2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Kia K5 represented a significant shift in Kia's design philosophy, moving away from the drab and uninspired sedans of the past. With its fastback form and striking GT-Line trim, the K5 was reminiscent of the more performance-oriented Kia Stinger. The vehicle's design was marked by a long rear window, unique taillights, and a honeycomb grille, all contributing to its sporty appearance. Despite some fake air vents and exhaust tips, the K5's proportions and details made it a standout in its class. The interior was equally impressive, with a driver-focused design, quality materials, and a sporty feel that set it apart from many competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 maintained its artistic design, though it wasn't universally appealing. The hatchback's sculpted flanks and mature styling gave it a serious, understated look. Inside, the Mazda3 offered a refined and sophisticated environment, with high-quality materials and a focus on driver comfort. The interior design was elegant, with excellent support and padding in the seats and armrests. However, the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the car's low stance made entry and exit challenging. Despite these drawbacks, the Mazda3's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to quality and design.

The 2021 Kia K5, particularly in its GT-Line trim, did not quite live up to its sporty appearance. The standard 1.6-liter turbo-four engine produced 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for everyday driving but lacking the excitement of a true sports sedan. The GT trim promised more with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it was only available in front-wheel drive, which limited its handling capabilities. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the base engine achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 155 horsepower. The more popular 2.5 S model delivered 186 horsepower, while the 2.5 Turbo variant offered up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided a smooth and gradual power delivery, making the Mazda3 a joy to drive. However, the fuel economy was less impressive, with the turbo model averaging 23.1 mpg in real-world conditions. Despite this, the Mazda3 excelled in handling, offering a balanced and engaging driving experience, though the brakes showed signs of fade under extreme conditions.

The 2021 Kia K5 offered a spacious interior, with enough room for two adults to sit comfortably in the back. The front seats were supportive and firm, ideal for long drives, and the infotainment system was user-friendly. However, the lack of rear air vents was a notable omission. The trunk provided 16 cubic feet of space, which was generous for the class.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3, while stylish, had a more cramped interior. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the back seat was less accommodating for taller passengers. Storage space was adequate, with several compartments for small items, but the cargo area was limited, offering 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Kia K5 came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to set up and use. The GT-Line trim added several features, including a power driver's seat, LED taillights, and a panoramic sunroof. The EX trim offered additional comforts like heated and ventilated seats, while the GT trim included performance enhancements and advanced infotainment options.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a non-touchscreen interface. While this approach aimed to reduce driver distraction, it had its drawbacks, including a lack of physical tuning controls and a cumbersome voice recognition system. However, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which mitigated some of these issues. The Mazda3 also offered a premium Bose audio system and an available head-up display.

The 2021 Kia K5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. While it had not yet been rated by safety organizations, its strong chassis and body shell suggested it would perform well in crash tests.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, earning top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. It came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a surround-view camera system, making it one of the safest compact cars available.