Hyundai ELANTRA vs. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA and Mazda Mazda3 Sedan contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai ELANTRA and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan.

When comparing the Hyundai ELANTRA's and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA's and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's specifications and ratings, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is a better car than the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Pricing: A used 2025 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $19,455 to $26,949 while a used 2025 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan is priced between $22,542 to $29,876. For a new model, the Hyundai ELANTRA's price is between $22,559 and $28,651, with the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan priced between $25,372 and $33,509.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai ELANTRA loses 40.6 percent of its value and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan retains 2.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 5 out of 31 Best Small Cars and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan being ranked 3 out of 31.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.5 out of 10. For the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan base engine makes 191 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Hyundai ELANTRA and Mazda Mazda3 Sedan are comparable in regards to front leg room and rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda Mazda3 Sedan has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai ELANTRA, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Hyundai ELANTRA
Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

2025 Hyundai ELANTRA
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Hyundai ELANTRA for Sale

2025 Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Sedan
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Mazda Mazda3 Sedan for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

22559 - 28651

Starting MSRP:

22025

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

28470

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

21590 - 47100

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

25372 - 33509

Starting MSRP:

24150

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

28470

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

21590 - 47100

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

22661

Price Range:

19455 - 26949

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

30314

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

22070 - 52316

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

24722

Price Range:

22542 - 29876

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

30314

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

22070 - 52316

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

9115

Depreciation %:

0.41384261

Resale Value $:

12910

Residual Value %:

0.58615739

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.3979908

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.31796157 - 0.42854561

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

9364

Depreciation %:

0.3877575

Resale Value $:

14786

Residual Value %:

0.6122425

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.3979908

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.31796157 - 0.42854561

Hyundai ELANTRA Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

8.8 / 10

Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.8 / 10

Reliability:

7.9 / 10

Retained Value:

8.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai ELANTRA

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.1

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

12.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

8.8 - 16.2

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.09

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

15.3

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

12.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

8.8 - 16.2

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.152



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.4832701543182303

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

1.8 - 28.7

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.2706111340684245

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

1.8 - 28.7

Hyundai ELANTRA Rankings

Best Small Cars for Tall People

1 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

1 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

2 / 31

Best Family Small Cars

3 / 31

Most Affordable Small Cars

3 / 21

Best Small Cars Under $25k

3 / 10

Safest Small Cars

4 / 31

Best Small Cars for Teens

4 / 7

Best Small Cars

5 / 31

Most Comfortable Small Cars

5 / 31

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k

7 / 10

Best Small Cars for the Money

9 / 21

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

12 / 31

Most Reliable Small Cars

18 / 31

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

21 / 31

Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Rankings

Best Small Cars for the Money

1 / 21

Best Small Cars Under $25k

1 / 10

Best Family Small Cars

2 / 31

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k

2 / 10

Best Small Cars

3 / 31

Safest Small Cars

3 / 31

Best Small Cars for Teens

3 / 7

Most Reliable Small Cars

4 / 31

Most Affordable Small Cars

7 / 21

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

8 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

12 / 31

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

14 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

14 / 31

Most Comfortable Small Cars

23 / 31

Best Small Cars for Tall People

29 / 31

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Hatchback, Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Hyundai ELANTRA Trim Levels

Limited, N Line, SE, SEL Convenience, SEL Sport

Mazda Mazda3 Sedan Trim Levels

2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 S, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.81 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.054 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

191 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.061 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


27 / 37 / 31

Range (city/hwy):

356 / 488 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Available

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

56.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.6 inches

Cargo Space:

14.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

113.6 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.7 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.1 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.5 inches

Cargo Space:

13.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

92.8 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2725 lbs

Width:

71.9 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Length:

185.4 inches

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3124 lbs

Width:

70.7 inches

Height:

56.9 inches

Length:

183.5 inches

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

195/65R15

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P205/60R16

Exterior Colors

Black

Abyss Black Pearl

Blue

Intense Blue Pearl

Gray

Amazon Gray Pearl / Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Fluid Metal Metallic

Red

Ultimate Red Pearl

White

Serenity White Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Jet Black Mica

Blue

Deep Crystal Blue Mica

Gray

Not available

Red

Not available

White

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

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