Mazda CX-3 vs Kia Sportage: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Mazda CX-3 vs Kia Sportage – When it comes to choosing the perfect compact SUV, there are numerous options available in the market. Two of the most sought-after choices are the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage.

These vehicles have captured the attention of consumers with their impressive features and performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we will dive into the key aspects of both models to help you make an informed decision.

What is the Difference Between Mazda CX-3 and Kia Sportage?

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage are two distinct compact SUVs that cater to different market segments and preferences. Let’s explore the key differences between the Mazda CX-3 vs Kia Sportage.

Pricing

When it comes to buying a new car, one of the first things that come to mind is the price. The cost of a vehicle can significantly influence the decision-making process.

In this pricing comparison, we will explore the starting prices of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage, two popular compact SUVs known for their value and performance.

– 2021 Mazda CX-3 Price:

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 offers an enticing starting price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

The base model of the Mazda CX-3 begins at $21,965, which includes the standard features and amenities that Mazda is renowned for.

Despite its affordable price, the Mazda CX-3 doesn’t compromise on style, safety, or technology. With its sleek design and a host of advanced features, it stands as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Price:

The 2023 Kia Sportage, being a slightly newer model, comes with a slightly higher starting price compared to the Mazda CX-3.

The base model of the 2023 Kia Sportage starts at $26,290. While the starting price is higher than the Mazda CX-3, it’s essential to consider the added features and advancements that come with the newer model year.

The 2023 Kia Sportage is renowned for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and impressive list of standard safety features.

– Factors to Consider:

• Budget: If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 may be the better choice. Its lower starting price allows you to get a well-equipped compact SUV without breaking the bank.

• Newer Features: On the other hand, if having the latest features and technology is a priority for you, the 2023 Kia Sportage might be worth the additional investment. Kia often introduces new enhancements and updates with each new model year.

• Personal Preferences: Your specific preferences and needs should also play a significant role in your decision-making process. Consider factors such as interior space, fuel efficiency, performance, and overall styling to determine which vehicle aligns better with your lifestyle.

• Test Drive: Regardless of the starting price, it’s essential to test drive both the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage to get a firsthand experience of their handling, comfort, and overall driving dynamics. A test drive will help you gauge which vehicle resonates more with you.

Read also: Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Seltos

Fuel Economy

When shopping for a compact SUV, fuel efficiency is a significant factor for many buyers. Let’s take a closer look at the fuel economy ratings of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage to see how they stack up against each other.

– 2021 Mazda CX-3 Fuel Economy:

If fuel efficiency is at the top of your priority list, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is an excellent choice. The front-wheel-drive model of the CX-3 boasts impressive EPA estimates of 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, placing it near the top of its segment.

For those opting for all-wheel drive, the fuel economy ratings are slightly lower but still competitive, with estimates of 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

During our tests, an all-wheel-drive Mazda CX-3 achieved 30 mpg, which is in line with the performance of most of its rivals.

While it didn’t meet its EPA highway rating, it still delivered commendable fuel efficiency for daily driving, making it a smart option for those seeking to save on fuel costs without sacrificing performance.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy:

The 2023 Kia Sportage offers decent fuel efficiency but falls slightly behind the Mazda CX-3 in this aspect.

When equipped with front-wheel drive, the Sportage achieves EPA ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

For those opting for all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops further, with ratings of 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

While we have yet to conduct our 75-mph fuel economy test for the Sportage, it’s worth noting that its ratings are still competitive within its class. However, it falls slightly short compared to the Mazda CX-3’s excellent fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, when it comes to fuel economy, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 emerges as the winner in this comparison.

With its impressive EPA estimates and real-world performance, the CX-3 offers exceptional fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers or those who simply want to minimize their fuel expenses.

On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Sportage’s fuel economy is respectable, but it doesn’t quite match the efficiency levels of the Mazda CX-3.

Despite this, the Sportage still provides competitive fuel efficiency and other appealing features, making it a solid option for buyers who prioritize a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and a well-rounded driving experience.

Ultimately, the choice between these two compact SUVs will depend on your individual preferences and priorities.

