2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
Deciding between ultimate efficiency and raw power often stumps crossover buyers, and this matchup perfectly highlights that choice. The 2025 Kia Niro PHEV starts at a compelling $34,490, significantly undercutting the $38,800 Mazda CX-90. For city dwellers, the Niro’s 33 miles of electric range and 48 combined MPG dwarfs the CX-90's standard 25 combined MPG, saving substantial cash at the pump. However, if towing or highway merging is key, the CX-90 offers a massive advantage with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Niro’s 180 hp. The Niro is significantly smaller at 174.0 inches long versus the CX-90's 200.8 inches, which benefits tight parking. Ultimately, the choice boils down to prioritizing the Niro's hybrid savings and maneuverability or the CX-90's superior muscle and size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid offers superior fuel economy at 48 combined MPG and 33 miles of all-electric driving, drastically lowering daily running costs.
2026 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is the superior choice for larger families due to its significantly larger footprint, boasting a length of 200.8 inches versus the Niro's 174.0 inches.
2026 Mazda CX-90
With 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the Mazda CX-90 offers substantially more performance grunt than the Niro's 180 hp.
2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Niro PHEV costs $4,310 less and achieves nearly double the fuel efficiency (48 MPG vs. 25 MPG), delivering better long-term monetary value.
Choose the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize low running costs, benefiting from 48 combined MPG and 33 miles of EV range.
- You frequently navigate dense urban environments, appreciating the Niro’s shorter 174.0-inch length for easier parking.
- You want the lowest entry price point, starting at $34,490.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You need robust acceleration, taking advantage of the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You require maximum passenger and cargo space provided by the larger 200.8-inch frame and standard AWD.
- You frequently drive long distances where the MPG difference between 48 and 25 becomes less relevant than pure power.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.0" | 200.8" |
| Width | 71.8" | 78.5" |
| Height | 60.8" | 68.3" |
| 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 | 23/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 48 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 480.2/460.6 mi. | 425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.
How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-90 compared to the Kia Niro PHEV?
The Mazda CX-90 has a significant power advantage, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This is 100 hp more than the Kia Niro PHEV's 180 hp output.
Is the Kia Niro's electric range enough for daily errands?
The 2025 Niro PHEV offers a 33-mile all-electric range, which is sufficient for many commuters to complete daily local driving without using gasoline.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy, and by how much?
The Kia Niro PHEV is significantly more efficient, achieving 48 combined MPG versus the CX-90's 25 combined MPG. This nearly 23 MPG difference heavily favors the Niro for fuel savings.
What is the main trade-off when choosing the more affordable Niro?
The primary trade-off is size and power; the Niro is 26.8 inches shorter than the CX-90 and outputs 100 fewer horsepower, while also offering less cargo space at 19.4 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft if you consider the larger capacity of the Niro.
Why choose the CX-90 if the Niro has better highway MPG (47 vs 28)?
While the Niro has better highway MPG when running on gas, the CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which may be crucial for better traction in inclement weather or poor road conditions, which the FWD Niro lacks.
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