Kia K4 vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Overseas model shownKia K4
From $32,090
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
438L
Mazda MX-5
From $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia K4 starts from $32,090 before on-road costs, while the Mazda MX-5 opens at $31,990. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $100.
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 $35,189 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia K4 and Mazda MX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia K4, against 0 on the Mazda MX-5.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia K4 and 4 in the Mazda MX-5.
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 MX-5. 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 cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) making 96kW and 150Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels.
The Kia K4 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 96kW. 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, 525mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia K4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 438L in the Kia K4 and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Kia K4 a 308L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m 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 9.4m 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 $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Kia K4) vs $1,739 (Mazda MX-5). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4) vs 3 years (Mazda MX-5). The Kia K4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia K4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia K4 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. 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 MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia K4 by $100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia K4 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia K4 and Mazda MX-5 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 438L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia K4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia K4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia K4 makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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