Mazda MAZDA6 vs. Hyundai ELANTRA

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MAZDA6 and Hyundai ELANTRA 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 Mazda MAZDA6 and the Hyundai ELANTRA.

In comparing the Mazda MAZDA6's and the Hyundai ELANTRA's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MAZDA6 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MAZDA6's and the Hyundai ELANTRA's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai ELANTRA is a better car than the Mazda MAZDA6.

Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 ranges from $16,083 to $26,998 while a used 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA is priced between $12,988 to $21,794.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MAZDA6 loses 43.3 percent of its value and the Hyundai ELANTRA loses 40.6 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai ELANTRA retains 2.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda MAZDA6.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda MAZDA6 is 8.0 out of 10 while the Hyundai ELANTRA's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Mazda MAZDA6 being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 12 out of 37 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda MAZDA6 is 7.7 out of 10. For the Hyundai ELANTRA the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Mazda MAZDA6 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda MAZDA6’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Hyundai ELANTRA base engine makes 147 horsepower. The MAZDA6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles.This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mazda MAZDA6 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda MAZDA6, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear leg room and cargo space. The Hyundai ELANTRA, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda MAZDA6 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.