Motor Trends compared 5 sedans answering the question, what is the best all-around car for the consumer? This is what Motor Trends had to say in regards to the Mazda3 vs. the Kia Forte.

 

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 continued to impress when it came to dry land handling. It was praised with crisp, natural, unshakable, and responsive handling. However, when it came to handling on wet roads it was less than satisfactory. Overall, the ride handling was one of the best in the group. It was the second quickest to reach 60mph and second quickest on the figure eight track. It was third in braking and dead last on the skidpad. When it came to fuel efficiency the Mazda3 averaged 25.3 mpg. The interior of the Mazda3 has received harsh criticism for having a small, cramped back seat, as well as having a dashboard that looks old and made of cheap material. The Mazda3 received a 5-star front impact rating, 4-star rollover rating, and 3-star side impact rating, giving it an overall 4-star rating. When it comes to value the Mazda3 is loaded with features but is the most expensive of the five sedans at $26, 420. Overall, the Mazda3 placed second in motor trends comparison test. 

 

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte was placed second behind the Mazda3 when it came to handling. It was praised with having pleasantly firm, naturally weighted, and responsive steering. It was the quickest to 60mph by half a second. It also needed the shortest stopping distance by 2 feet. It was the quickest around the figure eight course. In the real world the Forte's transmission shifted quickly and smoothly, never selecting the wrong gear. When it came to fuel efficiency it returned 24.4 mpg, which is the second best of the group. The interior of the  Forte is loaded with features including heated and cooled front seats, power folding mirrors, heated steering wheel, multiple steering modes, heated rear seats and more. It was also praised for having a spacious rear seat. The Forte has yet to be crash tested. In the past it received a 4-star rating in testing and was named a top safety pick. The Kia Forte comes with a price tag of $25, 610 which is an incredible value for the car given the loaded features and second best fuel economy of the car. The Kia Forte also has the best warranty of the five cars. Overall, the Kia Forte placed first in the motor trends comparison test, edging out the Mazda3.