2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-70
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV (car1) and the 2025 Mazda CX-70 (car2) lies in the initial cost, with car2 undercutting car1 by $7,545, retailing at $40,445 versus $47,990. However, this price gap is largely offset by fuel economy differences: car1 achieves 33 combined MPG and offers a 30-mile electric range, while car2 delivers only 25 combined MPG with no electric capability. Performance specifications favor the CX-70, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. Cargo volume is another major divergence, as the longer CX-70 (200.8 inches) offers 39.6 cu ft, substantially eclipsing the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. While both offer AWD, the Sorento's plug-in hybrid technology provides tangible daily savings that the non-hybrid CX-70 cannot match, despite the Mazda's superior power figures.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30-mile electric range and 33 combined MPG rating.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers significantly more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provides superior powertrain output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Despite a higher initial cost of $47,990, the Sorento PHEV's lower operating costs driven by electrification offer better long-term value metrics.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your driving profile frequently involves shorter trips allowing maximization of the 30-mile electric range.
- Minimizing fuel expenditure is a priority, given the 33 combined MPG efficiency.
- You prefer the slightly smaller exterior footprint (189.6 inches long) for urban maneuverability.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, indicated by the 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- A premium on raw acceleration and torque is desired, supported by 332 lb-ft of torque.
- Securing the lowest possible entry price point, starting $7,545 lower than car1, is critical.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | Mazda CX-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | - |
| Height | 66.9" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
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 | 261 hp | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 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 shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 33/34 MPG | 24/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 409.2/421.6 mi. | 444.0/518.0 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 77/71 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 74 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 30 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 45 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 3.4 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Mazda CX-70.
What is the total difference in horsepower output between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 (car2) offers 280 horsepower, which is 19 horsepower more than the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV (car1) that produces 261 horsepower. This difference contributes to the CX-70’s greater torque output of 332 lb-ft.
How much more cargo space does the CX-70 provide over the Sorento PHEV?
The Mazda CX-70 offers substantially more cargo capacity at 39.6 cu ft. This is over three times the volume available in the Kia Sorento PHEV, which is rated at only 12.6 cu ft.
What is the effective city MPG for the Sorento PHEV when running solely on gasoline?
When operating in hybrid mode, the Kia Sorento PHEV is rated for 33 City MPG, slightly below its 34 Highway MPG. In contrast, the CX-70 achieves 24 City MPG.
How does the transmission design differ between these two AWD crossovers?
The Kia Sorento PHEV utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, optimizing for electric assist and efficiency. The Mazda CX-70 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically aligns better with higher torque outputs and performance driving.
What is the dollar-per-horsepower ratio difference based on MSRP?
Car2 has a significantly lower entry price of $40,445 for 280 hp, yielding a lower cost per horsepower. Car1 costs $47,990 for 261 hp, making the CX-70 offer better initial output per dollar spent.
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