If you’re in the market for a compact car, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra and 2022 Mazda3 are probably on your list. Although there’s no wrong choice here, the Elantra might be the better fit for you. It provides plenty of value and an excellent warranty. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two models. 

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is more fuel-efficient than the Mazda3

Because of high gas prices, fuel efficiency is one of the main reasons you might consider a small car. The base engine in the Elantra gets an impressive 37 mpg combined, while the Mazda3 gets only 31 mpg. 

In addition, Hyundai offers a hybrid version of the Elantra. Unfortunately, Mazda doesn’t sell a Mazda3 hybrid at this time.

If you’re on a budget, the Elantra has a lower starting MSRP

Price is an important factor for most shoppers, and who doesn’t want to jump behind the wheel of an affordable car? The price of the Hyundai Elantra starts at $20,200, while the Mazda3 will cost you a bit more, starting at $21,500. Now, that might not seem like a huge difference, but you get more standard features with the Elantra at a lower price.

That brings us to our next point.

You’ll get more standard tech and safety features in the 2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra knows how to keep drivers connected. That’s why Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard features on every Elantra trim. You can make phone calls, get directions, send text messages, and more while keeping your focus on the road. 

Plus, every Elantra model provides plentiful advanced driver-assist systems to keep you and your passengers safe. They include blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. 

You can get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the 2022 Mazda3, but not on the base model. And though the standard Mazda3 boasts smart brake support, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and driver attention alert, you’ll have to upgrade two trim levels above the base model to get blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra has better warranty coverage

Peace of mind as a standard feature? Sign us up. You’ll appreciate Hyundai’s warranty on the Elantra.

According to Kelley Blue Book, “It has a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. That beats the Mazda3, which has more typical coverage comprising a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.” 

The Elantra is the clear winner in this category.

Which compact car is right for you?

There’s no wrong choice because the 2022 Hyundai Elantra and Mazda3 are excellent cars. It depends on your wants and needs. So if you’re searching for a fuel-efficient vehicle packed with features and plenty of value, consider the 2022 Hyundai Elantra – you’ll get the best bang for your buck. 

On the other hand, if you’re big on performance capabilities and all-wheel drive is a must-have, the Mazda3 might be a better fit for your lifestyle. 

Whichever of these two models you choose, it won’t disappoint.