2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its dramatic and sophisticated bodywork, earning the World Car Design of the Year for 2020. The sedan version, which we tested, offered a conservative yet elegant appearance, while the hatchback variant was noted for its aggressive stance. The 2.5 Turbo model, available in both body styles, featured all-wheel drive and a Premium Plus trim, with our test sedan priced at $33,890. The interior, especially with the white Nappa leather, exuded a premium feel, supported by meticulous design details and high-quality materials, despite some use of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 stood out with its low, long, and sleek design, suggesting a luxury sports sedan rather than a practical family car. Our test car, a K5 EX with front-wheel drive, extra-cost paint, and the EX Premium package, was priced at $33,945. The interior featured Ash Blue synthetic leather, matte-finish fake wood trim, and polished metallic accents, creating an upscale ambiance. The K5's controls conveyed a sense of quality, with solid-feeling components and a refined sense of motion, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system, the car delivered smooth, predictable, and consistent performance. The Turbo model featured stiffer front suspension springs and dampers, improved steering feel, and 18-inch wheels with all-season tires. Despite the lack of summer tires, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a thrilling driving experience, averaging 20.4 mpg during our test drive, though falling short of the EPA estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generated 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, our test car, a K5 EX, featured a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain offered linear power delivery with minimal lag, and the Drive Mode Select system allowed for customization. The K5 EX averaged 29.1 mpg during our test drive, slightly below the EPA estimate of 31 mpg. While the K5 EX's handling was competent, it lacked the sporty feel of the GT model, and the suspension struggled with minor road imperfections.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, felt luxurious. However, it lacked some premium features, such as ventilated front seats and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with a 13.2 cubic-foot trunk in the sedan and 20.1 cubic feet in the hatchback, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the interior. While the low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and rear passengers had ample space. Storage was generous, with a 16 cubic-foot trunk and expandable cargo space with the 60/40-split folding back seat.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, though satellite radio performance was subpar. The Active Driving Display (HUD) was a useful feature, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

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 connectivity for higher trims. The larger system included satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and a navigation system. The EX Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. However, the voice recognition was poor, and the graphics were not to everyone's taste.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's i-ActiveSense ADAS included a comprehensive suite of features, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high-beam headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Premium Plus trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and low-speed reverse automatic braking. The Mazda3 earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Kia K5's Drive Wise collection included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 achieved top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.