USB-C charge) | — | std |
| In-glass AM/FM antenna | — | std |
| MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System | std | — |
| Multi-function Commander control | std | — |
| Speed-sensitive automatic volume control | — | std |
| USB Type-C Audio Inputs (2 ports) | std | — |
| 8-inch Display Audio system with 6 speakers, High Resolution Touchscreen with rearview camera with Dynamic Guidance, AM/FM / HD/ AM/FM/HD/ Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | std | std |
| Audio Controls (Volume up/down, Seek up/down, Mode) | std | std |
Convenience9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity key entry with push button start | std | — |
| 12-volt Outlet below HVAC controls | — | std |
| Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls | std | — |
| Illuminated entry system | std | — |
| Power door locks - speed sensitive with 2-stage unlocking | std | — |
| Power Door Locks (ignition key reminder, 2-turn unlocking, inside handle override) | — | std |
| Power Windows with Driver's auto-down, illuminated power window switches | — | std |
| Power windows with one-touch down/up feature (4) | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry system | std | — |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning - manual | std | — |
| Manual Air Conditioning | — | std |
Seating6 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 1-piece bench folding rear seatback with fixed center headrest and outer headrests | — | std |
| 5-passenger seating capacity | std | — |
| 60/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback | std | — |
| Front Passenger slide/recline | — | std |
| Headrests - Front (height-adjustable: Driver and Passenger) & rear (removable - 3 passengers) | std | — |
| Seat folding release in trunk | — | std |
| 6-way Driver's adjustable Bucket | std | std |
| 4-way Passenger's adjustable Bucket | std | std |
| Premium cloth seating surfaces | std | std |
Interior27 differ · 31 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2-inch color (TFT-LCD) | — | std |
| 7-inch LCD meter display | std | — |
| Ambient temperature | std | — |
| Assist handles - (4) | std | — |
| Auto Dimming Mirror with Homelink | — | opt |
| Central Dome Light (with Delay) | — | std |
| Coat hooks (2) Rear | std | — |
| Digital clock | std | — |
| Door scuff - Step Plate (plastic) | — | std |
| Front Map Lights | — | std |
| Fuel gauge | std | — |
| Gear selector - urethane | std | — |
| Map lights (LED) | std | — |
| Multi-Information Display (MID) - Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Meter, Outside Temperature, Distance-To-Empty, Average Fuel Economy, Current fuel economy, i-Activsense display, Compass Display, Door-Ajar/Liftgate-Ajar Warning indication, Message Display | std | — |
| Shift Knob - Urethane | — | std |
| Speedometer | std | — |
| Steering wheel - urethane | std | — |
| Storage - center console armrest with covered storage compartments | std | — |
| Storage - cup holders, (2) front | std | — |
| Storage - glove compartment | std | — |
| Storage, bottle holder, front (2) and rear (2) door panels | std | — |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors and extensions | std | — |
| Tachometer | std | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic steering wheel | — | std |
| Urethane steering wheel | — | std |
| Steering wheel - tilt & telescopic | std | — |
| Sunvisors w/ illumination & extension | — | std |
| Cargo Area Light | std | std |
| Inside Rearview Mirror - Manual Day/Night | std | std |
| Carpeted Floor Mats | std | std |
| Trip Computer (Distance to Empty, Average Fuel Consumption, Average Vehicle Speed, Elapsed time) | std | std |
Exterior22 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual LED Projector Headlights | — | std |
| 16 x 6.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | std | — |
| 205/60 R16 all-season tires | std | — |
| Brake light - center high-mount | std | — |
| Bulb Rear Taillights | — | std |
| Dual exhaust outlets | std | — |
| Dual Power, Two-Tone outside mirrors (Body color top + Black bottom) | — | std |
| Front grille - matte finish | std | — |
| Front Windshield 2-speed intermittent, mist function wipers | — | std |
| Grille - Black | — | std |
| Headlights - auto On/Off feature | std | — |
| Headlights - LED | std | — |
| License plate lamp (LED) | std | — |
| Rear combination lights | std | — |
| Rear hatch spoiler - black (Premium Plus Unique - PIO) [Hatchback only] | std | — |
| Side garnish - black | std | — |
| Side mirrors - body-color, dual power remote with LED turn signal indicators | std | — |
| Window Belt Moldings - Black | — | std |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | std | — |
| Windshield wipers - variable-intermittent | std | — |
| Automatic Headlamp Control | — | std |
| Solar Glass | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | std | std |
| Rear Seat Heater Ducts and Rear Window Defroster | std | std |
| Compact Spar Tire T125/80D15×4T | std | std |
Powertrain6 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Mode Select: Normal / Sport / Smart | — | std |
| Idle, Stop & Go | — | std |
| SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with Cylinder Deactivation | std | — |
| SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS: G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) | std | — |
| SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-Speed AT with manual-shift mode and Sport mode | std | — |
| Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | — | std |
| Drive Configuration: FWD | std | std |
Chassis9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | — | std |
| Coupled Torsion Beam Axle rear suspension | — | std |
| Front Suspension - MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | std | — |
| MacPherson Strut front suspension | — | std |
| Mechanical Cable Parking Brake | — | std |
| Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering | std | — |
| Power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes | std | — |
| Rear Suspension - Torsion Beam | std | — |
| Unibody construction with High Tensile Steel | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Cover | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMazda Mazda3
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Steering (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Hyundai Elantra
Safety Signal 68 D
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 4 · 1 critical
Owner complaints 4 · 0 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Wheels (1), Air Bags (1), Unspecified (1)
Top recalls
- critical Electrical System 26V308000 · 54,337 vehicles
- high Suspension 26V692000 · 24 vehicles
- high Wheels 26V693000 · 17 vehicles
- high Air Bags 26V254000 · 2,931 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mazda Mazda32.5 S Sedan FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24,650 (base trim) | $22,825 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $24,650 – $38,090 11 trims | $22,825 – $40,950 14 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | 3 4-Door 2WD | Elantra Hybrid Blue |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 30 | 54 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,250 | $1,250 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The Mazda Mazda3 edges it, 90.5 to 86.9, on safety, tech & comfort, performance. The Hyundai Elantra is ahead on fuel & range and price. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.5 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 scores 90.5 and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra 86.9. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra starts lower — $22,825 against $24,650, a gap of $1,825 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 or the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
2026 Mazda Mazda3: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 recalls. 2026 Hyundai Elantra: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 4 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
Where the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 4 filed with NHTSA), has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 100 against 68), and lists 28 standard driver-assist features against 21. Where the 2026 Hyundai Elantra answers: it costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,250 against $2,250) and is rated 54 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 5 seats.