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Kia Niro vs Mazda 3 Hatchback comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Kia Niro vs Mazda 3 Hatchback: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more efficient
  • markedly more trunk space
details

Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Niro

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is a bit cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the Kia Niro costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,114 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Niro uses 4.5 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

3 Hatchback

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Hatchback offers noticeably more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 48 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 8 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Niro delivers marginally more torque with 265 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 25 Nm more.

Niro

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Hatchback is barely lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 1,474 kg. The difference is around 57 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Niro offers markedly more boot space – 451 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 100 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Hatchback carries very slightly more – 502 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 36 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Hatchback is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,000
3 Hatchback

Mazda 3 Hatchback

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

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It's the compact-crossover face-off that asks whether you crave wallet-friendly efficiency or a bit more personality: the Kia Niro goes toe-to-toe with the Kia XCeed. One is all about hybrid thrift and everyday practicality; the other flirts with sharper styling and a livelier drive — both sensible …
Kia Niro
Toyota Yaris Cross
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The Kia Niro feels like the sensible crossover hero — roomy, composed and blessed with a polished hybrid system that trims fuel bills without stripping comfort. The Toyota Yaris Cross is smaller and cheekier, nailing city agility and frugal running costs, so pick the Niro for family practicality …
Kia Niro
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is a practical crossover that blends economy and everyday versatility without sacrificing comfort. With a roomy, well-laid-out cabin and calm, composed handling, it’s an easy-to-live-with choice for commuters and families.

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Reviews Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Archi
25 Mar 2026, 13:11:41

Efficient, functional, understated, spacious and comfortable. No surprises: it delivers what it promises and does its job without fanfare. Good buy.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Wolfgang Schäfer
21 Oct 2025, 14:01:32

I've been driving the Kia Niro since 2019 and am still very happy with this car.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
j m
29 Jun 2026, 22:06:55

power
efficiency and low consumption
driving pleasure
wonderful e-drive and head-up projection display on the windshield

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In the competitive landscape of compact SUVs, the Kia Niro and Renault Captur both offer distinct advantages catering to urban drivers. The Kia Niro stands out with its hybrid powertrain, delivering remarkable fuel efficiency without compromising on interior space. Meanwhile, the Renault Captur …
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Nissan Qashqai
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In the competitive landscape of compact SUVs, the Kia Niro and Skoda Kamiq stand out with their distinct advantages. The Kia Niro impresses with its hybrid and all-electric options, delivering excellent fuel efficiency and eco-friendly performance, making it an ideal choice for environmentally …
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Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 g/km
co2
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Trunk capacity
451 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
487 - 502 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
102 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Kia
Brand
Mazda
What drive types are available for the Kia Niro?

The Kia Niro is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.