Kia K4 vs Mazda Mazda3
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.
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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.
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 that you will not find on the Mazda Mazda3. The Mazda Mazda3 counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Mazda3 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 0.1s quicker. 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, 250mm longer 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 508L in the Kia K4 and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Kia K4 a 213L 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 $1,710/year for the Kia K4 and $1,682/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Kia K4) vs $1,682 (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $28 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 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
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $28 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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia K4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia K4 has the largest boot at 508L.
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. The Mazda Mazda3 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.7s.
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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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