The compact sedan segment is filled with pretenders. Such is the case when comparing the 2020 Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda3. While they both share a few similarities, in many ways – they are night and day. When it comes to offering value, flexibility in configuration, and most importantly, after the sale service, the Hyundai Elantra nudges ahead of the Mazda3.
In the information below, we’ll answer what’s new for 2020, outline the trim options, diagnose the interior and technology features, and explore what driver-assisted safety systems are available to keep you and your passengers safe.
Finally, we’ll explain why the recently anointed 2020 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award tips the scales in the favor of each Hyundai Elantra you test drive at Brandon Hyundai.
For 2020, both the Elantra and Mazda3 return with mild changes from last year’s successful endeavors. The Hyundai Elantra showcases a redeveloped CVT or continuously variable transmission that is now a standard with each trim; SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport.
Engineers at Hyundai found a way to squeeze four extra miles per gallon out of their powertrain, in both city and highway driving conditions. Also, the 2020 Elantra gains standard Forward Collision Warning with Brake Assist and dual-zone climate control. The Elantra GT is a standalone hatchback, which offers the performance-minded enthusiast another option to consider.
The 2020 Mazda3 receives mild improvements. It gains Mazda’s i-Activsenseâ„¢ suite that includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beams, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
The major difference between the two is the starting price. While the 2020 Hyundai Elantra SE begins at an affordable $18,950, the base Mazda3 opens at $4,000 more.
It’s said that simplicity is the hallmark of genius. But when it comes to car buying, most shoppers prefer options. Hyundai understands this important detail, which is why they offer three unique power options across the line-up.
The standard is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft of torque. It’s paired to a CVT and returns an EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon city, and 41 mpg highway.
Next up is the fuel-sipping 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces 128-horsepower and 156-lb.-ft of torque. This configuration is a great option for city commuters, as fuel economy improves to 33 mpg in the city and maintains the 41-mpg rating on highways.
For the performance minded consumer, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is on the table. This potent powertrain delivers 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft of torque to standard front-wheel drive. Fuel economy numbers dip slightly to 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
The 2020 Mazda3 takes a simple approach – with a single engine offering across their line-up of four trim packages; Base, Select, Preferred, and Premium. Their engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 186 horsepower and is paired with an automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy for this powertrain returns 26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway.
Another area where both the Elantra and Mazda3 are equal is interior appointments. Both fit five passengers, have similar cargo dimensions, and are made with high-quality materials – focused on a luxury feel.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra’s interior features are mainly based on the trim level consumers select. It is offered with an available wireless device charging system, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display with integrated touchscreen navigation, and an Infinity® Premium Audio system featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.
This is an area where the Mazda3 impresses. Each package is equipped with a standard 8.8-inch infotainment display that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability. Upper-tier packages can be configured with heated seats, leather upholstery, and a head-up display.
Both the Elantra and Mazda3 stand tall in the safety and driver-assisted technology department. In fact, both received an IIHS Top Safety Pick from 2019. The Elantra has made improvements to their standard offerings for 2020, providing standard Forward Collision Warning with Brake Assist.
This system can help reduce injuries or the potential for collisions by alerting drivers to stopped or slowing vehicles ahead. If the driver is unable to stop the vehicle themselves, the automatic emergency braking takes over to slow the vehicle.
The 2020 Elantra can be configured with an available SmartSense system which includes a High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning systems.
The Mazda3 includes standard automated emergency braking, high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
When you compare the 2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2020 Mazda3- both are equal in many categories. The flexibility of powertrain options, improved fuel economy, and a lower starting price helps push the Elantra past the finish line first in the best value department.
Add America’s Best Warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) to the equation, and it’s clear to see why the smart bet is choosing a 2020 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was recently honored with the 2020 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award for the compact car segment. The lowest-projected ownership costs of new vehicles and brands are based on Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost-to-Own data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period.
The data takes into consideration seven factors: depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees. When you add everything up, it’s clearly obvious that the 2020 Hyundai Elantra gives visitors to Tampa FL dealerships a fun-to-drive and affordable daily driver to consider.
If you’re in the market for a reliable compact sedan with an affordable price tag, Brandon Hyundai is the place to see one up close. We strive to exceed the expectations of every visitor to our Hyundai dealership, and always treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Take time to visit Brandon Hyundai and discover why Hyundai continues as the #1 in the automotive industry in the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index since 2010.
We offer a variety of financing and trade-in tools to help make your buying experience as seamless as possible. Get your free credit score in under five minutes, with no social security number required, by clicking through to the button below. With our trade-in valet service, you can sell us your car today for guaranteed cash to use toward your new purchase. At Brandon Hyundai, we hope to make your financing or leasing experience as easy as possible.