Kia Optima vs Mazda MAZDA3
Overview | |
Years produced2001-2020 | Years produced2004-Present |
MSRP$22,900 | MSRP$24,550 |
Listings4057 | Listings9649 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews9.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryEven though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | |
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 | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 185 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight3230 lbs | Curb Weight3111 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height56.9 in |
Length191.1 in | Length183.5 in |
Width73.2 in | Width70.7 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase107.3 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload970 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-2020 | 2004-Present |
MSRP | $22,900 | $24,550 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 9.0 out of 10Read full review | 6.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Even though Americans appear to be trading in cars for good, the midsize family sedan looks better than it’s ever been. Nearly every choice in the segment sports impressive design, engineering, and equipment, and the 2019 Kia Optima shows just how good a typical midsize car can be. From its stylish looks and wide range of engine choices to its roomy interior and sophisticated safety technologies, the 2019 Optima is more than just a great value. It’s a great car. | 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 | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | 2.5L 186 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.9 cu ft | 13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3230 lbs | 3111 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 183.5 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 70.7 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 107.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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