2025 Mazda3 vs. 2025 Kia K4 Comparison

Although SUVs are all the rage, the compact car segment is still highly competitive. You have your mainstream options like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but a few alternatives to those best-sellers are worth consideration. Two of our favorites are the Mazda3 and Kia K4.

These compact cars are similar in many ways, but there are some key differences.

Let’s compare the 2025 Mazda3 and the 2025 Kia K4.

2025 Mazda3

The Mazda3 is defined by its fun driving dynamics and upscale interior while retaining the practicality and reasonable pricing of a compact car. The Mazda marque has a lot going for it, and the Mazda3 is the most affordable entry into the brand.

Mazda3 Highlights

Sedan and hatchback body styles — Unlike the sedan-only Kia K4, the Mazda3 is available as a sedan or a hatchback. The sedan is a little more affordable, but the hatchback has the advantage of more cargo space. Also, the hatchback offers the Premium trim with a manual transmission, which you can’t get in the sedan.

Available AWD — Optional with the base engine and standard with the turbo engine, the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system is a huge advantage the Mazda3 has over the Kia Forte, which comes exclusively with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (AWD) gives the Mazda3 better grip on dry pavement and improved traction on slippery roads.

Stronger performance — The base 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda3 makes 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter makes 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. These performance specs better those of the Forte by a considerable margin, making the Mazda3 the enthusiast’s choice.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda3 models for sale near you

2025 Kia K4

The practical and affordable and all new for 2025 Kia K4 proves that a cheap compact car is no longer a penalty box. With its spacious interior, class-leading warranty, and generous standard features, the 2025 K4 represents a great value that represents a lot of car for the money. There’s even an exciting GT model, which still doesn’t break the bank.

Kia K4 Highlights

Affordable pricing: The starting price of the Kia K4 is lower than the starting price of the Mazda3, and the price gap is even wider when you get into their respective turbocharged trims. The Kia represents a considerable discount whether you’re paying cash, leasing, or making payments.

Outstanding warranty: The Kia Forte has a class-leading warranty. A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty complements a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. That’s significantly longer coverage than the 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain protection in the Mazda.

Up to 41 highway mpg: The smaller engines in the K4 aren’t as powerful as the larger ones in the Mazda3, but the reward is better fuel economy. The EPA rates the most efficient K4 at 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway/34 mpg combined, while the thriftiest Mazda3 comes in at 27 mpg city/37 mpg highway/31 mpg combined.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the K4 models for sale near you.

Similarities

The 2025 Kia K4 and 2025 Mazda3 sedan are remarkably similar in size, and they offer a similar complement of standard safety and infotainment tech features. Shared standard highlights include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitoring.

Conclusion

The Kia K4 has many practical advantages over the Mazda3. It has a lower starting price, a slightly roomier interior, longer warranties, and better fuel economy. The Mazda, however, has a more premium feel and the advantage of two body styles, more robust engines, and available all-wheel drive.

If your budget is tight, and the $2,000 difference in price between these two sedans is significant to you, we have no qualms about recommending the Kia. It’s a fine automobile. But if budget is not a concern, the more premium Mazda3, which also has a better National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) overall safety record, gets the nod.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 vehicles and New 2025 Kia K4 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specs

	2025 Mazda3	2025 Kia K4
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6,000 rpm	147 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic	CVT automatic
Fuel Economy	27 mpg city/37 mpg highway/31 mpg combined	30 mpg city/41 mpg highway/34 mpg combined
Also Available	Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual, AWD, hatchback	Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual
Specs
Basic Warranty	3 Years/36,000 Miles	5 Years/60,000 Miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 Years/60,000 Miles	10 Years/100,000 Miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5 Stars	N/R
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	107.3 inches	107.1 inches
Overall Length	183.5 inches	185.4 inches
Width	70.7 inches	72.8 inches
Height	56.9 inches	55.9 inches
Turning Diameter	35.4 feet	35.2 feet
Headroom, 1st row	38 inches	39.0 inches
Headroom, 2nd row	37.3 inches	37.3 inches
Legroom, 1st row	42.3 inches	42.3 inches
Legroom, 2nd row	35.1 inches	38.0 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	55.7 inches	56.5 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	53.5 inches	54.7 inches
Cargo room	13.2 cubic feet	14.6 cubic feet