Kia K4 vs Mazda 3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mazda 3
Overview
| Spec | Kia K4LX | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | 2.5 S |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia K4LX | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,190 (best) | $24,550 |
| Lowest listing price | $17,994 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $24,755 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $35,320 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 426 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia K4LX | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 40 MPG (best) | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12 gal | 13.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Kia K4LX | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 186 hp (best) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia K4LX | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | — | 13.2 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,956 lbs (best) | 3,111 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5 in | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 107.3 in (best) |
| Length | 185.4 in (best) | 183.5 in |
| Width | 73 in (best) | 70.7 in |
| Height | 55.9 in | 56.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia K4LX | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia K4 | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $22,190 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 S $24,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LXS $23,290 MSRP | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP |
| 3 | EX $24,390 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,440 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $24,890 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $26,740 MSRP |
| 5 | GT-Line $25,390 MSRP | 2.5 S Preferred $27,090 MSRP |
| 6 | GT-Line $25,890 MSRP | 2.5 S Preferred $28,440 MSRP |
| 7 | GT-Line Turbo $28,290 MSRP | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $30,210 MSRP |
| 8 | GT-Line Turbo $28,790 MSRP | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $31,360 MSRP |
| 9 | — | 2.5 S Premium $31,450 MSRP |
| 10 | — | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $36,740 MSRP |
| 11 | — | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $37,890 MSRP |
Live inventory
Kia K4426 for sale
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Kia K4 vs Mazda 3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Kia K4 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Kia K4 vs 2026 Mazda 3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Kia K4 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Kia K4 starts lower at $22,190. Live Kia K4 listings start at $17,994.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Kia K4 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Kia K4 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (22,190).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Kia K4 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Kia K4 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Kia K4 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Kia K4 vs 2026 Mazda 3?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia K4 (5/5 NHTSA overall).