Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or you’ve been through the process before, it’s smart to compare vehicle makes and models. This helps you determine which one has the best entertainment, space, fuel efficiency, and vehicle safety features to meet your needs. If you’re shopping for a reliable sedan or SUV, start the car-buying process by comparing Mazda vs. Kia vs. Hyundai.
When comparing these three brands, it’s easy to answer, “Is Mazda better than Hyundai and Kia?”.
According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study℠, Mazda ranks higher on the 2024 list of Most Reliable Car Brands than both Kia and Hyundai.
Unlike other vehicle manufacturers that use computer-aided design to develop their cars, Mazda begins each design with clay. This allows Mazda artisans to create 3D models with a higher level of accuracy that can’t be achieved on a computer.
Mazda’s lineup includes SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and sports cars, providing something for every driver.
The current Mazda lineup includes:
While Hyundai and Kia may have more extensive lineups, it isn’t necessarily a benefit. More options could actually make it harder to choose! With Mazda’s lineup, you can easily compare the differences between models and trim packages. This ensures you’re getting the right vehicles for your needs and budget, whether you’re shopping for a family SUV, reliable sedan, or sporty coupe.
Explore some of the most popular Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda SUVs and sedans to see how they compare.
When it comes to two-row SUVs, many aspects of the Mazda CX-50 outperform the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. They all offer seating for up to five, and the pricing for all three is very similar. The CX-50 might come in at a slightly higher price tag but you’re getting more for your money, making the price worth it.
The Mazda comes with standard keyless ignition and remote start, but you’ll have to pay extra for that feature with the other two. The drivetrain of the CX-50 is standard all-wheel drive (AWD), while the other two only have standard front-wheel drive (FWD). The Mazda SUV also has a bigger fuel capacity, allowing you to drive longer before needing to fill up.
Inside, passengers ride in luxurious comfort on leatherette seats in the CX-50 and enjoy the MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system with a 10.25-inch full-color display. The Tucson and Sportage have standard cloth seats and only an 8-inch display.
For those who need more room, a three-row SUV makes more sense. The Mazda CX-90, Hyundai Palisade, and the Kia Telluride all offer seating for up to eight passengers. Like the two-row SUVs, these vehicles all come with similar price tags. While the Mazda is priced slightly higher, you’re getting more for your money here as well.
The CX-90 comes standard with an inline 6 engine and AWD, while the Palisade and Telluride have V6 engines and FWD standard. You’ll get better EPA-estimated MPG with the Mazda SUV at 24/city and 28/highway compared to the Palisade with 19/city MPG and 26/highway MPG and the Telluride with 20/city MPG and 26/highway MPG. You can also drive further in the CX-90, so you won’t have to stop for gas as often.
For convenience, the CX-90 is equipped with rain-sensing wipers and a remote trunk release, making it easy to pack and unload the cargo area.
Shopping for a four-door sedan? Like the SUVs, the Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Forte are similarly priced. They each provide seating for up to five passengers. While the Mazda sedan has a slightly higher MSRP price, you’ll find you get more standard features.
The Mazda3 features standard keyless ignition, which is only available on higher trims of the Elantra and Forte. It also has a standard remote start. All three come with standard FWD, but the Mazda has a 2.5-liter engine while the other sedans have 2.0-liter engines.
Adaptive cruise control is only available as standard with the Mazda sedan. The Mazda3 is also equipped with a standard WiFi hotspot, which you won’t find in the Elantra or Forte.
When you compare these Mazda SUVs and sedans, it’s clear that while Mazda often comes with a slightly higher price tag, it’s worth it. You get more for your money in terms of fuel efficiency and driving range, which is ideal for commuters and families who drive frequently. Mazda delivers on convenience and interior quality with better audio and infotainment and more luxe finishes for a more enjoyable ride.
All new Mazda SUVs and cars come with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 3-year/36,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance program.
The innovative SKYACTIV® technology from Mazda gives you the most from your drive without compromising on performance. Every part of a Mazda vehicle is designed to maximize efficiency and dynamics, delivering excellent EPA-estimated MPG ratings.
Mazda offers I-ACTIVSENSE® vehicle safety features and driver-assist technology to keep you and your passengers safe while you’re focused on the road. These systems work to alert you to possible hazards and collisions and reduce the severity if they’re unavoidable.
Mazda takes safety very seriously, and it shows. The Mazda 2024 CX-90, CX-90 PHEV, CX-30, Mazda3 sedan, and Mazda3 hatchback earned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ ratings, and the 2024 Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-5 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings.
Mazda also occasionally offers Mazda Conquest bonus cash, an incentive for owners of specific automotive brands. This could provide additional savings if your current vehicle make and model are eligible for the incentive.
Shopping for a new or used Mazda SUV or car or a Mazda certified pre-owned vehicle near Chester, Petersburg, or Charlottesville? Look no further than Whitten Brothers Automotive. Whitten Mazda in Richmond, VA is your go-to local Mazda dealership. We offer a wide range of new and used Mazda vehicles, and we’re here to help you find the right car or SUV to fit your budget and your needs.