2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV excites with its electric prowess, boasting a 30-mile electric range, perfectly blending daily zero-emission capability with traditional efficiency, achieving 33 MPG combined. In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 grabs attention with superior raw power, delivering a punchy 280 horsepower and a commanding 332 lb-ft of torque, promising a more spirited drive. While the CX-90 is physically larger at 200.8 inches long with 14.9 cu ft of cargo space, the Sorento PHEV counters with better fuel economy and a lower entry price of $47,990 versus the CX-90's $38,045 starting point. The Mazda leverages an 8-speed automatic transmission for its power delivery, whereas the Kia employs a 6-speed. This comparison pits the Sorento's electric economy against the CX-90's torque-rich, conventional performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid wins due to its 30-mile electric range and superior 33 MPG combined efficiency.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 offers greater physical utility with a larger footprint (200.8 inches long) and more cargo capacity at 14.9 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 delivers significantly higher grunt with 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento PHEV's 258 lb-ft.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 offers a compelling performance package for $9,945 less than the Sorento PHEV, despite the fuel efficiency trade-off.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your daily driving needs fit within the 30-mile electric range offered by the PHEV system.
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG combined on gasoline.
- You seek a lower initial purchase price for an AWD crossover, starting at $47,990.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You need maximum pulling power, benefiting from the CX-90's massive 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You require more physical space, highlighted by its 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the performance characteristics of an 8-speed automatic paired with 280 horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.5" |
| Height | 66.9" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 122.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 74 MPGe | โ |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 30 mi. | โ |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 45 | โ |
| Charging Time (240V) | 3.4 hr. | โ |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | โ |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Memory Card Slot | โ | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 4-way |
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 | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | โ | โ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | โ |
| 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 | โ | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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. | โ |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | โ |
| 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-90.
How significant is the MPG difference between the two models?
The difference is substantial: the Kia Sorento PHEV achieves 33 MPG combined, whereas the Mazda CX-90 is rated for 25 MPG combined. This 8 MPG gap means the Sorento will cost considerably less to run once the initial 30-mile EV range is depleted.
Which vehicle offers better outright performance metrics?
The Mazda CX-90 has the edge in pure performance output, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, outgunning the Kia Sorento PHEV's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft.
What is the price disparity between the Sorento PHEV and the CX-90?
There is a significant $9,945 difference in their starting MSRPs, with the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV priced at $47,990 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 starting much lower at $38,045.
Does the Kia Sorento PHEV offer all-electric commuting?
Yes, the Sorento PHEV is equipped with a 30-mile all-electric range, allowing many commuters to complete their daily drives without using any gasoline at all.
How do the physical dimensions compare for parking and maneuverability?
The Mazda CX-90 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 200.8 inches in length and 78.5 inches in width, making the slightly smaller 189.6-inch Kia Sorento PHEV marginally easier to manage in tight urban spaces.
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