If fuel economy is a crucial factor, the Mazda CX-3 offers an edge in this regard. However, both models have their own strengths and qualities, making them viable options for different types of drivers.

It’s recommended to take test drives of both vehicles to get a better sense of their overall performance and decide which one best suits your needs.

Dimensions

When choosing a compact SUV, it’s essential to consider the dimensions of the vehicle to ensure it fits your lifestyle and needs.

Let’s compare the dimensions of the Mazda CX-3 vs Kia Sportage to see how they differ in terms of size and interior space.

– 2021 Mazda CX-3 Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

– 2023 Kia Sportage Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

In conclusion, the 2023 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage differ in size and interior space. The Mazda CX-3 has a more compact overall length and width, making it a great choice for maneuvering in urban settings and tight parking spaces.

However, the Kia Sportage offers a more spacious interior, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers.

Additionally, the Kia Sportage boasts a higher cargo capacity, making it ideal for those who frequently carry larger items or need extra storage space.

The Mazda CX-3, on the other hand, provides a reasonable cargo capacity that is suitable for everyday use.

Ultimately, the choice between these two compact SUVs will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smaller footprint and maneuverability, the Mazda CX-3 may be the better option.

However, if interior space and cargo capacity are crucial factors for you, the Kia Sportage may better suit your lifestyle.

It’s recommended to consider how you plan to use the vehicle and take a test drive of both models to determine which one aligns best with your requirements.

Read also: Kia Sportage vs Nissan Rogue

Color Options

Personalizing your vehicle to match your style is an important aspect of car ownership. Let’s explore the exterior and interior color options available for the Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-3 2021 to see the range of choices offered by each model.

– 2021 Mazda CX-3 Exterior Colors:

• Soul Red Crystal Metallic
• Snowflake White Pearl
• Machine Gray Metallic
• Jet Black Mica
• Deep Crystal Blue Mica
• Ceramic Metallic
• Eternal Blue Mica

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 offers a diverse selection of exterior colors, ranging from classic shades like Snowflake White Pearl and Jet Black Mica to bolder options like Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica.

These color choices allow buyers to express their personality and preferences through their vehicle.

– 2021 Mazda CX-3 Interior Color:

• Black (cloth)

The interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is available in stylish black cloth upholstery, providing a sophisticated and timeless look to complement the various exterior color options.

2023 Kia Sportage Exterior Colors:

• Ebony Black
• Dawning Red
• Jungle Green
• Wolf Gray
• Sapphire Blue
• Glacial White Pearl
• Gravity Gray

The 2023 Kia Sportage offers an array of exterior colors, including bold choices like Dawning Red and Jungle Green, as well as classic options like Ebony Black and Glacial White Pearl. These color selections give the Sportage a striking and dynamic appearance.

2023 Kia Sportage Interior Colors:

• Sage Green (leatherette)
• Saturn Black (leatherette)

The 2023 Kia Sportage comes with two interior color options, providing buyers with the choice between a Sage Green and Saturn Black leatherette upholstery. Both options offer a premium feel and a touch of luxury to the cabin.

In comparison, both the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage provide a range of appealing color options for both their exteriors and interiors.

The Mazda CX-3 offers a variety of vibrant and eye-catching exterior colors, while the Kia Sportage provides a good balance of bold and classic choices.

On the interior, the Mazda CX-3 features refined black cloth upholstery, while the Kia Sportage offers two elegant leatherette options, allowing buyers to select the interior that best suits their taste.

When choosing between these two models, consider which color options resonate with your style and preferences.

Whether you prefer a sporty and dynamic appearance or a more understated and sophisticated look, both the Mazda CX-3 and the Kia Sportage have color choices to cater to various tastes.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for car buyers, and both the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage come equipped with a range of advanced safety features.

Let’s compare the safety offerings of these two compact SUVs to understand how they prioritize driver and passenger protection.

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 excels in safety and has garnered impressive crash-test ratings. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. These accolades reflect the vehicle’s strong performance in various safety evaluations.

Key Standard Safety Features of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking: Helps prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes in emergency situations.
• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing overall awareness.
• Standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching traffic when reversing, reducing the risk of collisions.

