2022 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2022 Kia K5 was available in multiple trims, each featuring a turbocharged engine, with the LXS and GT-Line offering optional all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190, excluding destination charges. The test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, and the EX Premium package, had an MSRP of $33,945. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, continuing the Optima's tradition of leading in design. The Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim created an upscale interior. The car exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued in sedan and hatchback styles, with the 2.0, 2.5 S, and 2.5 Turbo models. Prices ranged from $20,800 to $34,400, excluding the $1,015 destination charge. The test car, a top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus hatchback, had an MSRP of $35,810. The Mazda3's design was artistic but not universally appealing, with deeply sculpted flanks and a "hunchback" hatchback. The interior featured refined materials and sophisticated design, presenting an upscale environment. The Mazda3 was seen as a mature, serious automobile, offering more value than entry-level luxury cars, except in perceived cachet.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT was the most powerful but also the most expensive and least efficient, lacking all-wheel drive. The standard K5 had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering linear power delivery and decent performance. The K5 EX returned 29.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's 31 mpg estimate. The car had some road noise and suspension issues but offered good visibility and a refined Highway Drive Assist system.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 2.0 sedan had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, focusing on fuel economy with 31 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 S model had a 2.5-liter engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The 2.5 Turbo model had a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, with standard all-wheel drive. The Turbo averaged 23.1 mpg, below the EPA's estimate. The Mazda3 offered a smooth ride, nimble handling, and excellent balance, though the brakes showed signs of fade on challenging roads.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added natural light. The low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but the interior was spacious, with ample storage and a 16 cubic-foot trunk. The K5's controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 had a snug but comfortable fit, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. The interior featured user-friendly controls, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system was less intuitive. The back seat offered decent comfort for shorter passengers but lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a 20.1 cubic-foot cargo area in the hatchback, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for lower trims, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired connections for higher trims. The larger system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The K5's voice recognition was subpar, but the system included useful features like Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, controlled via the center console. Mazda avoided touchscreens, believing them to be distracting. The system lacked a physical tuning function and had a cumbersome voice recognition system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Mazda Connected Services for remote access and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available. The Active Driving Display projected data onto the windshield.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in safety with the Kia Drive Wise suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 also excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive front headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Mazda3 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.