Though SUVs are all the craze, the compact automotive phase continues to be extremely aggressive. You’ve your mainstream choices just like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, however a couple of options to these best-sellers are price consideration. Two of our favorites are the Mazda3 and Kia Forte.
These compact vehicles are related in some ways, however there are some key variations.
Let’s evaluate the 2024 Mazda3 and the 2024 Kia Forte.
2024 Mazda3
![2024 Mazda3 Hatchback in grey next to a warehouse.](https://www.kbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2024-mazda3-htcbk-grey-front-right-3qtr.jpg?w=757)
The Mazda3 is outlined by its enjoyable driving dynamics and upscale inside whereas retaining the practicality and affordable pricing of a compact automotive. The Mazda marque has rather a lot going for it, and the Mazda3 is probably the most inexpensive entry into the model. Pricing begins at $24,170.
Mazda3 Highlights
Sedan and hatchback physique types — In contrast to the sedan-only Kia Forte, the Mazda3 is accessible as a sedan or a hatchback. The sedan is a bit more inexpensive, however the hatchback has the benefit of extra cargo house. Additionally, the hatchback affords the Premium trim with a guide transmission, which you’ll be able to’t get within the sedan.
Out there AWD — Elective with the bottom engine and customary with the turbo engine, the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system is a big benefit the Mazda3 has over the Kia Forte, which comes completely with front-wheel drive. AWD provides the Mazda3 higher grip on dry pavement and improved traction on slippery roads.
Stronger efficiency — The bottom 2.5-liter engine within the Mazda3 makes 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, whereas the non-obligatory turbocharged 2.5-liter makes 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. These efficiency specs higher these of the Forte by a substantial margin, making the Mazda3 the fanatic’s alternative.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Mazda3 fashions on the market close to you
2024 Kia Forte
![2024 Kia Forte in silver.](https://www.kbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-kia-forte-front-left.jpg?w=757)
The sensible and inexpensive Kia Forte proves that an affordable compact automotive is now not a penalty field. With its spacious inside, class-leading guarantee, and beneficiant customary options, the 2024 Forte represents an excellent worth that represents numerous automotive for the cash. There’s even an thrilling GT mannequin, which nonetheless doesn’t break the financial institution. Pricing for the 2024 Kia Forte begins at $19,790.
Kia Forte Highlights
Inexpensive pricing: The beginning value of the Kia Forte is eighteen% decrease than the beginning value of the Mazda3, and the value hole is even wider once you get into their respective turbocharged trims. The Kia represents a substantial low cost whether or not you’re paying money, leasing, or making funds.
Excellent guarantee: The Kia Forte has a class-leading guarantee. A ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee enhances a 5-year/60,000-mile primary guarantee. That’s considerably longer protection than the 3-year/36,000-mile primary guarantee and 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain safety within the Mazda.
As much as 41 freeway mpg: The smaller engines within the Forte aren’t as highly effective because the bigger ones within the Mazda3, however the reward is best gasoline financial system. The EPA charges probably the most environment friendly Forte at 30 mpg metropolis/41 mpg freeway/34 mpg mixed, whereas the thriftiest Mazda3 is available in at 27 mpg metropolis/37 mpg freeway/31 mpg mixed.
Verify this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the Forte fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The 2024 Kia Forte and 2024 Mazda3 sedan are remarkably related in dimension, and so they supply an analogous complement of normal security and infotainment tech options. Shared customary highlights embrace Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, automated excessive beams, and driver consideration monitoring.
Conclusion
The Kia Forte has many sensible benefits over the Mazda3. It has a decrease beginning value, a barely roomier inside, longer warranties, and higher gasoline financial system. The Mazda, nevertheless, has a extra premium really feel and the benefit of two physique types, extra sturdy engines, and accessible all-wheel drive.
In case your price range is tight, and the $4,380 distinction in value between these two sedans is critical to you, we’ve no qualms about recommending the Kia. It’s a high quality vehicle. But when price range isn’t a priority, the extra premium Mazda3, which additionally has a greater Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) general security report, will get the nod.
Specs
2024 Mazda3 | 2024 Kia Forte | |
Beginning Value | $24,170 | $19,790 |
Widespread Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed automated | CVT automated |
Gas Financial system | 27 mpg metropolis/37 mpg freeway/31 mpg mixed | 30 mpg metropolis/41 mpg freeway/34 mpg mixed |
Additionally Out there | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 6-speed guide, AWD, hatchback | Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, 6-speed guide |
Specs | ||
Fundamental Guarantee | 3 Years/36,000 Miles | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 Years/60,000 Miles | 10 Years/100,000 Miles |
NHTSA General Security | 5 Stars | 4 Stars |
Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 107.3 inches | 106.3 inches |
General Size | 183.5 inches | 182.7 inches |
Width | 70.7 inches | 70.9 inches |
Top | 56.9 inches | 56.5 inches |
Turning Diameter | 34.8 toes | 34.8 toes |
Headroom, 1st row | 38 inches | 38.8 inches |
Headroom, 2nd row | 37.3 inches | 37.5 inches |
Legroom, 1st row | 42.3 inches | 42.2 inches |
Legroom, 2nd row | 35.1 inches | 35.7 inches |
Shoulder room, 1st row | 55.7 inches | 56.1 inches |
Shoulder room, 2nd row | 53.5 inches | 55.3 inches |
Cargo room | 13.2 cubic toes | 15.3 cubic toes |