2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

$31,990 · Crossover

$30,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Mazda CX-50 present distinct value propositions, most significantly separated by cargo volume, where the CX-50 offers a massive 31.4 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. Pricing is close, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 versus the Sorento's $31,990 MSRP, despite the Sorento having standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) while the CX-50 includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Performance metrics are nearly identical; the Sorento edges out slightly in power with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50’s 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Mazda slightly, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Sorento’s 26 combined MPG. However, the Sorento is physically longer at 189.6 inches, whereas the CX-50 is lower by over 3 inches (66.7 inches vs. 63.5 inches), suggesting different utility profiles despite both being crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG and standard AWD, offering better efficiency and traction versatility.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sorento

Despite its smaller stated cargo capacity, the Kia Sorento's longer 189.6-inch length and typically standard third-row capability (implied by segment norms for Sorento) makes it better suited for family transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50’s higher torque (185 lb-ft vs. 181 lb-ft) and shorter overall length, paired with standard AWD, suggest a more engaging driving dynamic.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is cheaper at $30,500, delivers 2 MPG better efficiency, and includes AWD standard over the Sorento’s FWD configuration.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

You require the slightly higher peak horsepower output of 191 hp for freeway merging.
You prefer the longer wheelbase suggested by the Sorento’s 189.6-inch overall length for potentially smoother highway cruising.
You prioritize the 23 MPG city rating associated with its FWD setup over the CX-50's 25 MPG city rating, if you rarely drive in the city.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Maximum usable storage space is critical, as the CX-50 provides 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary, as it is standard on the CX-50 compared to the FWD base of the Sorento.
Better base efficiency is desired, highlighted by the CX-50's 28 combined MPG rating versus the Sorento's 26 combined MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	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	8-speed 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)	23/31 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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.
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 and 2025 Mazda CX-50.

Which crossover offers better outright cargo hauling capabilities?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers significantly more cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet. In contrast, the 2025 Kia Sorento lists only 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space, suggesting the CX-50 is superior for utility tasks based on these stated measurements.

How do the base powertrains compare in terms of output and economy?

The Kia Sorento has a slight edge in horsepower (191 hp vs. 187 hp) and torque (181 lb-ft vs. 185 lb-ft if the CX-50's 185 lb-ft measurement is for the base engine), but the CX-50 maintains better fuel economy at 28 combined MPG versus the Sorento’s 26 combined MPG.

Is there a significant difference in the starting price between these two models?

Yes, the Mazda CX-50 carries a lower entry MSRP of $30,500, while the Kia Sorento begins at $31,990. This $1,490 difference is compounded by the CX-50 including AWD standard.

What is the primary drivetrain difference between the two base models?

The 2025 Kia Sorento comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 features All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Considering exterior dimensions, how do the sizes align?

The Kia Sorento is physically the larger vehicle, measuring 189.6 inches long and 66.7 inches high. The Mazda CX-50 is notably shorter in height at 63.5 inches, which contributes to its lower center of gravity but sacrifices overall interior volume compared to the Sorento.

Do these vehicles use the same type of fuel and transmission?

Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, aligning on fuel type requirements. However, the Sorento utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the CX-50 employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic.