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 6 out of 7 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, Mazda has lower used vehicle starting prices in 4 out of 7 vehicle comparisons. Mazda models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 6 out of 7 comparisons.

Kia versus Mazda: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Mazda vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 3 out of 7 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 2 comparisons. Kia and Mazda vehicles have similar horsepower in 2 comparisons. Mazda offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 2 out of 5 comparisons. Kia vehicles have higher MPG in 2 comparisons, and both Kia and Mazda vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. Kia offers a greater towing capacity in 4 out of 5 comparisons.

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 2 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Mazda has the advantage in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Mazda has better safety ratings in 4 out of 7 comparisons. Kia and Mazda tie for safety in 3 comparisons. Mazda shows higher ratings for retained value in 6 out of 7 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Sportage in Best Small SUVs. 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 Sedan in Best Compact Cars, Mazda CX-9 in Best Crossover SUVs, Mazda Mazda6 in Best Midsize Cars, Mazda CX-9 in Best Midsize SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Sedan in Best Small Cars, and Mazda CX-9 in Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 2 categories: Kia Rio 5-Door in Most Reliable Small Cars and Kia Sportage in Most Reliable Small SUVs.Mazda has better car rankings in 4 categories: Mazda CX-9 in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Mazda Mazda6 in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Mazda CX-9 in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs, and Mazda CX-9 in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows.

Safest Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Sportage Hybrid in Safest Hybrid SUVs. Mazda has better car rankings in 6 categories: Mazda CX-9 in Safest Crossover SUVs, Mazda MX-30 EV in Safest Electric SUVs, Mazda Mazda6 in Safest Midsize Cars, Mazda CX-9 in Safest Midsize SUVs, Mazda Mazda3 Sedan in Safest Small Cars, and Mazda CX-9 in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Sportage in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money. Mazda has better car rankings in 2 categories: Mazda CX-9 in Best Midsize SUVs for the Money and Mazda CX-9 in Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and 1 minivan. In comparison, Mazda offers 9 SUVs, 1 sedan, 2 convertibles, and 1 hatchback.

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 11 gasoline vehicles, 3 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Mazda offers 10 gasoline vehicles, 2 plug-in hybrids, and 1 electric vehicle.

Kia offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 3 rear-wheel-drive models. Mazda offers 10 all-wheel-drive models, 3 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.