Kia K5 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 K5LXS | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LXS | 2.5 S |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia K5LXS | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,490 | $24,550 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $14,993 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $30,829 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $41,233 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 505 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia K5LXS | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 37 MPG (best) | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia K5LXS | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 hp (best) | 186 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia K5LXS | Mazda 32.5 S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.6 cu ft (best) | 13.2 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,230 lbs | 3,111 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in (best) | 107.3 in |
| Length | 193.1 in (best) | 183.5 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 70.7 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 56.9 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia K5LXS | 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 | 4 / 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 K5 | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LXS $27,490 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 S $24,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | GT-Line $28,490 MSRP | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP |
| 3 | GT-Line $30,090 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,440 MSRP |
| 4 | GT $33,590 MSRP | 2.5 S Select Sport $26,740 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $34,990 MSRP | 2.5 S Preferred $27,090 MSRP |
| 6 | — | 2.5 S Preferred $28,440 MSRP |
| 7 | — | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $30,210 MSRP |
| 8 | — | 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 K5505 for sale
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Used2023 Kia K5
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Runway Red•Black13 mi$32,057Sewell KIA
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Snow White Pearl•Black14 mi$32,057Sewell KIA
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New2026 Kia K5
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Interstellar Gray•Black271 mi$28,533Sewell KIA
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Kia K5 vs Mazda 3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Kia K5 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Kia K5 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 K5 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Mazda 3 starts lower at $24,550. Live Kia K5 listings start at $14,993.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Kia K5 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,550).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Kia K5 or 2026 Mazda 3?
- The 2026 Kia K5 leads on horsepower in this comparison (290).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Kia K5 vs 2026 Mazda 3?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia K5 (5/5 NHTSA overall).