Kia Rio vs Mazda MAZDA3
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2023 | Years produced2004-Present |
MSRP$16,750 | MSRP$24,550 |
Listings1044 | Listings9515 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews | Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews Summary | |
Reviews SummaryCompact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.6L 120 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower120 hp @ 6300 rpm | Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City32 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.6L 120 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Torque112 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower120 hp @ 6300 rpm | Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City32 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.7 cu ft | Cargo Space13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight2767 lbs | Curb Weight3111 lbs |
Height57.1 in | Height56.9 in |
Length172.6 in | Length183.5 in |
Width67.9 in | Width70.7 in |
Wheelbase101.6 in | Wheelbase107.3 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload970 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2023 | 2004-Present |
MSRP | $16,750 | $24,550 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Compact sedans are some of the most affordable vehicles today, which often leads to cheaper interiors, disappointing performance, and uninspired styling. The 2026 Mazda 3 bucks that trend with a cabin that could easily be mistaken for entry-level luxury fare, a spirited driving experience, and head-turning style. The current-generation Mazda 3 debuted as a 2019 model, but despite its age few updates are expected for 2026. Verdict: The Mazda 3 proves that small cars don’t have to be boring. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.6L 120 hp I4 | 2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 120 hp @ 6300 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 32 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.6L 120 hp I4 | 2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Torque | 112 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 120 hp @ 6300 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 32 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.7 cu ft | 13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2767 lbs | 3111 lbs |
Height | 57.1 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 172.6 in | 183.5 in |
Width | 67.9 in | 70.7 in |
Wheelbase | 101.6 in | 107.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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