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 also offers additional available safety features, such as:

• Available Lane-Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
• Available Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting cruise control speeds.

While the 2023 Kia Sportage boasts a comprehensive suite of standard and optional driver-assistance technology to enhance safety and convenience.

Like the Mazda CX-3, it offers advanced safety features to protect both occupants and pedestrians.

Key Standard Safety Features of the 2023 Kia Sportage include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: Helps prevent or mitigate front-end collisions by issuing warnings and applying emergency braking if necessary.
• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: Alerts the driver if the vehicle deviates from its lane and can provide steering assistance to stay within the lane.

The 2023 Kia Sportage also offers additional available safety features, such as:

• Available Blind-Spot Monitor: Alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spots, promoting safer lane changes.
• Available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of approaching traffic while reversing, reducing the risk of accidents.

In comparison, both the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage are well-equipped with advanced safety features to protect occupants and enhance overall driving safety.

The Mazda CX-3 has earned high safety ratings and offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard features.

The Kia Sportage also provides an impressive array of safety features, including advanced driver-assistance technology.

Buyers can expect standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, as well as optional features like a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Choosing between these two models comes down to personal preferences, budget, and which specific safety features are most important to individual buyers.

Both the Mazda CX-3 and the Kia Sportage offer peace of mind and prioritize safety for all passengers.

Warranty

A comprehensive warranty is an essential aspect of car ownership, providing peace of mind and financial security in case of unexpected issues.

Let’s compare the warranty coverage offered by the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage to see which model provides better coverage for their respective owners.

2021 Mazda CX-3 Warranty:

Mazda offers a standard warranty package that is comparable to many of its rivals in the compact SUV segment. The warranty coverage for the 2021 Mazda CX-3 includes:

• Limited Warranty: Covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers repairs or replacements of any parts that are defective in material or workmanship.
• Powertrain Warranty: Covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty includes engine, transmission, and drivetrain components, protecting against major powertrain-related issues.

One notable aspect is that the Mazda CX-3 does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance in its warranty package.

This means owners are responsible for routine maintenance costs, such as oil changes and tire rotations.

2023 Kia Sportage Warranty:

Kia takes pride in providing one of the best warranty plans in the industry, offering longer coverage compared to most competitors. The warranty coverage for the 2023 Kia Sportage includes:

• Limited Warranty: Covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Similar to Mazda’s coverage, this warranty addresses defects in material or workmanship for various components.
• Powertrain Warranty: Provides an impressive coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This lengthy warranty ensures that major powertrain components are protected for an extended period.

Similar to the Mazda CX-3, the Kia Sportage does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of its warranty package.

In conclusion, when it comes to warranty coverage, the 2023 Kia Sportage stands out as a clear winner.

Kia’s extended powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles offers exceptional long-term protection for major engine and transmission components, surpassing Mazda’s 5-year coverage.

On the other hand, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 provides a standard warranty package that aligns with its competitors in the segment.

While its limited and powertrain warranty are reasonable, it doesn’t match the impressive coverage provided by the Kia Sportage.

Both models lack complimentary scheduled maintenance, meaning owners of both the Mazda CX-3 and the Kia Sportage will be responsible for the routine upkeep costs.

Ultimately, the choice between these two compact SUVs should not solely depend on warranty coverage, but it’s worth considering the longer powertrain warranty offered by the Kia Sportage if you plan to keep the vehicle for an extended period or drive it for high mileage.

Read also: Kia Niro vs Kia Sportage

Specifications

When comparing the specifications of the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage, we can see differences in engine size, power output, transmission, and payload/towing capacities.

Let’s take a closer look at how these two compact SUVs differ in terms of their key specifications.

– 2021 Mazda CX-3 Specs:

– 2023 Kia Sportage Specs:

– Key Differences:

Engine Size and Power: The 2023 Kia Sportage comes with a larger base engine, a 2.5 L inline-4, compared to the 2.0 L inline-4 engine in the 2021 Mazda CX-3.

As a result, the Sportage delivers higher horsepower at 187 hp and torque at 178 lb-ft, offering a more powerful driving experience.

