2021 Mazda 3 vs. 2021 Kia Niro

The 2021 Kia Niro is an affordable hatchback with excellent fuel economy, lots of space and great value. But is this enough to beat the 2021 Mazda 3, a stylish sedan which has become popular for its upmarket cabin, all-wheel drive and enjoyable handling?

Design & Style

The Mazda 3 presents a clean and intelligent design with a shield style grille in front. The headlights are narrow yet highly effective and enhance the front, while the side profile has contours which are soft and gentle. The roofline is long while the cabin features a lowered beltline with hues that are dark and light. There are a number of soft touch surfaces which will bring extra comfort to passengers.

At first glance, the Kia Niro resembles a crossover SUV, but is actually a car with prominent fender flares and roof rails. Although it isn't a hybrid, it's designed in such a way where it is highly fuel efficient. Passengers in the cabin will be presented with eight inch displays, expressively colored upholstery and controls which are simple to access and use.

Technology & Safety

The Kia Niro did a great job in its IIHS crash exams, receiving a good rating. However, because emergency automatic brakes don't come standard, it did not win the coveted Top Safety Pick award. It is equipped with things like lane control that is active, blind area monitoring and impact avoidance systems, and comforts in its cabin include a sunroof, leather seats, instrument cluster, and support for Android and iPhone with digital displays.

The NHTSA gave the Mazda 3 a perfect five star rating, while the IIHS gave it the Top Safety Pick award. It has done well on every crash test sent its way and is outfitted with an array of protective countermeasures, including pedestrian detection, automated high beams, cross traffic notifications, the ability to recognize traffic sign and emergency automatic brakes. Perks within its cabin include power windows and door locks, an audio system with eight speakers, keyless ignition and a steering wheel wrapped in leather.

Performance

The Mazda 3 comes with an inline 4, 2 liter engine that can generate 155 horsepower. The Kia Niro is also outfitted with an inline 4 that is 1.6 liter that is connected to its 1.6 kwh battery which can generate 139 horsepower.

The Bottom Line

The Mazda 3 has several significant advantages over the Kia Niro, including superior performance, better safety credentials, and a more attractive appearance overall. Additionally, the Kia Niro lacks both all-wheel drive and standardized emergency automated brakes, which makes the Mazda 3 the winner.

Ready to Schedule a 2021 Mazda 3 Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2021 Mazda 3 test drive now!