2024 Kia K5 vs 2024 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2024 Kia K5 GT-Line caught every eye while cruising back roads frequented by cyclists in Southern California. The test vehicle, draped in Passion Red Tint Coat, elicited enthusiastic remarks from passersby. While some may have mistaken it for a brand-new model, the K5 has been on the scene since 2021, replacing the Optima. The stylish K5 features a trim hierarchy starting at the base LXS and stepping up to the GT-Line, EX, and the top-tier GT.

Our test model sported a price tag of $30,530, encompassing extras like a premium paint job, a panoramic sunroof, floor mats, and a carpeted trunk mat. Although the cabin had its share of unrefined plastic, the interior design was striking. The metallic trim around the air vents and a tactile transmission shifter contributed to a feeling of quality and elegance despite the prevalence of glossy surfaces.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 retains a modern, almost luxury-car aesthetic despite its last redesign in 2019. With swooping lines and sculpted bodywork, it exuded a premium feel. The front end was particularly noteworthy, featuring squinting LED headlights that climbed along the fenders from beneath the car's hood.

Available in both sedan and hatchback variants, the Mazda3's six-trim lineup was dizzying. While the sedan offered trims from S to Turbo Premium Plus, the hatchback had an extra S Premium trim exclusive to its design. The hatchback was not only the more striking vehicle but also offered additional storage space. The Turbo Premium Plus trim we tested came with an elegant red leather interior, with high-quality materials extending across the dashboard and door panels. The as-tested price of $38,210 might appear steep, but it was competitive when compared to luxury brands like Audi and BMW.

The 2024 Kia K5 offered a choice between two engines. Most models were equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. This engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels, although all-wheel drive was available with the GT-Line trim.

Opting for the K5 GT meant upgrading to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. This variant came with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and was exclusively front-wheel drive. Driving modes included Smart, Normal, Sport, Custom, and Snow (for AWD versions). The GT trim also featured an exclusive Sport+ mode with launch control, a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and more aggressive tires.

Fuel efficiency was a mixed bag. The K5 GT-Line had an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined for front-wheel drive and 28 mpg for all-wheel drive. However, our real-world testing revealed disappointing figures of 23.8 mpg on mixed driving conditions, averaging 24.5 mpg over nearly 300 miles.

In comparison, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 provided two engine options across its lineup. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on the S trims, offered 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the Carbon Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus trims boasted 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, although these numbers lowered slightly with regular fuel.

Transmission options included a six-speed manual, available only on the Hatchback S Premium with front-wheel drive. All other trims used a six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive was standard on the Carbon Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus trims. Fuel economy for the naturally aspirated engine ranged from 30 to 31 mpg combined, while the turbocharged variants achieved 26 to 27 mpg combined.

Driving the Mazda3, especially its turbo variant, was a delight. The car handled back roads with finesse, exhibiting minimal body roll and precise steering. Despite its torsion beam rear suspension, the chassis managed corners admirably. The lower ground clearance and stiff suspension might not suit rough road conditions, but for typical driving scenarios, it performed excellently.

The 2024 Kia K5 excelled in balancing style with functionality. While it lacked digital instrumentation, its analog gauges were easy to read. The GT-Line trim featured SynTex artificial leather seats, though the material could complicate entry and exit when wearing certain fabrics like denim. Both front seats had ample adjustments, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power and the passenger's seat benefiting from manual height adjustments.

Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, and heated front seats were available on all trims but the base LXS. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were exclusive to higher trims. The panoramic sunroof was a notable feature, although taller passengers might find headroom an issue. With 16 cubic feet of cargo space, the K5's trunk was both generous and user-friendly, especially with the Smart Trunk function.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 was notably less roomy. The hatchback variant offered 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. While this was competitive compared to some rivals, rear passenger space suffered. Legroom was tight, and headroom was equally constrained, further compromised by rear visibility due to the vehicle’s design. The sedan offered even less cargo space, with just 13.2 cubic feet.

Kia equipped the K5 with impressive standard and optional technology. The base LXS trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, wireless on the base trim and requiring a wired connection on others. The larger display added navigation, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. However, voice recognition was mediocre, encouraging users to rely on CarPlay or Android Auto. A wireless charging pad and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were also available on higher trims.

Mazda’s approach to technology was unique, featuring a rotary controller instead of a touchscreen interface. Although this took some getting used to, it offered a safer, hands-free operation once set up correctly. The 10.25-inch screen in top trims allowed for touchscreen functionality only when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which were standard across all trims. Wi-Fi, remote services, and a Bose stereo system also enhanced the tech experience, although some quirks in the system remained, such as truncated text on the larger display.

The 2024 Kia K5 boasted a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems as part of its standard package. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and a safe exit warning system. Optional upgrades included cyclist detection, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed control and Highway Driving Assist.

However, safety testing revealed mixed results. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the K5 high marks, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it Poor and Marginal ratings in updated tests, specifically in moderate overlap frontal-impact and side-impact scenarios.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety ratings. It received five stars from NHTSA and was named a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced trims added features like Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go and Cruising and Traffic Support for semi-autonomous driving in heavy traffic.