Kia vs. Mazda

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Kia and Mazda contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Kia and Mazda cars.

When comparing the Kia brand to the Mazda brand, Kia has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, towing capacity and variety of models offered. Mazda has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing, depreciation, horsepower, overall quality, reliability, safety, retained value and vehicle rankings.

Kia versus Mazda: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Kia versus Mazda pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Kia in 3 out of 5 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, Mazda has lower used vehicle starting prices in 5 out of 5 vehicle comparisons. Mazda models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 5 out of 5 comparisons.

Kia versus Mazda: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Mazda vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 2 out of 5 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 1 comparisons. Kia and Mazda vehicles have similar horsepower in 2 comparisons. Mazda offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Kia offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 3 comparisons. In 1 comparisons, Kia and Mazda have the same towing capacity.

Kia versus Mazda: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Kia versus Mazda overall quality ratings shows Mazda with higher quality ratings in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Mazda has the advantage in 1 out of 1 comparisons. Mazda has better safety ratings in 3 out of 5 comparisons. Kia and Mazda tie for safety in 2 comparisons. Mazda shows higher ratings for retained value in 5 out of 5 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 9 categories: Mazda CX-3 in Best 5-seater SUVs, Mazda CX-9 in Best 6-seater SUVs, Mazda CX-9 in Best 7-Seater SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Best Compact Cars, Mazda CX-3 in Best Crossover SUVs, Mazda CX-9 in Best Midsize SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Best Small Cars, Mazda CX-5 in Best Small SUVs, and Mazda CX-9 in Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 5 categories: Mazda CX-3 in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Mazda CX-9 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Most Reliable Small Cars, Mazda CX-5 in Most Reliable Small SUVs, and Mazda CX-9 in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows.

Safest Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: EV9 in Safest Electric SUVs. Mazda has better car rankings in 8 categories: Mazda CX-30 in Safest Crossover SUVs, Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid in Safest Hybrid SUVs, Mazda Mazda6 in Safest Midsize Cars, Mazda CX-70 in Safest Midsize SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback in Safest Small Cars, Mazda CX-50 in Safest Small SUVs, Mazda CX-30 in Safest Subcompact SUVs, and Mazda CX-90 in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Mazda has better car rankings in 2 categories: Mazda CX-5 in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money and Mazda CX-5 in Best Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 2 minivans. In comparison, Mazda offers 8 SUVs, 1 sedan, 2 convertibles, and 1 hatchback.

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 9 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Mazda offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 1 hybrid, and 2 plug-in hybrids.

Kia offers 11 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Mazda offers 9 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.