2025 Mazda3 Hatchback vs 2025 Kia Forte

Pricing, MSRP

The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback starts at approximately $25,135, offering a range of trims up to the Turbo Premium Plus at $37,185. In contrast, the 2025 Kia Forte begins at a lower price point of $21,145, with its top-tier GT model priced around $25,000. While the Forte provides a more budget-friendly entry, the Mazda3 offers a broader spectrum of trims catering to various preferences and budgets.

Trim Levels

Mazda's lineup for the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback includes trims such as the 2.5 S, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Carbon Turbo, and Turbo Premium Plus. This variety allows buyers to select a model that aligns with their desired balance of performance and luxury. The Kia Forte offers trims including FE, LXS, GT-Line, and the high-performance GT model, providing options for those seeking efficiency or sportiness.

Engine and Transmission

The Mazda3 Hatchback is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower, with an available turbocharged variant delivering up to 250 horsepower. Transmission options include a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual on select trims. The Forte offers a standard 2.0-liter engine with 147 horsepower, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in the GT model producing 201 horsepower. Transmission choices range from a CVT to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, depending on the trim.

Performance

The Mazda3 Hatchback is renowned for its engaging driving dynamics, offering responsive steering and a composed ride. The turbocharged variants provide brisk acceleration, enhancing the driving experience. The Forte's GT model caters to performance enthusiasts, delivering impressive power and handling characteristics. However, the base Forte trims prioritize comfort and efficiency over sporty performance.

Fuel Economy

The Mazda3 Hatchback achieves up to 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with its base engine. The turbocharged variants see slightly lower figures. The Kia Forte excels in fuel efficiency, with the base model achieving up to 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. The Forte's GT model offers slightly lower efficiency due to its performance-oriented setup.

Towing

Neither the 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback nor the 2025 Kia Forte is rated for towing. Both vehicles are designed primarily for daily commuting and urban driving, focusing on fuel efficiency and comfort rather than towing capabilities.

Interior Design

The Mazda3 Hatchback boasts a premium interior with high-quality materials, a minimalist design, and attention to detail, providing an upscale feel uncommon in the compact segment. The Kia Forte features a modern and spacious interior with user-friendly controls and a focus on comfort, offering a more utilitarian approach compared to the Mazda3's refined ambiance.

Cargo Space

The Mazda3 Hatchback offers 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 47.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Kia Forte, being a sedan, provides 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. While the Forte offers ample room for a sedan, the Mazda3 Hatchback's configuration allows for greater versatility in cargo storage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Mazda3 Hatchback comes standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display, with higher trims featuring a 10.25-inch screen. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, with wireless connectivity available on select trims. The Forte features an 8-inch touchscreen in base models, with a 10.25-inch display available in higher trims, also supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless connectivity may vary by trim.

Technology

Both vehicles offer a suite of technological features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. The Mazda3 includes options such as a head-up display, adaptive headlights, and a premium Bose audio system. The Forte offers features like a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and Kia's UVO connected services, providing convenience and connectivity for modern drivers.

Safety

The Mazda3 Hatchback is equipped with Mazda's i-Activsense suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Kia Forte features Kia Drive Wise, offering similar safety technologies such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Both vehicles prioritize safety, providing comprehensive systems to protect occupants.

NHTSA/IIHS Ratings

The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback has received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is anticipated to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2025 Kia Forte has also earned a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and is expected to continue its strong performance in IIHS evaluations, reflecting both vehicles' commitment to safety.

Warranty

Mazda offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the Mazda3 Hatchback. Kia provides a more extensive warranty for the Forte, with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, offering added peace of mind for long-term ownership.