In the cutthroat compact sedan class, the 2022 Mazda3 and the 2022 Hyundai Elantra are some of the most desirable lease options. In a segment filled with lots of alternatives that offer a similar quality, these two heavy hitters are exceptional compact sedans with a styling that is hard to miss, spacious and comfy cabin, powerful and efficient engines, and value-oriented packaging.
Although the 2022 Mazda3 and the 2022 Elantra are priced similarly and offer nearly the same quality, which of these compact sedans will give you more value for your money? Is leasing the 2022 Mazda3 a better deal than the 2022 Hyundai Elantra?
What’s New?
For almost a decade, the Mazda3 sedan has served as an alternative option for shoppers looking for something slightly different in the closely related compact sedan class. While it comes with the same price range as most other top contenders in the category, the Mazda 3 offers a level of sophistication, stylish bodywork, and exceptional powertrain that is unmatched in the class.
For the 2022 model year, this Mazda’s small sedan makes its way to the 2022 Mazda lineup with no big changes. It still remains part of the fourth generation that debuted in 2019. Since the 2019 model year redesign, Mazda is yet to give its sporty small sedan any fresh redesign. Nevertheless, there have been massive upgrades. For 2022, Mazda adds a blacked-out Carbon Edition model to the Mazda3 lineup. This new Carbon Edition package is also available in the Mazda3 hatchback body style. It affords more convenience features, including a 12-speaker Bose stereo system. Other notable additions to this latest model include black exterior elements (new wheels, griller, and door mirror caps) and red leather seats. Besides the new Carbon Edition, everything about the Mazda3 remains unchanged, except for the newly available Platinum Quartz Metallic exterior color.
One of the long-standing names in the compact sedan class is the Hyundai Elantra. Even in the competitive compact sedan class, the Elantra has always been a stand out option for many shoppers, thanks to its sleek and modern styling, impressive list of standard amenities and affordable price.
For 2022, this Hyundai’s small sedan moves into the 2022 Hyundai lineup with no major changes. Given that Hyundai gave the Elantra a complete redesign just last year, seeing the Elantra moving to the 2022 model year with no significant changes is not out of place.
The 2021 model year, which kicked off the seventh generation of the Hyundai, witnessed many desirable changes, including a new Hybrid model. This year, Hyundai is out to thrill all the model admirers and brand loyalists with a new hot-rod model to the 2022 Elantra portfolio. The new performance-oriented Elantra N model comes with a 276-hp turbocharged engine and will compete with other performance-oriented models from other compact sedans in the class.
Powertrain & Transmission
The 2022 Mazda3 and the 2022 Elantra offer three potent powertrain options. From the base models, the 2022 Mazda3 offers eight more horsepower than the 2022 Elantra with 147 horses, making the 2022 Mazda3 lease deal a delightful option of the two.
However, moving up to the optional powertrains in their respective higher trim levels, the 2022 Elantra with the high-performance Elantra N 2.0-liter I-4 produces 49 more horses (276 hp vs 227 hp) than the 2.5-liter turbo-four in the Mazda 3’s top engine.
The higher torque in the 2022 Elantra also means that the Elantra will transmit a bit more power than the 2022 Mazda3.
While the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 sends power through a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to send power to its front wheels.
Powering the 2022 Mazda3 base model is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four that produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Higher up the trim level is a more potent 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 186 horsepower. Finally, Mazda takes the 2.5-liter turbo-four and tunes it to generate even more power, delivering 227 horsepower with regular gasoline or 250 horsepower with premium fuel.
On the other end, the Elantra comes standard (in SE, SEL, and Limited trims) with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim level, the 2022 Elantra N-Line sports a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. The new performance-oriented Elantra—Elantra N model—comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 276 hp and 289 lb-ft but offers a different transmission (a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission).
Handling & Performance
Undoubtedly, the 2022 Elantra affords many improvements in the chassis dynamics over the previous models. The new Elantra delivers an excellent driving experience, responsive steering, strong brakes, and cushioned ride. However, if you want to get the best driving experience, leasing the 2022 Mazda Mazda3 should be the target.
The 2022 Mazda3 stands tall as one of the top cars with entertaining driving manners in the small sedan class. Whether on a straight track or twisty road, the Mazda3 feels very composed. This small Mazda easily blends refined ride quality with a fun-to-drive manner.
Although the 2022 Elantra is not close to the Mazda3 when it comes to handling and performance, leasing the performance-based Elantra N model can give you quite a try.
Fuel Economy
Whether you end up leasing the 2022 Hyundai Elantra or the 2022 Mazda Mazda3, you’d be making a fewer number of stops at the gas station with either small sedan. However, you’d be getting slightly lesser visits with the Elantra.
The 2022 Mazda3 with the base engine configuration gets an EPA estimated 28/36 mpg city/highway, while the 2022 Elantra returns 33/43 mpg city/highway.
Interior, Cargo
The Mazda3 and Elantra are family-friendly small sedans with loads of family-friendly features and comfortable seats.
For interior quality, while the Elantra gets a knock, thanks to the hard plastics and some low-grade materials, the 2022 Mazda3 stands tall with its ritzier cabin with clean design and quality materials. However, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra packs more standard safety features.
For infotainment, the Mazda3 infotainment system doesn’t offer a touch screen. At the same time, the Elantra provides an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If interior space is the thing for you, then you should seriously consider leasing the 2022 Elantra over the Mazda3, as the Elantra affords more passenger and cargo space, although both seat the same number of people.
The 2022 Mazda3 and 2022 Hyundai Elantra, with their incredible blend of refinement and value, makes them a stand out choice in their competitive segment. To lease any of these at the most satisfying bargain, contact VIP Auto, 1204 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305 https://viplease.com/.
