Southwest Motors is the place to shop for a great used car in Pueblo. We have affordable compact cars for students, graduates, young adults, and retirees. Two great options are the Mazda3 four-door and the Hyundai Elantra. We can help you decide which model is right for you; here is a look at their biggest differences.

Greater affordability and value: Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai prices its vehicles well below what Mazda does. Since the Elantra historically has carried a starting MSRP of around $4,000 less than a base-model Mazda3 Sedan, you can expect to find used Elantra cars for less than a pre-owned Mazda3 at Southwest Motors.[1] And, the Elantra will save you money over time, as shown by its KBB 5-Year Cost to Own Award from 2021.

While the Mazda3 costs extra, it contains better and more plentiful technology such as a larger touch screen and phone pairing than what the Elantra offers on base trims. 

More efficient fuel economy: Hyundai Elantra

Another way that the Elantra saves you money is by consuming less gasoline for every mile you drive. The Hyundai compact car prioritizes efficiency over performance, so it uses a smaller, less powerful engine than the athletic Mazda3 does. For comparison’s sake, the 2020 Elantra Eco was rated for 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, while the 2020 Mazda3 Sedan was rated at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.[2]

 
That’s a significant difference, especially when you calculate how much gas you save over years of commuting in the Hyundai Elantra in Pueblo. On long trips to Colorado Springs or Denver, the Elantra has a much greater driving range due to this stellar efficiency, whereas you’ll need to refuel the Mazda3 much sooner.

Better performance and drivability: Mazda3 Sedan

Mazda is a driver enthusiast’s brand, and it’s clear why. The basic four-cylinder engine on a Mazda3 from 2018-2020 produces around 40 greater horsepower and 40 more lb-ft torque than the basic four-cylinder engine on a Hyundai Elantra from the same time. This extra peppiness gives the Mazda3 faster acceleration from a standstill and effortless hastening onto highway merges. 

Plus, the Mazda3 has bigger wheels, a Dual Shift Mode for the transmission, taller ground clearance, and an excellent available i-ACTIV AWD system. Colorado is the perfect place to drive the Mazda3 sedan so you can enjoy its nimble handling, tight cornering, and precise responsiveness around the Centennial State’s winding mountain roads. Imagine driving the legendary 23-mile Rimrock Drive in Colorado National Monument in a Mazda3! 

Better interior: Tie between Mazda3 and Elantra

The Mazda3 and Elantra are near identical in body size, though the Mazda3 is slightly longer by a few inches. Even with that difference, the Elantra is the roomier of the two compact cars. The Elantra provides more shoulder, hip, and leg room for second-row passengers, making it suitable for your weekend road trips with friends. The Elantra also has a bigger trunk than the Mazda3 sedan by one cubic foot, so you can squeeze in an additional suitcase or souvenir bag.

However, the Mazda3 is more comfortable thanks to its contouring sport seats, quality upholstery, and multi-way adjustable seats. Anyone in the front seats of the Mazda3 will enjoy the ride thanks to the contouring bucket seats with available heating function. It’s no surprise that Autotrader named the Mazda3 one of the Top 10 Best Interiors of 2021.

Do you prefer the affordability and spaciousness of the Elantra or the excitement and style of the Mazda3? Whatever your preferences, you’ll find a great used car for sale at Southwest Motors that fits the bill. 

[1] Excludes tax, title, and license fees. Actual dealer prices may vary.

[2] MPG based on 2020 EPA mileage estimates. Used for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage will vary.