Automakers appear to see the value in compact sedans as the current spate of new models sparkle with intriguing designs, loads of technology, and good performance. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2025 Mazda3 highlight some of the best offerings in the segment.
The Elantra is a spacious, tech-laden machine with attractive exterior styling that retains its compellingly low price. The Mazda3 is a stalwart with subtle good looks, strong performance, and solid quality.
Which compact sedan is best for you and your family? Let’s check out the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2025 Mazda3.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra is a stylish machine with a spirited powerplant under the hood. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder puts out 147 horsepower funneled through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It won’t knock your socks off, but it will merge just fine onto the highway while offering splendid fuel economy of 36 mpg combined.
The Elantra offers a lot of interior space, coming in among the leaders in head and legroom in the segment. It can be had in five different trim packages: SE, SEL Sport (new for 2025) SEL Convenience, Limited, and N Line. You can also get hybrid and performance variants, which we tackle separately. Pricing on the Elantra begins at $23,220, including destination fee.
Hyundai Elantra Highlights
Big tech: Higher trim levels of the Elantra offer options like dual 10.25-inch information displays and Hyundai’s Digital Key. More impressively, lower trims get wireless phone charging, and all versions get a free 3-year subscription for Bluelink-connected services.
More power: Opt for the N Line trim, and you get to add a bit more power with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 201 hp compared to the standard 147 hp.
Protection: Perhaps the biggest value proposition on the value-oriented Elantra is the 5-year/60,000-mile (whichever happens first) basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.
2025 Mazda3
Aside from navigation-equipped models able to receive over-the-air updates and Amazon Alexa Built-in becoming standard issue on Select Sport and higher trims, the Mazda3 doesn’t change much for 2025 — and that’s just fine.
Available as a sedan or hatch, you get a peppy 2.5-liter 4-cylinder putting out 191 hp through a 6-speed auto. If you want to play race car driver, the hatchback offers a 6-speed manual. The interior of the Mazda3 is basically premium, making it a great space to be in. You can it in seven different trim levels with prices starting at $25,135 including the destination charge.
Mazda3 Highlights
Power and control: All trim levels can upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD), which isn’t available on the Elantra. Additionally, you can add a turbo to any level but the base, pushing the output to a thrilling 250 hp.
Safety first: The brand’s i-Activsense suite of safety technology features automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional optional features include blind-spot monitoring and an adaptive front lighting system.
Entertain me: Two different infotainment systems can be had, starting with a standard 8.8-inch screen or a larger, optional 10.25-inch screens that come with the turbo upgrade. A touchscreen becomes standard when you add the turbo packages at any level.
Similarities
These are two attractive vehicles offering plenty of interior space and good technology at a reasonable price.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Elantra Prices
New 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Elantra vehicles and New 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Hyundai Elantra | 2025 Mazda3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic with FWD | 6-speed automatic with FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 32 city/41 highway/36 combined mpg | 27 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Hybrid; 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder N model | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder; 6-speed manual; AWD; hatchback |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 107.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.4 inches | 183.5 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Height | 55.7 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.6 inches | 38 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38 inches | 35.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.5 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 53.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.2 cubic feet | 13.2 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The starting price of the Elantra is about $2,000 less than the Mazda3. However, if you want a hatchback, the Mazda3 is the play. Drive them both and pick the one that fits your budget while tugging at your heart.