Both Hyundai and Mazda have reputations for high-quality vehicles and great value. The 2021 Mazda6 and Hyundai Sonata are both popular midsize sedans. One offers a spirited drive and upscale vibes. And one is highly reliable with an excellent warranty.

So which should you choose? We’re here to help.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata

Though it isn’t a top contender in its class, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is still a good-quality midsize car. The cabin is nice, and the ride is comfortable. The Sonata offers good fuel economy too.

The 2021 Sonata’s standard engine is a four-cylinder making 191 hp and 181 lb-foot of torque. There’s also an optional turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, U.S. News reports. Both engines pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Though the base engine gets the job done, the turbo offers some pep. But its acceleration isn’t noticeably different even with the extra torque.

Regardless of the engine you choose, the Sonata gets around 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Its handling is composed rather than sporty, but it offers a comfortable, smooth ride on most roads.

The Sonata seats five and has a classy interior with an upscale vibe. U.S. News says it’s one of the more inviting cabins in its class and makes great use of soft-touch materials. It also offers decent cargo capacity with 16 cubic feet of space in the trunk. It’s not leading the class in that category, but it still has enough room for most occupants’ stuff.

There’s also a standard eight-inch touchscreen to navigate the user-friendly infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, as do Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. There’s an available 10.25-inch touchscreen with other options like a second-row USB port, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

It’s hard not to like the five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. With a 4-out-of-five predicted reliability rating, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata instills confidence in its owner.

The 2021 Mazda6

The 2021 Mazda6 is a capable midsize sedan with a luxurious vibe and a slew of tech and advanced safety features. It handles well with responsive steering and offers two spirited engine choices, U.S. News reports.

The Mazda6’s standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 hp. There’s also a turbocharged four-cylinder harnessing up to 250 hp. The turbo is the standard engine in the Grand Touring model and higher trims. The transmission is a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic. 

The base engine has enough power to accelerate quickly when you need to. The turbo is even better. With the Mazda6’s responsive steering and solid handling, it offers an exciting, comfortable ride. 

The base engine gets about 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. But the turbo predictably gets slightly worse fuel economy at 23/31 mpg city/highway.

The Mazda6 seats five and boasts one of the best cabins in its class. It might have you thinking you accidentally climbed into a luxury vehicle with high-quality materials and plenty of tech features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upholstery upgrades are available, along with a 60/40 split-folding back seat.

However, the Mazda6 doesn’t have as much cargo space as the Sonata, with 14.7 cubic feet. But again, it’s enough room most of the time.

Which sedan is better?

Whether the Hyundai Sonata or the Mazda Mazda6 is the better choice for you depends on your tastes and needs.

If you really want to be certain, arrange to test-drive each sedan at dealerships in your area. Then you can see for yourself whether the cabin space, cargo capacity, aesthetics, and performance are right for you. 

If you’re looking for an exciting, spirited ride in the lap of virtual luxury, the Mazda6 offers the automaker’s signature zippy handling. And if you’re looking for a solid, reliable car with Hyundai’s unbeatable warranty, the Sonata is a solid choice.