Kia vs Mazda Brand Comparison
No matter what type of vehicle you’re shopping for, it’s only natural that you would have a preference for a brand that offers tremendous value, award-winning quality, comprehensive warranty protection, and groundbreaking safety features. You’ll discover all of those characteristics across the entire Kia model lineup, helping to demonstrate why more and more drivers are making the switch to a Kia vehicle. If you’re still not convinced, our team at Ken Ganley Kia Mentor has assembled this in-depth comparison in which Kia goes up against one of its biggest rivals -- Mazda. Which brand will earn the victory? Let’s find out!
About Kia
Superior Warranty Protection
Since buying a new vehicle ranks among one of the largest purchasing decisions you’ll ever make, it’s understandable that you would expect the manufacturer to stand behind your new vehicle for the long haul. There’s simply no replacement for the peace of mind and confidence you’ll enjoy from the comprehensive warranty coverage included with the purchase of all new Kia vehicles. The Kia 10-year/100,000 mile warranty program consists of:
- 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty
- 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty
- 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty
- 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan
Mazda simply cannot match the industry-leading Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program.
Best 3-Row SUV for the Money Award - Kia Telluride
In an impressive victory, the dynamic Kia Telluride was recognized as the Best 3-Row SUV for the Money by the team of experts at U.S. News Best Cars in their annual “Best Car for the Money” awards. The editors praised the model’s exceptional reputation for safety, quality, and reliability.
“We designed and engineered the Telluride to provide Kia customers with a large number of standard features, advanced technology, and the peace of mind of the longest powertrain warranty in the segment: all factors that contribute to exceptional value,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America, Kia America.
“The Telluride is a standout in our midsize SUV rankings, with useful standard technology features and a high-quality cabin that provides impressive room for passengers and cargo alike,” said Jim Sharifi, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. “It also promises to be a strong value over the course of ownership, with a long powertrain warranty and low projected ownership costs.”
Groundbreaking Safety
No matter how long your daily commute is or how you typically drive your vehicle, staying safe behind the wheel is a universally-important component of driving. Across the entire model lineup, Kia engineers have worked tirelessly to design and develop some of the safest vehicles on the road today.
Don’t just take our word for it either! The experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) take the time to thoroughly evaluate new vehicles for crashworthiness along with a variety of other aspects of safety. Kia has earned a total of 8 Top Safety Pick Awards for 2022 across several different vehicle classes. If you’re looking for a safe vehicle, there’s no reason to look anywhere other than Kia.
- 2022 Kia Soul - Top Safety Pick
- 2022 Kia K5 - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Kia Stinger - Top Safety Pick+
- 2022 Kia Seltos - Top Safety Pick
- 2022 Kia Sportage - Top Safety Pick
- 2022 Kia Sorento - Top Safety Pick
- 2022 Kia Telluride - Top Safety Pick
- 2022 Kia Carnival - Top Safety Pick
Hybrid & EV Models
Looking to save time and money at the gas station? No other manufacturer is more dedicated to pioneering hybrid and EV technology like Kia. In fact, the Kia model lineup consists of a total of 5 hybrid or electric models. Whether you prefer the flexibility of a hybrid or the pure electric power delivery of an EV, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Kia. For comparison, Mazda does not currently offer any types of hybrid or EVs.
Kia Hybrid & EV Lineup
2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Mazda CX-5
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| 2022 Kia Sportage EX AWD | VS | 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred AWD |
| $31,390 | MSRP | $29,600 |
18 inches  |
Wheel Size | 17 inches |
| Driver & Passenger |
Heated Exterior Mirrors | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| Standard |
Fog Lights | Optional |
| 3,596 lbs |
Curb Weight | 3,717 lbs |
| 17.4 feet |
Turning Radius | 18 feet |
| 60.1 cubic feet |
Max Cargo Volume | 59.6 cubic feet |
| 41.5 inches |
Front Legroom | 41 inches |
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Basic Warranty Coverage | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| 10 Years / 100,000 Miles |
Powertrain Warranty Coverage | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Roadside Assistance Coverage | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Searching for a compact SUV that’s big on value, versatility, and style? Look no further than the award-winning Kia Sportage. To demonstrate how the Sportage remains the best choice in its segment, we’ve compared it side-by-side against one of its top rivals -- the Mazda CX-5.
While the Mazda does begin with a very slight price advantage, a closer look reveals that choosing the Sportage will actually prove to be the smarter financial decision. The Sportage includes 18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors, and front fog lights. You’ll have to step up to a higher trim level or shell out extra cash to match these great features on the Mazda CX-5.
