2025 Mazda3 vs 2025 Kia K4 in Allentown, PA

2025 Mazda Mazda3

2025 Mazda3 vs the 2025 Kia K4

The 2025 Mazda3 continues to lead the compact car class with its upscale interior, refined performance, and outstanding safety ratings. It offers the kind of driving dynamics and cabin quality that feel a class above the rest – making it a smart choice for drivers who want both style and substance.

While the all-new 2025 Kia K4 makes a respectable entry with generous rear-seat space and modern tech, it still falls short of the Mazda3’s premium feel and spirited handling.

At Scott Mazda in Allentown, PA, we invite you to explore how the Mazda3 outpaces the competition in the features that matter most. Here's a closer look at how these two sedans compare.

Interior Comparison

The five-seater Mazda3 stands out with a more premium interior than most compact cars, featuring high-quality materials, refined design elements, and supportive front seating that enhances daily driving comfort. While its trunk offers 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space – more than enough for everyday needs – the real advantage lies in its upscale cabin feel, which rivals more expensive vehicles.

The 2025 Kia K4 also seats five and offers ample front-seat space, but its interior materials appear more basic and utilitarian. Even with a slightly larger trunk at 14.6 cubic feet, the K4 doesn’t match the Mazda3's elevated fit and finish or the sophisticated atmosphere Mazda delivers across all trims.

2025 Mazda3

2025 Kia K4

Rows: 2

Max Seating: 5

Max Cargo Capacity: 13.2 Cubic Feet

Upholstery Options: Fabric (standard), Genuine Leather (optional)

Rows: 2

Max Seating: 5

Max Cargo Capacity: 14.6 cubic feet

Upholstery Options: Cloth (standard), Synthetic Leather (optional)

Power and Performance

Driving the 2025 Mazda3 is a true standout experience in the compact segment. Its responsive steering, composed suspension, and confident road manners make it feel more like a premium sports sedan than a typical commuter car. Whether you're navigating tight corners or cruising on the highway, the Mazda3 delivers a refined balance of agility and comfort – providing driver engagement that few rivals can match.

In contrast, the 2025 Kia K4 offers a smooth and stable ride with competent handling, but its light steering and limited road feedback make the driving experience feel more detached. While it handles daily driving duties just fine, it lacks the dynamic edge and connection to the road that define the Mazda3.

2025 Mazda3

2025 Kia K4

Base Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder

Horsepower: 192

Torque: 186 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic (standard), 6-Speed Manual (optional)

Base Engine: 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder

Horsepower: 147

Torque: 132 Lb-Ft

Transmission: CVT

Available Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder

Horsepower: 227

Torque: 310 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic (standard), 6-Speed Manual (optional)

Available Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-Liter 4-cylinder

Horsepower: 190

Torque: 195 lb-ft

Transmission: 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

Technology and Entertainment

The 2025 Mazda3 offers a thoughtfully designed infotainment system that prioritizes driver focus and safety. Most trims feature a console-mounted dial that allows you to navigate menus without taking your eyes off the road – a setup that feels intuitive once you're behind the wheel. In models with the larger display, touchscreen functionality is enabled for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, giving you the best of both worlds. The system is quick to respond, and its vibrant, high-resolution graphics reflect Mazda’s attention to detail and quality.

While the 2025 Kia K4 features a more conventional touchscreen layout with sharp graphics and physical buttons, its reliance on touch inputs may lead to more distractions—especially while driving. The Mazda3’s infotainment system, by contrast, is designed to enhance control without compromising safety or sophistication.

2025 Mazda3 Top 5 Technology Features

2025 Kia K4 Top 5 Technology Features

  • 8.8-inch Touchscreen, 10.25-inch Display
  • 6-Speaker Stereo System (2.5S), 8-Speaker Sound System (2.5S Select Sport, 2.5S Preferred Package, 2.5S Carbon Edition), 12-Speaker Bose Sound System (2.5S Premium Package, 2.5 Carbon Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus)
  • Apple CarPlay® And Android Auto™
  • Amazon Alexa Built-In
  • 2 USB-C Ports
  • 12.3-inch Touchscreen
  • 4-Speaker Stereo (LX trim), 6-Speaker Stereo (LXS), 8-Speaker Harman Kardon Stereo (EX, GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo trims)
  • Apple CarPlay® And Android Auto™
  • 4 USB Ports
  • Satellite Radio

Safety Features

The 2025 Mazda3 offers a robust suite of standard safety and driver-assistance features that help protect you on the road. Key technologies like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert provide confidence and peace of mind in daily driving. These features are well-integrated and contribute to the Mazda3’s reputation for smart, proactive safety.

The 2025 Kia K4 also includes several driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, but many of its more advanced systems are limited to higher trims. While it offers solid safety equipment overall, the Mazda3 stands out for making advanced safety features standard across more of its lineup.

2025 Mazda3 Safety Features

2025 Kia K4 Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights
  • Blind-Spot Monitoring
  • Driver-Attention Monitoring
  • Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection
  • Lane-Departure Warning
  • Lane-Keep Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Automatic High-Beam Headlights
  • Driver-Attention Monitoring
  • Forward Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Intersection Assist
  • Lane-Centering Assist
  • Lane-Keep Assist
  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
  • Rear-Seat Alert
  • Rearview Camera
  • Stop-and-Go Adaptive Cruise Control

Scott Mazda’s Bottom Line

What we can conclude from this 2025 Mazda3 vs 2025 Kia K4 comparison is that these two vehicles cater to different buyers. The Mazda3 is ideal for drivers who want a sporty compact car with a touch of luxury. Meanwhile, the Kia K4 is perfect for those who prioritize space, user-friendly technology, and everyday comfort.

Ultimately, the Mazda3 stands out for its style and performance. Take it for a test drive today at Scott Mazda in Allentown, PA.

*Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Mazda is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.