There is perhaps no more competitive segment in the new vehicle landscape than compact cars. The range of styles, powertrains, options, and prices is truly mind-boggling.
Two brands that offer a wide array of options with their compact cars are Kia with its K4 sedan and Mazda with its Mazda3 sedan.
Let’s see how these two mighty mites compare.
2025 Kia K4
The 2025 Kia K4 may represent the best value in the compact car arena. Pricing for its entry-level LX model starts at just over $23,000. For that money, you get a good-looking sedan with a spacious cabin and a fair bit of technology.
In all, there are five trim levels available: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo. Most models are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower and achieving up to 40 mpg on the highway. The GT-Line Turbo model ups the ante with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making a hearty 190 hp. All versions of the K4 are front-wheel-drive only. Trims with 2.0-liter power feature a CVT, while the GT-Line Turbo employs an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Pricing for the 2025 Kia K4 starts at $23,145.
Kia K4 Highlights
Easy on the fuel budget: Kia’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder isn’t exactly a racing machine, but it is thrifty, which means more money in your pocket. The K4’s EPA combined rating is 34 mpg, among the top in the segment. Even the hopped-up 1.6-liter turbo powerplant should get up to 30 mpg combined.
Roomy and comfortable: Despite the K4’s tidy exterior dimensions, it’s plenty roomy inside. However, it only comes as a 4-door, so if you like the ease of access a hatchback provides, the Civic is worth investigating.
Outstanding warranty: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty offer you peace of mind — for up to a decade. That kind of assurance can be priceless.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the K4 models for sale near you.
2025 Mazda3
The Mazda3 has long been a bit of an outlier in its segment. But anyone who’s ever driven one just knows: There’s something special about the way it feels. Crisp. Responsive. Eager. We could go on and on, but maybe the best adjective is simply “fun.” Yet the Mazda3 never forgets the priorities. As a compact car, it’s also highly functional, serving its owners equal doses of convenience and value. Prices start at $25,135.
Mazda3 Highlights
All-wheel drive (AWD): The Mazda3 is among the few vehicles in its class offering the extra grip of all-wheel drive (AWD). Moreover, it’s an option the Civic can’t claim.
More standard power: The least-powerful Mazda3 comes with a 191-horsepower engine. That’s significantly more than the 158 ponies that a base Honda Civic corrals. Turbo models up the ante with up to 250 hp.
Premium design: Without the badge, you might think the Mazda3 is a luxury car. Inside and out, it simply dresses for success.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda3 models for sale near you.
Similarities
They’re both small, fuel-efficient, and well-priced to start. The Mazda3 and the Kia K4 feature nicely laid out and appointed cabin spaces and great standard features.
Conclusion
This choice boils down to two things: money and power. While there are some minor differences between these remarkably capable compact sedans, you can get the top-of-the-line Kia K4, powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 190 hp, for about the same price as a mid-grade Mazda3. While Mazda delivers a far sportier 250-hp Mazda3, you’re well into the $30k range to get one of those.
Power and money.
New 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia K4 vehicles and New 2025 MAZDA MAZDA3 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Kia K4 | 2025 Mazda3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder FWD/AWD |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 191 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 30 city/40 highway/34 combined mpg | 27 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder; 7-speed automatic; 6-speed manual transmission | 250-hp turbocharged engine, AWD, 6-speed manual transmission (hatchback) |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 107.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.4 inches | 183.5 inches |
| Width | 72.8 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Height | 55.9 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.2 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.0 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 367.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 35.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.5 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.7 inches | 53.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.6 cubic feet | 13.2 cubic feet |