2025 Kia Niro vs 2025 Mazda CX-30

$26,990 · Crossover

$25,195 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When choosing between the 2025 Kia Niro and the 2025 Mazda CX-30, the primary dilemma is efficiency versus engagement. Buyers focused strictly on running costs will immediately favor the Niro, which boasts an incredible 53 combined MPG. This efficiency stands in stark contrast to the CX-30's 29 combined MPG. However, if you prefer a peppier drive, the CX-30 delivers 191 horsepower compared to the Niro's 139 hp. The initial sticker prices are close, with the CX-30 starting slightly lower at $25,195 versus the Niro's $26,990. While the Niro is slightly longer at 174.0 inches, the CX-30 offers standard All-Wheel Drive, making the decision hinge on whether ultra-low fuel consumption trumps superior standard power and drivetrain capability for your daily routine.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro

The 2025 Kia Niro is the clear winner for commuters due to its segment-leading 53 combined MPG, drastically lowering daily operating costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro offers slightly more utility with 22.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda's 20.2 cu ft, which is more useful for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is better suited for enthusiasts, packing 191 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, much more than the Niro's 139 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 provides better standard performance and AWD capability for a lower starting MSRP of $25,195 compared to the Niro's $26,990.

Choose the Kia Niro if...

You prioritize maximizing miles per gallon, given the Niro's exceptional 53 combined MPG rating.
Your driving style needs conservative power (139 hp) and you utilize regular unleaded fuel efficiently.
You need the slightly larger cargo area, offering 22.8 cubic feet behind the second row.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varying weather conditions.
You want significantly more engine power, with the CX-30 delivering 191 hp.
You are looking for the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $25,195.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro	Mazda CX-30
Length	174.0"	173.0"
Width	71.8"	70.7"
Height	60.8"	61.7"
Wheelbase	107.1"	104.4"

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	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	139 hp @ 5700 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	195 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	6-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	53/54 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	53 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	588.3/599.4 mi.	330.2/419.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	55.6 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	39.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 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 Niro and 2025 Mazda CX-30.

How much better is the fuel economy in the Kia Niro?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Kia Niro achieves 53 combined MPG, whereas the 2025 Mazda CX-30 is rated for 29 combined MPG. That nearly 24 MPG difference means the Niro will require far fewer trips to the pump.

Is the Mazda CX-30 much more powerful than the Niro?

Yes, the CX-30 offers a significant power advantage, producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Niro, by comparison, only generates 139 horsepower.

Which car is generally better for long road trips where comfort matters?

While the Niro wins on fuel stops, the CX-30's 191 hp engine and standard AWD generally translate to a more composed and engaging highway experience, even though the Niro is slightly longer in overall length.

What is the core difference in their drivetrains?

The Kia Niro comes exclusively with Front Wheel Drive paired with a 6-speed automated manual transmission. The Mazda CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive matched with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Do these crossovers have similar cargo capabilities?

They are close, but the Niro holds a slight edge, offering 22.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. Both utilize regular unleaded gasoline.

If I need AWD, is the Niro even an option?

No, based on the provided data, the 2025 Kia Niro is listed only as Front Wheel Drive. If AWD is a non-negotiable requirement, the Mazda CX-30 is the only option here.