Model Year | 2012 | 2011 | |
Model | Hyundai Sonata | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 274 hp@6000 269 lb-ft@1750 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 110.0 in | 103.9 in | 6.1 in |
Length | 189.8 in | 180.7 in | 9.1 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 69.1 in | 3.1 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 57.9 in | 0 in |
Curb Weight | 3338 lb. | 3179 lb. | 159 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 38.9 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.9 in | 54.9 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 0.0 in | 55.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 45.5 in | 42.0 in | 3.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.5 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.7 in | 54.0 in | 2.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 0.0 in | 54.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 36.2 in | -1.6 in |
Total Legroom | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 1.9 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.4 ft3 | 11.8 ft3 | 4.6 ft3 |
2012 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | According to the EPA's classification system, the Hyundai Sonata is actually a large car. You wouldn't guess this while sitting in the front seat. A steeply raked windshield and cockpit-like instrument panel design cut into actual roominess, and perceived roominess even more. The Sonata's firm front buckets could use more form-fitting contouring. Though not uncomfortable, they are the least comfortable buckets in this threesome. In the back seat, six-foot passengers' scalps might graze the headliner, but knee room is generous. There's a bit more room and a more comfortably padded and positioned rear seat cushion inside the Altima. But the Mazda6's rear seat is at least as low to the floor as the Sonata's and includes a couple inches less knee room. So the Hyundai has a slight edge over the Mazda. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2012 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The front driver seat is supportive yet firm and the power adjustments guarantee you'll get the right driving position for you. The heated seat feature is great on a cold morning too. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Big enough for 6 feet 2 inch man. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2012 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Ride is comfortable but after about 2 or 3 hours, the leather seats get a bit hard on the butt. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Have the Limited with leather heated seats. They are not as comfortable as expected. The seat bolsters are a little tight for my back side. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Although adequate, long drives with more than two people in the car would be cramped. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
uncomfortable - back pain see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |