2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
The primary numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the $8,190 difference in MSRP, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 versus the Sorento Hybrid's $38,690. Performance specifications show the Sorento Hybrid delivers a notable 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the CX-50's 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy heavily favors the Kia, achieving 34 combined MPG compared to the Mazda's 28 combined MPG. Conversely, the CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than double the Sorento Hybrid's 12.6 cubic feet, although the Sorento is slightly longer at 189.6 inches. The powertrain setups are distinct; the Kia is FWD, while the CX-50 features standard AWD, impacting traction capabilities.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Kia Sorento Hybrid achieves a superior 34 combined MPG, translating directly to lower ongoing fuel costs for daily driving.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 provides significantly more utility with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, nearly 19 cubic feet more than the Sorento Hybrid.
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Sorento Hybrid outputs 40 more horsepower (227 hp vs 187 hp), providing measurably stronger acceleration potential.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 secures the value verdict by offering a substantially lower starting MSRP of $30,500 compared to the Kia's $38,690.
Choose the Kia Sorento Hybrid if...
- Maximum fuel efficiency is prioritized, due to its 34 combined MPG rating.
- Higher power output is desired, evidenced by its 227 horsepower rating.
- The vehicle will be used primarily for highway cruising where its FWD setup is sufficient.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Utility and hauling capability are essential, given its 31.4 cu ft cargo volume.
- All-wheel drive capability is necessary for varied road conditions.
- The absolute lowest initial purchase price, $8,190 less than the competitor, is the driving factor.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento Hybrid | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 185.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 75.6" |
| Height | 66.7" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 110.8" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
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 | 227 hp | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 185 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 34/34 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 34 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 601.8/601.8 mi. | 397.5/492.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 19 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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 Sorento Hybrid and 2025 Mazda CX-50.
What is the horsepower difference between the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid produces 227 horsepower, while the 2025 Mazda CX-50 generates 187 horsepower. This 40 hp advantage means the Sorento Hybrid is significantly more powerful based on manufacturer specifications.
How much greater is the cargo capacity of the Mazda CX-50 compared to the Kia Sorento Hybrid?
The Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is nearly 19 cubic feet more than the Kia Sorento Hybrid's stated 12.6 cubic feet. This makes the CX-50 superior for bulky cargo requirements.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy, and by how much?
The Kia Sorento Hybrid achieves a 34 combined MPG rating. The Mazda CX-50 is rated at 28 combined MPG, giving the Kia a 6 MPG lead in overall fuel efficiency.
Does the drivetrain configuration differ between these two models?
Yes, the vehicles utilize different drivetrains; the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment.
What is the exact difference in MSRP for the base models?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 has an MSRP of $30,500, while the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $38,690. This results in an initial purchase price discrepancy of $8,190 favoring the Mazda.
Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel and transmission?
Both the Sorento Hybrid and the CX-50 utilize regular unleaded fuel and share the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission type. However, the Sorento's hybrid system significantly impacts its overall MPG rating.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool