If you're looking for a reliable, compact vehicle in or near Bountiful, Utah, look no further than the Mazda 3. From fuel efficiency to ride quality, this powerful sedan is sure to impress. Despite its affordable price, it also offers many great standard features that make it a great value proposition. However, it faces tough competition from the Hyundai Elantra, another exceptionally well-made vehicle. If you're wondering whether to purchase the Mazda 3 or Hyundai Elantra, check out this detailed comparison to make a well-informed choice.

Trim Levels and Prices

The Mazda 3 is available in eight different trims that cater to the needs and preferences of different drivers:

Power

If power is one of your primary considerations, the Mazda 3 may be the better option. This Mazda model has three different engines to choose from, including:

• 2.0L four-cylinder.
• 2.5L four-cylinder.
• 2.5L turbo-four.

The Mazda 3's standard 2.0L four-cylinder is slightly more powerful than the Hyundai's base power mill, producing around 155 horsepower. However, neither of its optional engines are as powerful as those of the Elantra. These units include a 2.5L four-cylinder, which generates around 186 horses, and a 2.5L turbo-four, which provides around 250 horsepower with premium fuel and 227 horsepower with regular fuel. Every engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, but you can choose to fit the Premium hatchback with the available six-speed manual. If you enjoy the occasional spirited drive, you'll be better off getting the 2.5L turbo-four engine. Like the Mazda 3, there are three engine options for the Hyundai Elantra. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims are powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that generates around 147 horsepower. This engine is mated with a refined continuously variable transmission to deliver quick acceleration and ample passive power at highway speeds. If you love off-road adventures, consider getting the N Line trim, which features a 1.6L turbo-four that generates about 201 horses. That's enough to propel the sedan from zero to about 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Each engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, but you can opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission if you're looking for quicker acceleration and smoother gear changes.

Interior

Both the Mazda 3 and Hyundai Elantra can seat up to five people and feature an aesthetically pleasing and solidly built interior. However, we recommend the Mazda 3 if you prioritize comfort over seat capacity. With the Mazda's power-sliding glass moonroof and eight-way power driver's seat with two-position memory and power-adjustable lumbar support, you'll be better off getting the Mazda 3. If you regularly drive with multiple passengers, consider getting the Elantra. This sedan provides adult-friendly legroom in both rows of seats. It also comes with a larger trunk than the Mazda 3.

Fuel Economy

The all-new Mazda 3 has exceptional gas mileage with the base engine and four-wheel drive (FWD), boasting around 37 MPG on the highway and 28 MPG in the city. The optional all-wheel drive (AWD) with the same engine has a slightly lower highway mileage. The more powerful turbo AWD engine is less fuel-efficient but still reaches around 31 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG in the city. The Hyundai Elantra also has impressive fuel economy. Its base engine delivers around 43 MPG on the highway and 33 MPG in the city.

Infotainment Features

Another impressive element of the Mazda 3 is its feature-loaded and user-friendly infotainment system, which provides an entertaining and connected ride. If you opt for the base mode, you'll get an 8.8-inch touch-screen display, an eight-speaker sound system, HD radio, Bluetooth, voice command, and two US ports. You can also choose from upgrades such as a 12-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. Standard Elantra features an 8-inch touch-screen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD radio, Bluetooth, a four-speaker sound system, and a pair of USB ports. For an enhanced in-vehicle experience, you can get optional features, such as a 10.2-inch touch-screen display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six- or eight-speaker audio system, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless device charger, navigation, and satellite radio.

Safety Features

The standard advanced safety features of the new Mazda 3 include the following:

• Lane-keeping assistance.
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Automated high beams.
• Lane-departure monitoring.
• Forward automated emergency braking.
• Driver-attention monitoring.
• Rearview camera.

Optional features of the Mazda 3 include:

• Blind-spot detection.
• Traffic sign recognition.
• Traffic-jam assistance.
• A head-up display.
• Adaptive headlamps.
• Rear cross-traffic warning.
• 360-degree parking camera system.

The Hyundai Elantra also comes with plenty of standard driver-assistance technologies to minimize your risk of accident, such as:

• Blind-spot detection.
• Forward automated emergency braking.
• Lane-keeping assistance.
• Forward-collision alert.
• Automated high-beams.
• Safe exit alert.
• Driver-drowsiness detection.
• Rear cross-traffic monitoring.
• Rearview camera.
• Rear-seat reminder.
• Pedestrian alert.

Optional safety features of the Elantra include highway-driving assistance, rear parking sensors, rear-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and cyclist alert.

Get Behind the Wheel of the New Mazda 3 at Bountiful Mazda

The best way to find out whether the Mazda 3 meets your expectations is to come to Bountiful Mazda for a test drive. Our dealership in Bountiful, Utah, has all the trim packages, levels, and paint colors available for this impressive sedan, so you can create a model that perfectly suits your lifestyle and personal taste. We also offer competitive pricing, low-interest financing plans, and attractive discounts to help you get the best possible deal on the Mazda 3. What are you waiting for? Reach out to us today to schedule a test drive. Image by Alex Bierwagen | Licensed with Unsplash License