Kia Forte vs Mazda 3
The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 33 mpg for the Mazda 3, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Forte leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Forte | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 35 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 41 mpg ✓ | 40 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 ✓ | $1,850 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 256 g/mi ✓ | 266 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 2.0, 1.8 | SIDI, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; Without Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular | Regular |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2024 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 60 | 97 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Forte vs 3: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Forte or the Mazda 3?
The Kia Forte is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 35 mpg combined versus 33 mpg for the Mazda 3, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Forte runs about $1,750 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,850 for the Mazda 3 — a difference of roughly $100 per year.
What engines do the Forte and 3 offer?
Kia Forte: SIDI, 2.0, 1.8. Mazda 3: SIDI, SIDI; With Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; Without Cylinder Deactivation, SIDI; with i-ELOOP Technology Package.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Forte and the Mazda 3 as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
More Forte comparisons
Comparison id: kia-forte-vs-mazda-3