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Hyundai Sonata vs Mazda Protege

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Hyundai logo

2027 Hyundai Sonata

Mazda logo

2003 Mazda Protege

Overview

SpecHyundai SonataSEMazda ProtegeDX
Selected trimSEDX
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic5-speed manual
Engine typegasgas
Model year20272003

Pricing & market

SpecHyundai SonataSEMazda ProtegeDX
MSRP$27,600$13,680 (best)
Lowest listing price$23,392 (best)—
Median listing price$23,392 (best)—
Highest listing price$23,392 (best)—
For sale now2 (best)0

Fuel economy & range

SpecHyundai SonataSEMazda ProtegeDX
Combined MPG31 MPG (best)24 MPG
City MPG26 MPG (best)22 MPG
Highway MPG38 MPG (best)28 MPG
Fuel tank15.9 gal (best)14.5 gal

Performance

SpecHyundai SonataSEMazda ProtegeDX
Horsepower191 hp (best)130 hp
Torque181 lb-ft (best)135 lb-ft
Engine size2.5 L (best)2 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecHyundai SonataSEMazda ProtegeDX
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume15.6 cu ft (best)12.9 cu ft
Curb weight3,232 lbs2,634 lbs (best)
Ground clearance5.3 in5.5 in (best)
Wheelbase111.8 in (best)102.8 in
Length193.3 in (best)175.3 in
Width73.2 in (best)67.1 in
Height56.9 in (best)55.5 in

Safety & recalls

SpecHyundai SonataSEMazda ProtegeDX
Frontal crash (driver)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)—4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone reported

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.

TrimHyundai SonataMazda Protege
1

SE

$27,600 MSRP(Currently comparing)

DX

$13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

SEL Sport

$29,400 MSRP

LX

$15,415 MSRP

3

SEL Sport

$30,900 MSRP

ES

$16,140 MSRP

4

Blue Hybrid

$29,450 MSRP

Base

$19,980 MSRP

5

SEL Hybrid

$32,700 MSRP

Base

$20,480 MSRP

6

N Line

$36,300 MSRP

—
7

Limited Hybrid

$38,500 MSRP

—

Live inventory

Hyundai Sonata vs Mazda Protege FAQ

Which is better: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Hyundai Sonata vs 2003 Mazda Protege on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Mazda Protege starts lower at $13,680. Live Hyundai Sonata listings start at $23,392.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,680).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
The 2027 Hyundai Sonata leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (51).
Which has better horsepower: 2027 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
The 2027 Hyundai Sonata leads on horsepower in this comparison (290).