Budget Buy $6,000: Kia Forte vs Mazda3

With $6,000 to spend, which car is better for a small budget: a used Kia Forte or a Mazda3? Let’s find out!

Used Kia Forte vs Mazda3 Specs

For $6,000 we’ve found several high-quality used Kia Fortes and Mazda3s on carsforsale.com. At this budget level, we’re going to focus our attention on the 2010 model year for both cars because there are plenty for sale.

The 2010 Kia Forte LX and EX offer a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Used Kia Fortes are known for having above-average fuel economy for the small car category. The 2010 Kia Forte LX and EX received a 25 MPG city, 34 MPG highway and 28 MPG combined estimate from the EPA.

The 2010 Mazda 3i offers less horsepower and fuel efficiency compared to the used Kia Forte. The 2010 Mazda 3i has a 2.0-liter inline-4 with 148 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is standard, while a five-speed automatic is optional on all trims except for the 3i SV. The 2010 Mazda3 with automatic transmission has fuel-efficiency ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg highway.

Considering a new Kia Forte? Read our 2022 Kia Forte review.

Driving & Performance

When we took the 2010 Kia Forte LX for a test drive, we noticed quite a bit of body roll upon moderate cornering and steering that was somewhat muted. That being said, the SX model of the Kia Forte offers a suspension that is sport-tuned, which makes a big improvement to the driving performance. With the improved suspension of the SX, we place it at the top of the economy class in terms of driving performance. Overall, the 2010 Kia Forte rides smoothly but is somewhat noisy on rougher surfaces.

Amongst its economy class peers, the 2010 Mazda3 boasts a relatively smoother and more elegant ride. This is likely the result of its sports-tuned chassis, which produces very minimal body roll and robust grip on windy stretches of blacktop. Not surprisingly, the steering is more finessed and responsive compared to the Kia Forte.

Trying to decide between a new or used Mazda3? Check out our New vs. Used Mazda3 comparison.

Comfort & Interior

The dashboard of the 2010 Kia Forte isn’t anything to write home about from an aesthetic point of view, but it is highly practical. The dash includes gauges that are clear and easy to read, a minimalist yet clean layout, and highly intuitive audio and climate controls. As an added bonus, Bluetooth connectivity comes standard on all 2010 Kia Forte trims. The quality of interior materials is right in line with expectations for its class. One word of warning—taller drivers should look for an SX trim because that’s the only model with a telescoping steering column. There is ample rear legroom compared to its peers and trunk space is an abundant 14.7 cu-ft in the sedan.

When it comes to interior design and aesthetics, the 2010 Mazda3 is heads above its peers. All Mazda3 trims feature high-quality materials, plenty of legroom, comfortable seating, and easily-accessible controls. That being said, the sound system controls aren’t as intuitive as they are in the used Kia Forte. For Mazda3 trims with the optional navigation system, buyers should know that the display screen is somewhat small, but it is generally less costly than peer systems. The front seat provides many adjustment variations and the telescoping steering wheel tilts. For taller drivers, front headroom can be cramped by the optional sunroof. With only 11.8 cu-ft, the 2010 Mazda3 provides much less trunk space compared to the 2010 Kia Forte.

Interested in exploring more when it comes to used Kia Forte cargo space? Check out our article on Kia Forte vs. Buick Verano.

Trims & Features

The 2010 Kia Forte is offered as a four-door compact sedan in trims LX, EX and SX. Additionally, Kia offer a two-door “Koup” in EX or SX trims only. Standard equipment on the base model, the LX, includes 15-inch steel wheels, a tilted steering column, Bluetooth connectivity, a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with USB jacks, and a driver’s seat with six adjustments.

Stepping up to the EX trim brings air-conditioning, full power accessories, a sound system with six speakers, and cruise control. The SX trim offers a 2.4-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, digital trip display, and metallic interior trim.

The 2010 Mazda3 comes as a four-door compact sedan and also a hatchback body style. The 3i model sedan comes in SV, Sport, and Touring trims. Standard equipment across all trims includes a driver’s seat adjustable for height, telescoping steering column that’s tilted, 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player.

The 3i Sport trims provide air-conditioning, temperature display, and optional automatic transmission. When stepped up to the 3i Touring, drivers enjoy 16-inch alloy wheels, power locks, cruise control, and Bluetooth with a six-speaker sound system.

The Mazda3 also comes in a 3s Sport sedan or hatchback. The 3s features dual-exhausts, upgraded upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheels, 17-inch alloy wheels, and luminescent gauges. The 3s Grand Touring comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights with auto-leveling and corner swivel illumination, heated side mirrors, and leather upholstery.

All 3s trims and the 3i Touring offer an optional moonroof and Bose package, which boasts a sunroof and ten-speaker stereo system with a six-CD changer. Additionally, 3s trims offer an optional technology package that includes keyless ignition/entry, satellite radio, a navigation system, and a display screen. Some lucky used Mazda3 buyers will also enjoy a dealer-installed iPod interface.

Looking for more information on Mazda3 features? Read our article on the 2021 Mazda3 Turbo.

Final Answer: Used Kia Forte or Mazda3?

While the Mazda3 boasts a sportier aesthetic, more advanced trims and features, and better handling when pushed to perform, we feel it’s a bit overkill for its class. For drivers looking for value on a $6,000 budget, the used 2010 Kia Forte is your best bet. Compared to the Mazda3 you enjoy a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and more space.

When it comes to compact sedans, learn how the Mazda3 stacks up to the Honda Civic.