Kia Rio vs Mazda Mazda2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs 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 Rio
Price TBC
Hatch
Petrol
—
79kW
5.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Mazda Mazda2
From $20,495
Hatch
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT
76kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
250L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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.
Drivetrain
The Kia Rio lines up producing 79kW and 135Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Mazda Mazda2 responds with a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT making 76kW and 135Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Kia Rio has the clear power advantage at 79kW vs 76kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Rio measures 4,045mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 145mm longer than the Mazda Mazda2 at 3,900mm (2,490mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Rio generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Kia Rio leads with a 1,050kg braked capacity vs 700kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.5m
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m 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 $1,625/year for the Kia Rio and $1,824/year for the Mazda Mazda2. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Kia Rio.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Kia Rio) vs $1,824 (Mazda Mazda2). The Kia Rio saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Kia Rio) vs 3 years (Mazda Mazda2). The Kia Rio has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Rio if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Rio takes 4 of 4 key spec categories. The Kia Rio will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. The Kia Rio adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Rio and Mazda Mazda2?
The Mazda Mazda2 is the cheapest at $20,495 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Rio uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda Mazda2 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Rio has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,050kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Rio has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Rio makes the most power at 79kW.
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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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