2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$34,490 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Niro PHEV (Car1) and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 (Car2) is the combined fuel economy, where the Niro achieves an outstanding 48 MPG compared to the CX-90’s 25 MPG. This efficiency gap is critical for daily use, further bolstered by the Niro’s 33 miles of pure electric range. Power metrics also show a clear separation: the CX-90 delivers a substantial 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, overpowering the Niro’s 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. Furthermore, the CX-90 is significantly larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length versus the Niro's 174.0 inches. Despite the performance disparity, the Niro starts at a lower MSRP of $34,490, creating a $3,555 price advantage over the Mazda, while offering competitive cargo volume at 19.4 cu ft against the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV dominates commuter needs with its superior 48 combined MPG and 33 miles of all-electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers significantly more physical size, measuring 200.8 inches long with standard All-Wheel Drive, catering better to family hauling needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the enthusiast choice, offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Niro's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Niro offers better primary ownership value due to its $3,555 lower MSRP and over double the fuel efficiency at 48 combined MPG.

Choose the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid if...

Your primary concern is minimizing running costs, evidenced by its 48 combined MPG rating.
You prioritize regular charging capability, benefiting from a 33-mile electric-only driving radius.
You seek a lower entry price point, starting at an MSRP of $34,490.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

High performance is necessary, delivered by the 280 hp engine and standard All-Wheel Drive.
You require a larger footprint for passengers or towing, indicated by its 200.8-inch length.
You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid	Mazda CX-90
Length	174.0"	200.8"
Width	71.8"	78.5"
Height	60.8"	68.2"
Wheelbase	107.1"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	180 hp	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Transmission Type	6-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	49/47 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	48 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	480.2/460.6 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	113/102 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	108 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	33 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	31	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.8 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	9.8 gal.	18.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	265/55R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Mazda CX-90.

What is the primary advantage of the Kia Niro PHEV's electric capability over the Mazda CX-90?

The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid provides a specific 33 miles of all-electric range, allowing for emission-free short commutes. The Mazda CX-90 does not offer a plug-in hybrid system and relies solely on its internal combustion engine, resulting in a lower 25 combined MPG rating.

How does the power output difference translate to real-world driving between the two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 produces 100 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 180 hp) and 137 lb-ft more torque (332 lb-ft vs. 195 lb-ft). This superior output in the CX-90 is mated to standard AWD and a more powerful transmission, favoring acceleration and towing capacity over the Niro's FWD efficiency setup.

Is the smaller Kia Niro practical for families needing cargo space?

The Kia Niro offers 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is larger than the 14.9 cubic feet offered by the significantly longer Mazda CX-90 (200.8 inches vs. 174.0 inches). While the Niro is shorter, its packaging seems slightly more efficient for base cargo volume.

Given the MSRP difference, how quickly will the Niro's fuel savings offset the initial $3,555 price gap?

The Niro's 23 MPG advantage (48 combined vs. 25 combined) means owners will spend significantly less on fuel. For high-mileage drivers, the cost differential between 48 MPG and 25 MPG often recoups the initial price variance within two to three years of ownership.

Does the difference in transmission type affect performance metrics?

Yes, the Kia Niro utilizes a 6-speed automated manual optimized for efficiency, while the higher-performance Mazda CX-90 features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic designed to better handle its higher output of 280 hp.

Which vehicle offers a more stable drive due to size and drivetrain?

The larger Mazda CX-90, with its greater width (78.5 inches vs. 71.8 inches) and standard All-Wheel Drive, is engineered for superior stability in varied road conditions compared to the front-wheel-drive only Niro.