Mazda MAZDA3 vs. Kia Optima Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Kia to the dealership as the MAZDA3. There frankly isn't much of a difference in gas mileage here, but if you must know, the Kia Optima is a little more economical than the Mazda MAZDA3. The Kia Optima won't save you much money at the pump compared to the Mazda MAZDA3. When it comes to MSRP, the Mazda MAZDA3 costs significantly less than the Kia Optima.

Utility
The Kia Optima and the Mazda MAZDA3 can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Convenience
You definitely won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Mazda MAZDA3 than with the Kia Optima, because both offer comparable ranges.

Comfort
Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the Kia Optima's front cabin compared to the Mazda MAZDA3. The Kia Optima provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Mazda MAZDA3 does.

Dimensions
The Kia is tremendously more bulky than the Mazda MAZDA3. The MAZDA3's tank is roughly the same size as the Kia Optima's, though the Kia Optima's is a bit larger. The Mazda MAZDA3 and the Optima compete for the same parking spaces.

Handling
With their comparable turning circles, the Mazda and the Kia Optima definitely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Kia has a larger engine than the Mazda MAZDA3. Keep in mind that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque equals pickup, and the Kia Optima will have picked up and gone by the time the Mazda MAZDA3 finally gets moving.

Warranty
The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Mazda isn't quite as generous as the Optima's.