Kia K4 vs Mazda Mazda3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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.
Data checked: specs 19 Oct 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$32,090RRP
- no option data for this car
$26,490RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia K4 starts from $32,090 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $5,600.
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 $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Kia K4
- REC-006571 · published 20 Mar 2026K4 Hatch: rear centre seat belt may not latch properlyYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
Mazda Mazda3
- REC-005733 · published 1 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear-view camera wiring harness may become damaged and could cause the rear-view image to become distorted or flicker.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- REC-000896 · published 9 Jan 2020The Smart Brake Support (SBS) system may falsely detect an object in front of the vehicle, which may initiate the automatic brake function.Year range on the notice: 2019
- 10 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia K4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda Mazda3 counters with Apple CarPlay and head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia K4 gets cloth upholstery while the Mazda Mazda3 offers black cloth.
Drivetrain
The Kia K4 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol with i-stop and cylinder deactivation making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia K4 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 20mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,725mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Kia K4 and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Kia K4 a 143L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda Mazda3 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.7m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,739/year for the Kia K4 and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The Kia K4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia K4 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia K4: Level on the CarSorted Score at 73, ahead on the category wins, but the Mazda Mazda3 is $5,600 cheaper
The Kia K4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 73), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Mazda Mazda3 ahead by 6), practicality (Kia K4 ahead by 4), reliability (Kia K4 ahead by 4). The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia K4 has a clear edge. 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 Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia K4 by $5,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Kia K4 and Mazda Mazda3 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia K4 has the largest boot at 438L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia K4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda Mazda3 makes the most power at 114kW.
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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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