2025 Kia Niro vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$26,990 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between stellar efficiency and spirited driving performance is a common headache for crossover shoppers. If sipping fuel is your top priority, the 2025 Kia Niro stands out dramatically, boasting an incredible 53 MPG combined rating. In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 focuses on traditional power, offering 187 hp compared to the Niro’s 139 hp. This difference is stark: the Niro achieves nearly double the mileage of the CX-5 (53 MPG vs. 25 MPG combined), which translates to significant long-term savings. However, the CX-5 offers a higher MSRP of $28,770 versus the Niro's $26,990 entry point, and provides substantially more utility with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Niro's 22.8 cu ft. The CX-5's standard All-Wheel Drive also makes it a more capable choice for inclement weather, though it suffers at the pump.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is the undeniable winner for commuters due to its superior 53 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 offers better utility for families with 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space and the added capability of standard All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-5 for its significantly higher 187 hp output compared to the Niro’s 139 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro provides better value by offering excellent fuel savings while having a lower starting MSRP of $26,990.

Choose the Kia Niro if...

You prioritize extreme fuel economy and want to achieve 53 MPG combined.
You are looking for the lowest starting price, beginning at $26,990 MSRP.
Your daily driving routes rarely require extra power, given its 139 hp output.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You need the extra hauling capability provided by 30.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer having 187 hp for more assertive highway merging and acceleration.
You require the stability and traction of an All-Wheel Drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro	Mazda CX-5
Length	174.0"	180.1"
Width	71.8"	72.6"
Height	60.8"	66.1"
Wheelbase	107.1"	106.2"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	139 hp @ 5700 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
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	6-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)	53/54 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	53 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	588.3/599.4 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	15.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	55.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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 and 2025 Mazda CX-5.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Kia Niro than the 2025 Mazda CX-5?

The fuel economy difference is substantial: the Niro achieves a combined 53 MPG, whereas the CX-5 is rated at only 25 MPG combined. This means the Niro delivers 28 more miles per gallon on average during daily driving.

Which crossover offers better standard performance metrics?

The Mazda CX-5 is significantly more powerful, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Niro offers less performance with 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, focusing instead on efficiency.

If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover should I choose?

For maximum cargo capacity, the Mazda CX-5 is the better choice, providing 30.8 cubic feet of storage. The Kia Niro offers considerably less space at 22.8 cubic feet.

What is the price difference between the two models?

The 2025 Kia Niro has a lower MSRP starting at $26,990, while the 2025 Mazda CX-5 starts slightly higher at $28,770. The Niro is $1,780 less expensive upfront.

Does drivetrain affect the efficiency difference?

Yes, the Niro is Front Wheel Drive and achieves 53 MPG combined, while the CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which contributes to its lower 25 MPG combined rating.

Are both crossovers optimized for regular unleaded gas?

Both the 2025 Kia Niro and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping routine refueling costs predictable for either choice.