2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold, geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This angular design was a precursor to the even more dramatic styling of the 2021 model. Available in six trims, the Elantra ranged from the base SE to the sporty Sport, with prices starting at $19,300 and reaching $24,150. The Limited trim, with the Ultimate Package, brought the price to $27,630. The Elantra's black paint accentuated its angular features, contrasting with chrome details for a stylish, albeit divisive, appearance. Inside, the Elantra Limited featured silver trim and upscale touches, though it still had some hard plastics typical of a compact car.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, was noted for its unique and curvaceous design, particularly the hatchback. The sedan, however, was more aligned with upmarket competitors. The Mazda3 sedan with the Premium Package and AWD featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a striking blacked-out grille. Its design was sculpted and smooth, avoiding the sharp lines of competitors like the Honda Civic. The rear of the sedan, however, felt slightly disproportionate compared to the hatchback's rounded shape. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced minimalism with a focus on premium materials and a driver-centric layout, though the sheet metal felt less robust than expected.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new CVT, replacing the previous six-speed automatic. This change contributed to a $1,100 price increase. The Elantra Eco featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 128 horsepower and a seven-speed DCT, achieving 36 mpg combined. The Elantra Sport, with a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a more engaging drive with an independent rear suspension. However, the standard Elantra's torsion beam rear suspension detracted from ride quality, and real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 29.3 mpg.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, powered by a 2.5-liter SkyActiv engine with 186 horsepower, provided a smooth and predictable drive, though lacking the punch of turbocharged rivals. The switch to a torsion beam rear suspension from a multi-link setup was a cost-saving measure that affected ride quality, but steering remained precise. The Mazda3 offered a manual transmission only in specific configurations, with most models featuring a six-speed automatic. Despite the suspension compromise, the Mazda3 maintained its reputation for sporty handling, though enthusiasts might miss the previous generation's more sophisticated setup.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was among the roomier compact cars, comfortably seating four adults, with a fifth in a pinch. The Limited trim featured power-adjustable leather seats and a sliding armrest. All Elantras came with dual-zone climate control, though rear passengers lacked air vents. The trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches long with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact. The interior provided ample space for the driver, though rear legroom was tight. The front seats were supportive, and materials held up well even after 10,000 miles. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet, and the hatchback 20.1 cubic feet, both smaller than competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a standard touchscreen infotainment system, with screen sizes varying by trim. The Limited trim featured an 8-inch display, wireless charging, and a premium Infinity sound system. The system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy navigation.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured an 8.8-inch display integrated into the dashboard, controlled by a rotary dial instead of touch. This design choice aimed to reduce distractions while driving. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and faster software with sharp graphics. The head-up display projected onto the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra included Hyundai Smart Sense as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with LED headlights and a four-star NHTSA rating, though rear-door intrusion was noted in side-impact tests.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and a five-star NHTSA rating. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. These features were standard, reflecting a trend in mass-market vehicles.