Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda 3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mazda 3
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | 2.5 S |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,825 (best) | $24,650 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 40 MPG (best) | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 13.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 186 hp (best) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.2 cu ft (best) | 13.2 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 2,868 lbs (best) | 3,111 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 107.3 in (best) |
| Length | 185.4 in (best) | 183.5 in |
| Width | 71.9 in (best) | 70.7 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Hyundai Elantra | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 S $24,650 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SEL Sport $23,950 MSRP | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP |
| 3 | SEL Sport Plus $24,450 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,540 MSRP |
| 4 | SEL Sport Plus $27,300 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $26,740 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL Sport Premium $25,275 MSRP | 2.5 S Preferred $27,290 MSRP |
| 6 | Blue $25,650 MSRP | 2.5 S Preferred $28,440 MSRP |
| 7 | Limited $27,375 MSRP | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $29,815 MSRP |
| 8 | SEL Sport $27,625 MSRP | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $30,765 MSRP |
| 9 | N Line $29,600 MSRP | 2.5 S Premium $31,450 MSRP |
| 10 | Limited $30,000 MSRP | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $36,940 MSRP |
| 11 | — | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $37,890 MSRP |
Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda 3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Mazda 3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Mazda 3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Mazda 3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra starts lower at $22,825.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (22,825).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (54).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Mazda 3?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra (5/5 NHTSA overall).