2021 Mazda3 vs 2021 Elantra

2021 Mazda3 vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra | San Juan Capistrano, CA

The 2020 Mazda3 won the World Car Design of the Year award. If you look at the competition, you can see why that’s a big deal. The 2020 Mazda3 beat out the likes of the Porsche Taycan. But Mazda wasn’t satisfied. For the 2021 model year, they improved the Mazda3 even more, adding more features and a whole new turbocharged powertrain.

Below, you’ll find our head-to-head comparison of the 2021 Mazda3 Sedan Preferred and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited. We’ve included basic info like starting price, performance specs, and fuel economy, as well as a direct comparison of all powertrain options and drivability. Take a look.

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2021 Mazda3 Sedan Preferred

vs

2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited

$24,500

MSRP

$25,450
2.5L 4-cyl

Engine

2.0L 4-cyl

186 hp / 186 lb-ft

Horsepower / Torque

147 hp / 132 lb-ft

6-speed auto

Transmission

 CVT
FWD or AWD

Drivetrain

 FWD
26/35/30

Fuel Economy

 31/41/35

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Powertrain Options

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It also only comes in FWD. The 2021 Mazda3 Sedan has three different choices. There’s the 2.5L four-cylinder from the table that's standard in most 2021 Mazda3 Sedan models. There’s also the entry-level 2.0L four-cylinder that produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, there’s the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine that can pump out up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. As the final nail in the coffin, the 2021 Mazda3 is available with AWD. The 2021 Elantra isn’t.

2021 Mazda3 Sedan front end close up
2021 Mazda3 cockpit showcase

Fun-to-Drive

Mazda has a history of making exceptionally balanced and well-handling vehicles. The 2021 Mazda3 holds true to that tradition. The 2021 Mazda3 has incredibly precise steering and astounding agility. The handling prowess makes winding roads your playground. Paired with the newly available 2.5L turbo-four engine, the 2021 Mazda3 is unrivaled when it comes to which vehicle you actually like driving. In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is just your average daily driver: inoffensive and unexciting.

2021 Mazda3 Sedan side profile

For more details on the 2021 Mazda3 Sedan, give Capistrano Mazda a call.

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