2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2021 Kia K5

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has an amazing manual transmission, standardized smartphone support and some of the best handling that we've seen in years. But can it compete with the 2021 Kia K5, a moderately sized vehicle with a sporty appearance, all-wheel drive and a GT variant?

Design & Style

The Kia K5 has a menacing presentation, with a design that is both stylish and dramatic. The lights extend around its sides with a honey comb grille, and the creases within the hood are more hawkish and underscored than previous generations. The sides are sculpted with a prominent bend near the bottom, and within the cabin passengers will be presented with a horizontal theme that has lots of black glossy plastic with eight inch touchscreens and metallic trim.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is sleek, aerodynamic and curvy. Buyers can purchase it in the form of a convertible, and each version has an extended nose with a minimalist style interior. The outer frame is engineered in such a way where air will flow along the undulating curves in back, where the circular headlights can be seen. It comes with sixteen inch alloy aluminum wheels, with the option to upgrade to seventeen inches.

Technology & Safety

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a number of safety countermeasures, such as blind area monitoring, automatic emergency brakes, headlights which are adaptive and high beams which are automated with lane departure notifications. Luxuries within the cabin include seven inch displays, the option of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, driver headrest speakers, keyless entry and telescoping steering.

The Kia K5 has done well on its safety tests, earning a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It has all of the safety features found in the Miata, including a camera with surround view and heads up display. Luxuries within its cabin include dual USB ports, eight inch displays, Bluetooth support and the choice of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance

The Kia K5 is outfitted with a turbo 4, 1.6 liter engine that can generate 180 horsepower that is wedded to an automatic eight speed transmission. Front wheel drive comes standard in most variants. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with an inline 4 engine that is 2 liter and capable of generating 181 horsepower, which enables it to cruise from zero to sixty in six seconds.

The Bottom Line

Both these cars are nearly tied in safety and performance. However, many have complained about the Kia K5's interior, which is too busy for their taste, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata is comparably priced and more stylish overall, making it the winner.

Ready to Schedule a 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 MX-5 Miata test drive now!