2025 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid underwent significant styling updates, enhancing its modern appeal. The front fascia featured a streamlined design with a single slim lightbar, known as the “seamless horizon lamp,” giving the sedan a contemporary flair. The badge was repositioned above the grille, and the headlights were placed independently below it. The rear end, already equipped with a lightbar, now resembled the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, forming a wide “H” shape with the taillights. A sporty black spoiler-esque trunk lid was also introduced. From the side, the 2024 Sonata closely resembled the 2023 model, with minimal changes to its profile. The Limited-trim test car sported 17-inch wheels and a fashionable enamel gray color called “Transmission Blue,” which could be selected without additional cost. The interior saw changes in the dashboard design, with vents flowing across and a redesigned steering wheel featuring a T-shape and a bar with four dots spelling out “H” in Morse code. Three interior color schemes were available, with the test car featuring a basic black interior.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback boasted an organically shaped design with a long hood, tapered greenhouse, and stubby rear. Its sheetmetal swells created S-shaped reflections, indicating its suitability for mountain roads. Depending on the light and angle, it could appear odd and out of proportion, a common trait among hatchbacks. The test car featured Polymetal Gray paint over red leather, creating a striking appearance. The interior was driver-oriented, with clean design and soft, flowing forms creating a calming atmosphere. Materials quality was top-notch, though the gloss black plastic trim on the center console showed wear easily. The test vehicle was well-equipped with classy metal speaker grilles, analog climate controls, and clear gauges. The Mazda 3 Hatchback came in 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo model series, with prices ranging from $25,150 to $37,150, excluding the $1,185 destination charge. The test car was a 2.5 S Premium hatch, the only version available with a manual transmission, and included extra-cost paint, a rear bumper scratch guard, and a rear hatch spoiler, bringing the MSRP to $33,045 with destination.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an all-wheel drive (AWD) system for the gas version, while the hybrid remained front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. The Sonata Hybrid's 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and electric motor produced a total system output of 192 horsepower, routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike most hybrids using a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Sonata Hybrid maintained an EPA rating of 47 mpg combined. The automatic transmission provided additional control, with steering wheel-mounted paddles managing regenerative braking levels in Eco mode and allowing gear shifts in Sport mode. The brakes were touchy, but the steering feel and handling were appropriate. The configurable driver-information display allowed simultaneous viewing of the tachometer and hybrid system’s power flow. The novelty of accelerating at 0 RPM remained intriguing throughout the test week.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine from its Skyactiv family, producing 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Turbo models featured a turbocharged version generating 250 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm with premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. The standard engine provided ample power, smoothness, and refinement across its rev range. Most Mazda 3s had a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and manual shift control, while the Premium trim offered a six-speed manual gearbox. The manual was not available with the optional AWD system. The EPA rated the manual for 30 mpg combined, and the test car averaged 29.1 mpg on a mountainous evaluation loop. The clutch required acclimation, but gear shifting was effortless. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling and stability, though the torsion-beam rear suspension magnified sharper bumps. The steering response and effort level were perfect, but the steering-wheel rim was thin. Elevated road noise was noted at highway speeds. Overall, the Mazda 3 provided a joyful driving experience, even with the automatic transmission.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with the driver’s seat adjustable for exceptional visibility. The Limited trim’s panoramic moonroof provided 37.8 inches of front-seat headroom, slightly above competitors like the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. Rear-seat headroom was equally competitive, with 37.4 inches with the moonroof. The Sonata prioritized front-row legroom with 46.1 inches, while rear-seat passengers had 34.8 inches. The Limited-trim test car featured heated and ventilated seats and a slimmer steering wheel rim for comfort. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 felt compact, with snug seating and limited stretch-out room. The seats were comfortable, and the test car’s eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat allowed for a perfect driving position. The red leather upholstery was soft, and the heated front seats provided warmth on chilly mornings. Forward visibility was excellent, aided by large heated exterior mirrors, though the long and low nose compromised rear visibility. The reversing camera lacked guidance lines, and the surround-view camera system was reserved for the top trim. Rear-seat legroom was tight, with complaints about the lack of air vents, USB ports, and storage space. The front offered a sizable center console storage bin with USB ports. Cargo space was practical, with 20.1 cubic feet behind the back seat, accommodating two full-size suitcases and additional carry-ons. The folding rear seat expanded cargo space, though Mazda did not provide a maximum measurement.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a selectable driver’s side front USB-C port, allowing it to switch between data-transmitting and charging-only modes. This was particularly useful for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, available on all trims. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel, with logical and intuitive haptic “buttons” for climate control and media functions. The Limited trim included navigation, natural language voice-recognition, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. A six-speaker sound system, HD Radio, Sirius XM, and two rear-seat USB charging ports were standard, along with a wireless charging pad.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system, with an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display integrated into the dashboard. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be used with a touchscreen, other functions required physical controls or voice recognition. Alexa Built-in faced connectivity issues, and the native voice-recognition system struggled with commands. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a better experience, though only a few versions offered wireless connectivity. The test car’s 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio system performed well. Other features included Wi-Fi hotspot access, mobile 911 automatic emergency notification, and a one-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The test car appeared to have a wireless charging pad, but it was non-functional.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning and assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert. The Limited trim added a turn-signal-activated blind-spot-view monitor, surround-view monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Hyundai’s infotainment system made safety features easy to find and understand.

The 2025 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and five stars in all NHTSA crash tests. Standard equipment included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The test car had adaptive cruise control, though it lacked stop-and-go capability due to the manual transmission. Lane centering assist was unavailable. The lane departure warning system issued inaccurate alerts, and the adaptive cruise control system reacted smoothly in traffic. The head-up display showed blind spot warnings, and the automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive front lighting system enhanced safety in dark areas.