In terms of performance and comfort, the Sportage continues to shine. Its lower curb weight and shorter turning radius make it the more compelling choice for a daily driver. Inside the cabin, it also offers greater front legroom and a greater cargo capacity compared to the CX5.
Last but certainly not least, Mazda cannot match the outstanding warranty coverage that’s included as standard on Kia vehicles. Choosing the Sportage means that you’ll receive a longer basic warranty, powertrain warranty, and longer roadside assistance coverage than the CX-5. Add it all up and it’s easy to see why choosing the Kia Sportage over the Mazda CX-5 is a no-brainer.
2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Mazda CX30
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| 2022 Kia Seltos LX AWD | VS | 2022 Mazda CX30 Base AWD |
| $22,590 | MSRP | $22,200 |
| 27 / 31 / 29 |
MPG (city / hwy / combined) | 24 / 31 / 26 |
| 3,185 lbs |
Curb Weight |
3,388 lbs |
| 62.8 cubic feet |
Max Cargo Capacity | 45.2 cubic feet |
| 17 inches |
Wheel Size | 16 inches |
| 40 / 38.4 inches |
Front / Rear Headroom | 38.1 / 38.3 inches |
| 38 inches |
Rear Legroom | 36.3 inches |
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Basic Warranty Coverage | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| 10 Years / 100,000 Miles |
Basic Warranty Coverage | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| 10 Years / 100,000 Miles |
Powertrain Warranty Coverage | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Roadside Assistance Coverage | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Shifting our attention towards subcompact SUVs, let’s take a closer look at exactly how the dynamic Kia Seltos measures up against the Mazda CX30. While they share virtually identical starting prices, the Seltos has the advantage when it comes to efficiency. Due in part to its lower curb weight, the Seltos tops the CX30 in both city and combined fuel economy ratings.
You’ll also get more room for your money by choosing the Seltos. It offers a far greater maximum cargo capacity, more front and rear headroom, and more rear legroom compared to the CX30. Larger 17-inch alloy wheels are included as standard as well. When it comes to peace of mind, the winner is undoubtedly Kia. The Seltos comes standard with superior basic and powertrain warranty coverage along with a longer term of roadside assistance protection. In terms of value, versatility, and peace of mind -- you simply can’t ignore the Kia Seltos.
Kia K5 vs Mazda 3 Sedan
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| 2022 Kia K5 LX FWD | VS | 2022 Mazda3 2.5 S Sedan |
| $23,790 | MSRP | $21,750 |
| 195 lb-ft |
Torque | 186 lb-ft |
| 8-Speed Automatic |
Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| 29 / 38 / 32 |
MPG (city / hwy / combined) | 26 / 35 / 30 |
| Multi-Link |
Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam |
| Driver & Passenger |
Heated Exterior Mirrors | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| Standard Parking Distance Warning |
Parking Sensors | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| 16 cubic feet |
Rear Cargo Volume | 13.2 cubic feet |
| 40.2 / 37.8 inches |
Front / Rear Headroom | 38 / 37.3 inches |
| 46.1 / 35.2 inches |
Front / Rear Legroom | 42.3 / 35.1 inches |
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Basic Warranty Coverage | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| 10 Years / 100,000 Miles |
Powertrain Warranty Coverage | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Roadside Assistance Coverage | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Next up is a battle of two sport-focused compact sedans in which the Kia K5 squares off against the Mazda 3 Sedan. Despite sharing similar price tags, the K5 LX has the edge in performance over the Mazda 3. Its superior low-end response is also due in part to the more sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission. Even with these advantages in power, the K5 still tops the Mazda 3 across all three EPA measurements of fuel economy.
The K5 is engineered with a multi-link rear suspension that helps enhance both comfort and agility while cornering. Standard heated exterior mirrors help enhance visibility when changing lanes or backing up. Speaking of backing up, the K5 LX comes standard with Parking Distance Warning to help guide you safely in or out of a tight space. You’ll have to step up to a higher trim level at Mazda to receive similar features.
Whether you tend to transport cargo or passengers on your daily commute, you’ll have much more room for both inside the Kia K5. Compared to the Mazda 3, the K5 offers more rear cargo volume along with greater headroom and legroom across both rows of seating. As we’ve covered before, Mazda simply cannot compete with the comprehensive warranty protection and roadside assistance coverage included as standard across the Kia lineup.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.