2025 Kia K4 vs 2025 Mazda 3

$21,990 · Sedan

$24,150 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Stuck between picking the sensible staple or the slightly sportier contender? The 2025 Kia K4, starting at $21,990, offers compelling efficiency, boasting a combined 34 MPG versus the Mazda 3's 31 MPG. If minimizing fuel stops matters, the K4 delivers, achieving 40 MPG on the highway compared to 37 MPG for the Mazda. However, the Mazda 3 pulls ahead in raw performance; it packs 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the K4's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. While the K4 is slightly longer at 185.4 inches, the Mazda counters with a taller stance at 56.9 inches. For practical purposes, the K4 also provides marginally more room with 14.6 cubic feet of cargo space against the Mazda's 13.2 cubic feet, making daily hauling tasks easier.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia K4

The Kia K4 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 34 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia K4

The K4 offers slightly more usable space with 14.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 provides significantly better dynamic performance, delivering 191 hp versus the Kia's 147 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia K4

Starting $2,160 cheaper at $21,990, the Kia K4 presents a better upfront financial proposition.

Choose the Kia K4 if...

You prioritize fuel savings and want the best efficiency rating (34 combined MPG).
Your budget is tight, as the base MSRP is $21,990.
You prefer a marginally larger trunk, with 14.6 cu ft of storage versus 13.2 cu ft in the Mazda.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

You want noticeably quicker acceleration, thanks to its 191 hp output.
You prefer a traditional automatic feel over a continuously variable transmission.
You value slightly more headroom, as the Mazda 3 is 1 inch taller at 56.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia K4	Mazda 3
Length	185.4"	183.5"
Width	72.8"	70.7"
Height	55.9"	56.9"
Wheelbase	107.1"	107.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/40 MPG	27/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	34 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/496.0 mi.	356.4/488.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	54.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	35.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.9 in.	50.9 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/55R16	205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia K4 and 2025 Mazda 3.

How much more powerful is the Mazda 3 compared to the Kia K4?

The 2025 Mazda 3 is substantially more powerful, generating 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant leap over the Kia K4's output of 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Which sedan is cheaper to run weekly based on fuel costs?

The Kia K4 will likely be cheaper to fuel weekly, as it offers better fuel economy with 34 combined MPG compared to the Mazda 3’s 31 combined MPG. Both vehicles accept regular unleaded gasoline.

Is there a big difference in size between these two sedans?

The dimensions are very close, but the Kia K4 is slightly longer at 185.4 inches, while the Mazda 3 is slightly taller at 56.9 inches. The Mazda is also narrower across the board.

Does the transmission type affect driving feel?

Yes, the Kia K4 uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which often feels smoother but can sound strained under hard acceleration. The Mazda 3 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for a more connected feel.

What is the starting price difference between the 2025 models?

The 2025 Kia K4 has a lower starting MSRP of $21,990. The 2025 Mazda 3 begins at $24,150, making the Kia over $2,000 less expensive out of the gate.

Which car is better for highway cruising comfort?

While the Kia K4 has a slightly better highway MPG rating (40 MPG), the Mazda 3's higher horsepower (191 hp) suggests it will maintain highway speeds more effortlessly when loaded or climbing hills.