Model Year | 2009 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Hyundai Santa Fe | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 290 hp@6400 252 lb-ft@5200 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 110.2 in | -6.3 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 193.1 in | -16.5 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 74.2 in | -5.1 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 66.5 in | -8.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3041 lb. | 3946 lb. | -905 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.8 gal. | -4.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.6 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 59.4 in | -4.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 56.7 in | -1.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 41.3 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 39.4 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 58.6 in | -4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 55.4 in | -1.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 41.3 in | -5 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 35.7 in | -35.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 53.9 in | -53.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 44.1 in | -44.1 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 31.5 in | -31.5 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 114.1 in (over 3 rows) | -35.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.1 ft3 | 13.5 ft3 | 3.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 17.1 | 40.9 ft3 | -23.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 80.0 ft3 | -36.2 ft3 |
2009 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 |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | Nothing impressed me more about the new Santa Fe than the amount of combined legroom. With a length of 193 inches (2.5 more than the Veracruz), the new crossover is four inches shorter than a Nissan Pathfinder and over seven inches shorter than a GMC Acadia, yet you'll find more legroom in its second and third rows. On top of this, unlike in the Nissan and GMC (but like in the Veracruz, this hasn't changed) the second-row seat is comfortably high off the floor. Alas, all is not good in this area--check out the cons below--so I haven't rated it against the Pathfinder. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review |
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
As noted among the pros, you'll find abundant legroom in the Santa Fe. But shoulder room is a different story. The new Santa Fe's 74.2-inch width exceeds that of the typical compact crossover or midsize sedan, but is narrower than that of the Highlander, Veracruz, Pathfinder, Pilot, and Acadia by 1.0, 2.4, 3.0, 4.3, and 4.7 inches, respectively. For anyone seeking to sit three across in the second row (or who simply prefers the spacious ambiance of a wide vehicle in any row), the Santa Fe's consequently narrower interior could be the #1 downside of sharing as much as possible with the new two-row Santa Fe Sport. Then again, maximum shoulder room for three passengers is only an issue with the Santa Fe GLS. As mentioned in the preceding section, the Santa Fe Limited has standard captains chairs, and so can only seat six. Anyone seeking a full zoot crossover with seating for more people will have to shop elsewhere. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review |
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 194hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD |
Seats are comfortable for my wife and myself, with more than adequate room, 3 people fit easily in the back. They have good foot room too. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review |