VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 5800
186hp @ 6000
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1650
186lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
28 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Sonata and the Mazda Mazda3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Sonata delivers 290hp @ 5800 while the Mazda Mazda3 produces 186hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Sonata returns 28 mpg est. while the Mazda3 uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,900 for the Sonata and $31,360 for the Mazda3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai SonataN Line FWD 2026 - From $35,900
Mazda Mazda32.5 S Carbon Edition Auto AWD 2026 - From $31,360
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 5800
186hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1650
186lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
25 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32 (2025)mpg
34 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
12.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
193.3in
175.6in
Width (in)
73.2in
70.7in
Height (in)
56.9in
56.7in
Wheelbase (in)
111.8in
107.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3534lbs
3247lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonata
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Mazda3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Sonata
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($31,360)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonata or Mazda3?
The Sonata gets 28 mpg est. and the Mazda3 gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sonata or Mazda3?
The Sonata produces 290hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1650 of torque while the Mazda3 delivers 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Sonata is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonata and Mazda3?
The Sonata starts from $35,900 and the Mazda3 from $31,360. The Mazda3 is cheaper by $4,540 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Sonata or the Mazda3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider