2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, was celebrated for its captivating design, earning accolades such as the World Car Design of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2020. Its exterior exuded a blend of drama and sophistication, with the sedan offering a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan, which was tested, featured a premium interior with white leather, enhancing its luxury appeal. Despite some use of hard plastics, the cabin was designed with the driver in mind, offering a high-contrast two-tone interior and a clear set of gauges.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels, with the GT Limited providing the most engaging driving experience. The Forte GT Limited, tested in Steel Grey, came with a price tag of $32,084, including destination charges. The 2022 model introduced a refreshed exterior with new grille, headlights, and bumpers, and the GT Limited featured sporty red-accent detailing and larger 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Forte maintained a sporty look with analog gauges and a thick-rimmed steering wheel, though it lacked the refinement of the Mazda3's interior.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 horsepower with 87-octane. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD, the Mazda3 Turbo offered a transformative driving experience, with smooth and predictable engine response. The car's Sport mode enhanced transmission shifts and cornering capabilities, while the stiffer suspension and improved steering feel contributed to its sporty character. Despite its performance prowess, the Mazda3 Turbo's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and sport-tuned suspension, the Forte GT Limited offered a spirited driving experience. However, it lacked the precision and refinement of the Mazda3 Turbo, with less responsive steering and brakes that struggled during demanding driving. The Forte GT Limited's fuel economy also fell short, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing, though it proved to be a capable and comfortable daily driver.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, though it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver-focused cabin offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, but the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. Trunk space was competitive at 374 litres, with the hatchback offering more utility with 569 litres behind the rear seats.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited boasted a well-equipped interior with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Forte's rear seat offered ample headroom and legroom, with a large bottom seat cushion for support. The trunk was spacious at 433 litres, the largest in its segment, and the rear seats folded down to expand cargo capacity.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition technology detracted from the user experience. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality. The Premium Package included a head-up display, providing useful information to the driver.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology features, including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting. The GT Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent. The GT Limited also included an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, providing a rich audio experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support the driver. The Premium Package added features like a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 excelled in safety ratings, earning top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were lower due to concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.