Kia K4 vs Mazda 6
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Kia K4
From $32,090
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
508L
Mazda 6
From $29,740
Sedan
Petrol
2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT
125kW
8.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
519L
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Price Breakdown
The Kia K4 starts from $32,090 before on-road costs, while the Mazda 6 opens at $29,740. That makes the Mazda 6 the more affordable entry point by $2,350.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $35,299 and $32,714 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia K4 by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia K4 and Mazda 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia K4 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Mazda 6.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia K4 and 6 in the Mazda 6.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia K4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda 6. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia K4 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Mazda 6 responds with a 2.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT making 125kW and 226Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual / 5-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Mazda 6 has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia K4 measures 4,710mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 25mm shorter than the Mazda 6 at 4,735mm (2,725mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 508L in the Kia K4 and 519L in the Mazda 6, giving the Mazda 6 a 11L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda 6 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 11.0m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Kia K4 and $2,394/year for the Mazda 6. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Kia K4.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Kia K4) vs $2,394 (Mazda 6). The Kia K4 saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4) vs 3 years (Mazda 6). The Kia K4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia K4 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda 6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda 6 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia K4 will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. The Kia K4 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia K4 and Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 is the cheapest at $29,740 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia K4 by $2,350.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia K4 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia K4 and Mazda 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda 6 has the largest boot at 519L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda 6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia K4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda 6 makes the most power at 125kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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