2021 Mazda 3 vs. 2021 Kia Rio

There are a lot of things to expect from the 2021 Mazda 3. This compact car now has the standard four-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine with an available 2.5-liter turbo-four variation. This ride guarantees sharp handling plus an upscale cabin to match its handsome exterior. The vehicle also has a reliable list of technologies.

For the Kia Rio 2021 edition, expect a user-friendly system inside. This comfortable ride offers nimble handling too. There are plenty of new standard features to watch out for.

Design & Style

Getting your eyes on the Mazda 3 will make you feel like you now have a new car to bring home with you. The vehicle seats up to five passengers in both its sedan and hatchback versions. The driver and his co-pilot will find comfortable seats in front, while three kids or small adults will have enough room at the back. Every material in this ride was carefully chosen, soft to the touch and of premium quality.

The 2021 Kia Rio, on the other hand, has just about enough space to carry cargo at the back. Both its sedan and hatchback versions seat five, just like the Mazda 3 does. There is plenty of legroom and headroom in front, while the back is best left for kids. While the cabin has been well-constructed, there are plenty of hard plastics in that area which destroy its overall appearance.

Technology & Safety

The Mazda 3 is gifted with a straightforward infotainment system that is paired with an 8.8-inch display. This one is praised for featuring crisp graphics and having a simple menu layout. You will also find a reliable rotary knob near that of its gear selector. There are other features to try like the eight speakers, voice command, Bluetooth, HD radio, and two USB ports. Safety amenities that you will find in the ride includes the rearview camera, rain sensing windshield wipers, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

In the case of the 2021 Rio, it has an eight-inch touch screen for its infotainment system. This is just within reach and is backed by physical and touch controls that are quick to respond to inputs. It integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has six speakers, a USB port, and Bluetooth. The only safety feature standard to the vehicle is the rearview camera.

Performance

The 2021 Mazda 3 catches up 155 horsepower for its reliable four-cylinder base engine. The other engine with a 2.5 four-cylinder can power 185 horses. You will find an available 2.5-liter, turbo-four with options to generate either 227 or 250 horsepower. For the 2021 Rio, there is only one powertrain, the four-cylinder engine, that can only reach up to 120 horsepower of output.

The Bottom Line

The 2021 Mazda 3 knows how to prove its worth as a compact ride. This vehicle looks good, and has all the amenities you want. It has powerful engine options too. The 2021 Kia Rio needs some catching up to do.

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!