2025 Kia K5 vs 2026 Mazda 3

$27,190 · Sedan

$24,550 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence lies in vehicle footprint, with the 2025 Kia K5 measuring 193.1 inches long, substantially larger than the 2026 Mazda 3 at 183.5 inches. The K5 also offers greater cargo volume at 15.6 cu ft versus the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft. Performance metrics are close; the K5 produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, narrowly outpacing the Mazda 3's 186 hp and slightly superior 186 lb-ft of torque. Both models achieve an identical 30 MPG combined, although the K5 edges out the Mazda 3 in highway fuel economy at 37 MPG compared to 36 MPG. Price is a substantial differentiator, with the Mazda 3 starting $2,640 lower at an MSRP of $24,550 versus the K5's $27,190, influencing overall value propositions for buyers prioritizing initial cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia K5

The 2025 Kia K5's superior 37 MPG highway rating and larger physical dimensions suggest a potentially more comfortable long-haul commute.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia K5

The Kia K5 provides a measurable advantage with 15.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda 3

Despite having less horsepower, the Mazda 3's higher 186 lb-ft torque figure combined with a traditional 6-speed automatic might appeal more to driving purists.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda 3

The 2026 Mazda 3 has a substantially lower entry price of $24,550, offering the same 30 MPG combined efficiency for less initial investment.

Choose the Kia K5 if...

You require the maximum interior space, evidenced by the 193.1-inch length and 15.6 cu ft cargo area.
You prioritize the highest highway fuel economy rating of 37 MPG.
You prefer a slightly more potent engine output of 191 hp and 181 lb-ft.

Choose the Mazda 3 if...

Your primary concern is lowering the initial purchase cost, with an MSRP of $24,550.
You prefer a more compact exterior footprint at 183.5 inches in length.
You favor the Mazda 3's higher torque output (186 lb-ft) paired with a 6-speed transmission.

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	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

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	186 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	✓	✓

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	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	410.8/584.6 mi.	356.4/475.2 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	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
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.	34.4 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	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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 2026 Mazda 3.

Which sedan offers better fuel economy for city driving?

The 2026 Mazda 3 holds a minor advantage in city fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG city, whereas the 2025 Kia K5 is rated at 26 MPG city.

How do the transmissions compare between the K5 and the Mazda 3?

The Kia K5 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Mazda 3 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering a different ratio count for acceleration and cruising.

Is the price difference between the two vehicles significant?

Yes, the Mazda 3 undercuts the Kia K5 by $2,640 at the base level, with MSRPs of $24,550 and $27,190 respectively.

Are these vehicles significantly different in size?

The Kia K5 is nearly 10 inches longer than the Mazda 3 (193.1 vs. 183.5 inches) and is also substantially wider at 73.2 inches compared to 70.7 inches.

Do these sedans require premium fuel?

No, based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Kia K5 and the 2026 Mazda 3 are designed to operate efficiently using regular unleaded fuel.

Which car offers better passenger volume comfort?

While precise passenger volume is not listed, the Kia K5's larger exterior dimensions (length and width) suggest it likely provides a roomier cabin experience than the narrower Mazda 3.