Kia Niro vs. Mazda CX-3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Niro and Mazda CX-3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Niro and the Mazda CX-3.
When we compare the Kia Niro's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Niro's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro is a better car than the Mazda CX-3.
Pricing: A used 2021 Kia Niro ranges from $14,291 to $23,992 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-3 is priced between $14,987 to $22,008.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Niro loses 47.1 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-3 loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-3 retains 9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Niro.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Niro’s base engine makes 139 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-3 base engine makes 148 horsepower. The Niro is rated to deliver an average of 49 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 547 miles. The CX-3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. This gives the Kia Niro the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda CX-3. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Niro, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Kia Niro and Mazda CX-3 are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-3 has higher safety ratings than the Kia Niro, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24690
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
33044
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
24690 - 41500
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
20790
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
22058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
18750 - 29100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
19150
Price Range:
14291 - 23992
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
22839
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
19150 - 26788
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
14
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
69459
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18871
Price Range:
14987 - 22008
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
19173
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
16252 - 24096
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
27
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
57707
# Good or Great Deals:
9
Kia Niro Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
Mazda CX-3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
5.1 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.415229014192974
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
2.4 - 3.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3644645872992993
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.1 - 9.8
Kia Niro Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 41Ranking
10 out of / 41Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 41Ranking
14 out of / 41Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 41Ranking
24 out of / 41Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 41Ranking
36 out of / 36Ranking
41 out of / 41Mazda CX-3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
2 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 21Ranking
19 out of / 21Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
60 out of / 66Ranking
61 out of / 66Ranking
62 out of / 66Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Niro Trim Levels
EX Premium, LX, LXS, Touring, Touring Special Edition
Mazda CX-3 Trim Levels
Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
139 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
195 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.045 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
51 / 46 / 49
Range (city/hwy):
607 / 547 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 34 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
19.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
120.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.4 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
105.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3100 lbs
Width:
71.1 inches
Height:
60.8 inches
Length:
171.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2851 lbs
Width:
69.6 inches
Height:
60.7 inches
Length:
168.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Blue
Deep Cerulean
Red
Runway Red
Silver
Silky Silver
White
Snow White Pearl
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Gray
Ceramic Metallic / Machine Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