Transmission: The Mazda CX-3 is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Kia Sportage features an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

The additional gears in the Sportage’s transmission may provide smoother and more efficient gear shifts.

Fuel Injection: The 2023 Kia Sportage boasts dual fuel injection, which can contribute to improved engine performance and fuel efficiency. The 2021 Mazda CX-3 comes with standard direct injection.

Max Towing and Payload Capacity: The Kia Sportage has a higher maximum towing capacity of 2,500 lbs, making it more suitable for hauling trailers or other heavy loads.

Additionally, the Sportage offers a slightly higher max payload capacity at 1,016 lbs compared to the Mazda CX-3’s 996 lbs.

In conclusion, the 2023 Kia Sportage has the advantage of a larger base engine with more power, an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and dual fuel injection.

These factors contribute to enhanced performance and potentially improved fuel efficiency compared to the 2021 Mazda CX-3.

Additionally, the Kia Sportage’s higher towing and payload capacities make it a more versatile option for those who require the capability to tow trailers or carry heavier loads.

However, personal preferences and specific needs should be considered when choosing between these two models.

While the Sportage offers more power and capability, the Mazda CX-3 may still be a compelling choice for those seeking a more compact and agile urban vehicle with good fuel efficiency.

It’s essential to test drive both models to experience their driving dynamics and features firsthand before making a final decision.

Pros and Cons

Both the 2021 Mazda CX-3 and the 2023 Kia Sportage have their strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences and priorities.

Let’s examine the pros and cons of each model to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.

– 2021 Mazda CX-3

Pros:

• Attractive and Comfortable Interior: The Mazda CX-3 offers a well-designed and stylish interior, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
• Engaging Driving Experience: Mazda is known for producing vehicles that deliver a fun and engaging driving experience, and the CX-3 is no exception. It provides responsive handling and a sporty feel on the road.
• Impressive Fuel Economy: The CX-3 boasts impressive fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for those seeking to save on fuel costs without sacrificing performance.
• Good Selection of Driver Aids and Active Safety Features: The CX-3 comes equipped with a variety of driver-assistance technologies and active safety features, enhancing overall safety and peace of mind for the driver.

Cons:

• Below-Average Cargo Space: The CX-3’s cargo capacity is limited compared to some of its rivals, which may be a drawback for those who require ample space for luggage and cargo.
• Cramped Rear Seat: The rear seating area of the CX-3 may feel cramped for taller passengers or adults, especially on longer journeys.
• Suspension Tuning Could Be Too Firm for Some: While the CX-3’s sporty suspension tuning contributes to its engaging driving experience, it may be too firm for those seeking a smoother and more comfortable ride.

– 2023 Kia Sportage

Pros:

• Stylish, Quiet, and High-Tech Interior: The Sportage offers a modern and stylish interior with high-tech features, providing a comfortable and refined driving experience.
• Roomy Seating and Huge Cargo Area: The Sportage excels in interior space, offering ample legroom and headroom for passengers and an expansive cargo area, making it a practical choice for families and travelers.
• Added Off-Road Capability with X-Pro Trim: The X-Pro trim of the Sportage adds off-road capability and adventurous features, catering to those who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring rough terrains.

Cons:

• Standard Engine Supplies Leisurely Acceleration: The base engine of the Sportage may feel underpowered to some drivers, resulting in leisurely acceleration.
• Subpar Fuel Economy from this Engine Too: The fuel efficiency of the base engine may not be as impressive as some of its competitors, which could be a drawback for fuel-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 excels in providing an attractive interior, engaging driving experience, and impressive fuel economy.

However, it may not be the ideal choice for those seeking ample cargo space or a roomy rear seating area.

On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Sportage impresses with its stylish and high-tech interior, spacious seating, and large cargo area.

The X-Pro trim also adds off-road capability for adventurous drivers. However, the standard engine’s performance and fuel efficiency might be a concern for some buyers.

Ultimately, the decision between the Mazda CX-3 and the Kia Sportage depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Consider factors such as interior space, driving preferences, and specific needs to determine which model aligns best with your lifestyle and requirements.

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