2020 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2019 Kia Forte

The 2019 Kia Forte, despite being an all-new generation, retained a familiar jellybean-like shape with a plucky front-end design and a subtle swoop along the side. The new design included small rear quarter windows and flatter, lower windowsills, borrowing styling cues from the sporty Kia Stinger. Inside, the Forte featured a contemporary, high-tech cabin with a sport steering wheel, floating touchscreen, and circular HVAC vents, reminiscent of the Audi A3, thanks to the influence of Peter Schreyer, Kia's head of design.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3, available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, stood out with its curvaceous design and sculpted side profile. The sedan, with its blacked-out mesh front grille and round running lamps, looked particularly striking. Inside, the Mazda3 embraced simplicity and minimalism, with creamy white leather and a driver-focused design. However, the rear middle seat was compromised by a large transmission hump, and the trunk space was on the smaller side compared to competitors.

The 2019 Kia Forte came with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. The CVT, branded as an iVT by Kia, managed power well, providing immediate throttle response and impressive acceleration. The Forte's handling was confident, with minimal body roll and a performance-like weight to the steering wheel. Fuel economy was commendable, with the CVT-equipped Forte returning 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 featured a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. While the engine was predictable, it lacked the immediate punch of turbocharged motors. The Mazda3's handling remained precise, but the torsion beam rear suspension, a cost-cutting measure, resulted in a less refined ride over bumps. The manual transmission was available only in the FWD hatchback model with higher trim levels, making it a pricier option for enthusiasts.

The 2019 Kia Forte's exterior length grew by 3.2 inches, translating into a noticeably larger interior. The front seat offered ample legroom, though headroom was tight for occupants over 6 feet tall. The backseat provided adequate headroom and legroom for taller passengers. The Forte boasted 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space, one of the largest in its class, with the EX trim featuring a smart trunk system for hands-free access.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan measured 183.5 inches in length with a 107.3-inch wheelbase, while the hatchback was more compact at 175.6 inches. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, offering a low driving position for sports car enthusiasts. However, the rear seat was tight on legroom, and the large transmission hump in the middle seat was a drawback. The sedan's trunk offered 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback provided 20.1 cubic feet, both on the smaller side for the segment.

The 2019 Kia Forte came standard with an 8-inch UVO touchscreen featuring a user-friendly layout, vivid colors, and physical buttons for easy navigation. The system included conventional tuning and volume dials, and our test model featured UVO e-services for enhanced roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and a smartphone app.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's 8.8-inch infotainment display was positioned high on the dashboard, blending seamlessly into the design. However, Mazda eliminated touch functionality, opting for a rotary dial controller between the front seats. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The head-up display reflected off the windshield, enhancing the premium feel.

The 2019 Kia Forte offered standard forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist was particularly effective, providing active steering inputs to keep the car centered in the lane.

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered advanced driver assistance systems such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. The Premium Package's LED headlights received a Good rating, while lower trims scored Acceptable.