2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Kia K5

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 was a blend of drama and sophistication, with a touch of daring refinement. The sedan version, which was tested, offered a more conservative look compared to the aggressive stance of the hatchback variant. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan, with its Premium Package and Machine Gray Metallic paint, was priced at $36,881 Canadian, showcasing a high-contrast two-tone interior with white leather that elevated its premium appeal. Despite some use of hard plastics, the interior design was driver-centric, with a focus on quality and attention to detail.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia K5 was available in various trims, each equipped with a turbocharged engine. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, reminiscent of a sports sedan rather than a family car. The test vehicle, a U.S.-specification K5 EX, featured a Glacial White Pearl exterior with an Ash Blue synthetic leather interior, complemented by matte-finish wood trim and metallic accents. The K5's cabin exuded quality, with solid controls and a refined feel. Despite some road noise and suspension issues, the K5 offered a comfortable and upscale driving experience, with a focus on practicality and style.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo was a standout in terms of performance, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. When using 93-octane fuel, it delivered 250 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 320 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. With 87-octane gas, the figures were slightly lower at 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sport and Manual modes, and an advanced i-Activ AWD system. The turbocharged powertrain added minimal weight but significantly boosted performance, offering a smooth and predictable driving experience. The Mazda3 Turbo's dynamic tuning and G-Vectoring Control Plus software enhanced its cornering capabilities, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda3 Turbo maintained a balance of comfort and performance, with an average fuel consumption of 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT, with its turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, produced 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. However, it was the most expensive and least efficient K5 variant, lacking AWD. The standard 1.6-litre turbo engine, delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, provided a more economical option with linear power delivery. The K5's Drive Mode Select allowed for customization of the powertrain, enhancing its versatility. During testing, the K5 achieved a fuel consumption of 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, close to the estimated 8.2 L/100 km. While the K5's handling was decent, it lacked the agility of some competitors, and the suspension struggled with road imperfections. Despite these drawbacks, the K5 offered a comfortable and capable driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior was lined with leather and featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, exuding a luxury feel. However, it lacked some premium features, such as a power-adjustable front passenger seat and rear-seat amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cabin was driver-focused, with adequate storage space and a competitive trunk capacity of 374 litres. The hatchback variant offered more utility, with 569 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,334 litres with them folded.

In comparison, the 2022 Kia K5 provided a comfortable interior with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury, while the SynTex synthetic leather offered a convincing alternative to real leather. The K5's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for rear passengers. Storage solutions were generous, with a 434-litre trunk and expandable cargo space thanks to the 60/40-split folding back seat. The K5's controls were logically arranged, blending style with functionality.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. However, the lack of a touchscreen and poor voice-recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The system was paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering good sound quality, especially with FLAC files. The Premium Package included an Active Driving Display, providing useful information to the driver.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems, with the LX and EX trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim and above had a larger 10.25-inch display, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The K5's system included satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services. A wireless smartphone charger was standard on most trims, and the GT trim featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Despite the vibrant graphics, the K5's voice recognition was lacking, making smartphone integration essential.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 emphasized driver engagement with its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The adaptive cruise control offered stop-and-go capability, and the GT trim included an Adaptive Front Lighting System. 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 K5 compensated for its voice recognition shortcomings with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems. Standard features included forward-collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The K5 also offered advanced features like Safe Exit Assist and Highway Driving Assist. The K5 achieved top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, highlighting its commitment to safety.