2023 Kia Forte vs 2022 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 continued to offer both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, with a variety of engine and powertrain configurations. Canadian buyers had the option of three trim levels for both body styles, with choices between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Notably, a six-speed manual transmission was available for those who preferred a more hands-on driving experience. The price range for the lineup spanned from $21,400 to $31,000, excluding engine upgrades and a $1,750 destination charge. The top-of-the-line hatchback with a turbo engine and Polymetal Gray Metallic paint was priced at $38,981 in Canada, including the destination charge.

The Mazda3's design was not universally appealing, with its deeply sculpted flanks and hatchback shape drawing mixed reactions. However, it possessed a certain artistry that some found easy to appreciate. The Turbo model emphasized stealth, lacking flashy spoilers or body kits, and presented a mature, serious appearance. Inside, the refined materials and sophisticated design created an upscale atmosphere. The Mazda3 was seen as a smart choice for those seeking value over perceived luxury cachet.

The 2023 Kia Forte retained some of the carmaker's older design cues while incorporating newer styling elements. The double-tab grille and converging angled cutouts were notable features, with LED headlights and taillights standard from the EX+ trim. The GT trims added excitement with LED fog lights and bold red accents. The Forte's design was more typical of the class, but its overall shape was graceful. Wheel options ranged from 15-inch steel wheels on the LX trim to 18-inch sport alloy wheels on the GT Limited.

Inside, the Forte maintained an older layout with a touchscreen atop the dash and traditional climate controls. While not as high-tech as some newer models, it was user-friendly. The interior materials were notably nicer than many rivals, with soft-touch surfaces and sturdy construction. Cloth seats were standard, with synthetic leather on the GT models. The rear seats had more hard plastic surfaces but offered decent comfort. Despite its age, the Forte remained competitive against newer sedans.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 offered a range of engine options. The base GX sedan featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel economy over speed. It achieved 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Most buyers opted for the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with fuel consumption between 7.8 and 8.6 L/100 km. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, paired with AWD, delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, with consumption of 8.8 L/100 km for the sedan and 8.9 L/100 km for the hatchback.

The Mazda3 Turbo was praised for its driving dynamics, offering a smooth ride, nimble handling, and excellent balance. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during aggressive driving. Despite this, the car was considered a brilliant driving machine with exceptional quality and style.

The 2023 Kia Forte provided two engine choices. The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The GT Limited trim featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 201 hp and 132 lb-ft, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base engine accelerated to 100 km/h in about 8.8 seconds, while the GT Limited achieved it in 6.5 seconds.

The Forte's handling was sportier than expected, with precise steering and a comfortable ride. The GT Limited's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the ride quality remained pleasant. The dual-clutch transmission in the GT Limited provided better power delivery, though it could be jumpy at lower speeds.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the front seats offered a snug and comfortable fit. The driver-focused interior featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats as standard in Canada. The back seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom for taller passengers and no rear air conditioning vents or USB ports. Cargo space in the hatchback was 569 litres, expandable to 1,334 litres with the rear seats folded. The sedan offered 374 litres of trunk space.

The 2023 Kia Forte's front seats provided ample space for taller passengers, with basic adjustments. The dashboard layout placed controls within easy reach, and heated front seats and keyless entry were standard. The rear seats offered decent comfort and space, with higher trims adding air conditioning vents and a USB charge port. The trunk held 433 litres of cargo, with remote seatback releases for added convenience.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, and a collection of controls on the centre console. Mazda's approach avoided touchscreens, but the lack of a physical tuning function and voice recognition issues were drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate these issues. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2023 Kia Forte offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display and navigation on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available from the EX grade. The infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, with logical menu organization. A premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the GT Limited.

The 2022 Mazda MAZDA3 excelled in safety, with faultless crash-test ratings. In Canada, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while other features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The car received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Forte received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with some base forward collision avoidance features not meeting performance criteria. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most evaluations, except for "Poor" in updated tests. In Canada, most safety features were not standard, with options like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.