2025 Kia K5 vs 2025 Mazda 3

$27,190 · Sedan

$24,150 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial difference between the 2025 Kia K5 and the 2025 Mazda 3 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Mazda 3 starting at $24,150 compared to the K5's $27,190, creating a $3,040 price gap. Performance specifications show an even output in horsepower at 191 hp for both sedans, though the Mazda 3 edges out the K5 slightly in torque with 186 lb-ft versus 181 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Mazda 3 slightly, achieving a combined 31 MPG against the K5's 30 MPG, though both share identical 37 MPG on the highway. The Kia K5 offers superior utility, boasting a longer exterior at 193.1 inches and providing 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially more than the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft capacity. Conversely, the Mazda 3 is more compact, measuring 183.5 inches in length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is the winner for commuters due to its slightly higher combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia K5

The Kia K5 wins for families by offering significantly more utility with 15.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda 3

Enthusiasts might prefer the Mazda 3 as it achieves slightly more torque at 186 lb-ft versus the Kia K5's 181 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 provides better immediate value, costing $3,040 less than the Kia K5 for a comparable base horsepower output.

Choose the Kia K5 if...

Cargo space is a priority, as the Kia K5 provides 15.6 cu ft versus 13.2 cu ft in the competition.
You prefer the assurance of a longer vehicle footprint at 193.1 inches for potentially better road presence.
You require the output of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission instead of the Mazda's 6-speed unit.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is essential, with the Mazda 3 starting at $24,150.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, as the Mazda 3 achieves 31 combined MPG versus 30 MPG for the K5.
You prefer a more nimble vehicle reflected in its shorter 183.5-inch length compared to the K5.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia K5	Mazda 3
Length	193.1"	183.5"
Width	73.2"	70.7"
Height	56.9"	56.9"
Wheelbase	112.2"	107.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 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	8-speed shiftable 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)	26/37 MPG	27/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	410.8/584.6 mi.	356.4/488.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
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	6	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	40.2 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	46.1 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.6 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	37.8 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	35.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	53.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	50.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/65R	205/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	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 K5 and 2025 Mazda 3.

Which sedan is more fuel-efficient for regular driving?

The 2025 Mazda 3 holds a slight advantage in efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG (27 City/37 Highway). The 2025 Kia K5 is rated at 30 combined MPG (26 City/37 Highway), meaning both are very close, but the Mazda 3 saves marginally on fuel costs.

How much larger is the Kia K5's trunk space than the Mazda 3?

The Kia K5 offers significantly more accessible storage with 15.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In comparison, the Mazda 3 provides only 13.2 cubic feet, resulting in a 2.4 cubic foot difference favoring the K5.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

No, neither vehicle demands premium fuel for their base engines. Both the 2025 Kia K5 and the 2025 Mazda 3 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel.

What is the starting price difference between the two sedans?

The Mazda 3 has a lower starting MSRP of $24,150, which is $3,040 less than the Kia K5's starting price of $27,190.

Is there a notable difference in engine power between the base models?

For the base trims provided, the power output is nearly identical; both models produce 191 horsepower. The Mazda 3 generates slightly higher torque at 186 lb-ft compared to the Kia K5's 181 lb-ft.

Which sedan is physically longer?

The 2025 Kia K5 is the longer vehicle, measuring 193.1 inches in length. The 2025 Mazda 3 is shorter at 183.5 inches, making the K5 over 9.5 inches longer overall.