Kia is known for its reliable and affordable vehicles that punch well above their price tag. Well, let’s put that reputation to the test. The Mazda3 has been widely praised by critics and owners. How will the Kia Forte fare against it?
Today, we’ll be looking comparing the 2021 Kia Forte FE and the 2021 Mazda3 2.0. We’ve chosen the base trims for both models in order to give you the most accurate idea of what your dollar is getting you. Below, you’ll find a table comparing price, powertrain specs, and fuel economy. Beneath that, we discuss the affordability of both vehicles' lineups, as well as their respective standard features.
2021 Kia Forte FE | vs |
2021 Mazda3 2.0 |
$17,890 | MSRP | $20,650 |
2.0L 4-cyl | Engine |
2.0L 4-cyl |
147 hp / 132 lb-ft | Horsepower / Torque |
155 hp / 150 lb-ft |
6MT or CVT | Transmission |
6AT |
FWD | Drivetrain |
FWD |
27/37/31 | Fuel Economy |
28/36/31 |
At every trim level, the 2021 Kia Forte costs less than the competing 2021 Mazda3 trim. For instance, the entry-level 2021 Forte FE starts at $17,890, whereas the 2021 Mazda3 2.0 starts at $20,650. The top-tier Forte GX starts maxes out at $23,390, more than $5,000 less than the $28,400 price of the comparable 2021 Mazda3 Premium trim. And the penultimate 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus has a $32,600 price tag, almost $10,000 more than the fully-loaded Forte GX.
The 2021 Kia Forte comes standard features the 2021 MAzda3 doesn't have. Those features are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The 2021 Mazda3 2.0 only gets a Bluetooth and an 8.8-inch screen without touch controls. Even once you get into available features, the 2021 Mazda3 doesn’t have any noteworthy features that the 2021 Forte doesn't also get. At the top trim levels, the integrated connectivity tech equipment for both models is basically identical.
For more details on the 2021 Forte, give Palmen Kia a call.