Model Year | 2009 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Kia Sorento | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 276 hp@6300 248 lb-ft@5000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 106.3 in | -2.4 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 183.9 in | -7.3 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 74.2 in | -5.1 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 67.3 in | -9.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3041 lb. | 3781 lb. | -740 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 19.8 gal. | -5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.2 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 59.3 in | -4.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 56.3 in | -1.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 41.3 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 39.2 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 58.7 in | -4.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 55.9 in | -2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 37.6 in | -1.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.7 in | -36.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 53.8 in | -53.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 44.4 in | -44.4 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 31.3 in | -31.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 110.2 in (over 3 rows) | -32 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.1 ft3 | 9.1 ft3 | 8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 17.1 | 37.0 ft3 | -19.9 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 72.5 ft3 | -28.7 ft3 |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2013 Kia Sorento Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The Kia Sorento had very good seating positions in the front for a very tall person, I'm almost 6'5" and was able to fit with the sunroof / panaramic roof. You get a feeling of control and confidence. You do loose about 1" or so with the see full Kia Sorento review |
2012 | 4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Very comfortable seats up front with tons of leg room. see full Kia Sorento review |
2013 Kia Sorento Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Needs an adjustable second row and a little more cargo room when the third row seat is up. see full Kia Sorento review |