Hyundai Sonata vs Mazda Protege
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Mazda Protege
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | DX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda 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 now | 2 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 38 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 hp (best) | 130 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft (best) | 135 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.6 cu ft (best) | 12.9 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,232 lbs | 2,634 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in (best) | 102.8 in |
| Length | 193.3 in (best) | 175.3 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 67.1 in |
| Height | 56.9 in (best) | 55.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None 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.
| Trim | Hyundai Sonata | Mazda 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).

