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 | 2026 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,300 | $13,680 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $8,199 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $27,973 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $37,156 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 131 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai SonataSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 28 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 |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| 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 Sonata | Mazda Protege |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $27,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SEL Sport $29,000 MSRP | LX $15,415 MSRP |
| 3 | SEL Sport $30,500 MSRP | ES $16,140 MSRP |
| 4 | Blue Hybrid $29,050 MSRP | Base $19,980 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL Hybrid $32,300 MSRP | Base $20,480 MSRP |
| 6 | N Line $35,900 MSRP | — |
| 7 | Limited Hybrid $38,100 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Hyundai Sonata131 for sale
See all
Used2017 Hyundai Sonata
SE
Shale Gray Metallic•gray59,457 mi$13,925Drive Appeal
Eden Prairie, MN
Used2013 Hyundai Sonata
GLS
Harbor Gray Metallic•Gray58,570 mi$10,900Drive Appeal
Eden Prairie, MN
- New
2026 Hyundai Sonata
SE
Abyss Black•BLACK12 mi$26,161Preston Hyundai of Millsboro
Millsboro, DE
- New
2026 Hyundai Sonata
SEL Sport
Gray2 mi$27,973Preston Hyundai of Millsboro
Millsboro, DE
- New
2026 Hyundai Sonata
SE
Abyss Black•Black11 mi$26,158Preston Hyundai of Millsboro
Millsboro, DE
- New
2026 Hyundai Sonata
SE
Aero Silver•Gray24 mi$26,008Preston Hyundai of Millsboro
Millsboro, DE
Hyundai Sonata vs Mazda Protege FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 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: 2026 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 $8,199.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,680).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2026 Hyundai Sonata leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (51).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Hyundai Sonata or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2026 Hyundai Sonata leads on horsepower in this comparison (290).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Hyundai Sonata vs 2003 Mazda Protege?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Sonata (5/5 NHTSA overall).