2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$31,990 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento fires up the segment with its practical edge, starting at a compelling $31,990 MSRP, making efficiency its main attraction with a 26 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 immediately grabs attention with its commanding performance credentials, boasting a robust 280 hp and staggering 332 lb-ft of torque, offering a truly exhilarating crossover experience. This comparison boils down to practicality versus performance pedigree. The Sorento keeps things tidy with 191 hp and a narrower width of 74.8 inches, ideal for urban navigation. The CX-90, however, offers significantly more muscle, a larger footprint at 200.8 inches long, and superior standard All-Wheel Drive capability, justifying its $6,055 higher starting price through sheer output and dynamic capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior 26 combined MPG efficiency versus the CX-90's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 provides a better family platform with greater length (200.8 inches) and more standard cargo capacity (14.9 cu ft).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 dominates driving enthusiasm with a massive 89 horsepower advantage and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento provides a far lower barrier to entry with a $31,990 MSRP compared to the CX-90's $38,045.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

You prioritize saving money upfront, as the Sorento starts at $31,990.
You want slightly better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG highway with its 26 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, as the Sorento is 189.6 inches long, making parking easier.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You demand immediate power, benefiting from the CX-90's substantial 280 horsepower output.
All-weather traction is critical, as the CX-90 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
You need maximum utility, evidenced by its 14.9 cu ft of cargo space over the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Mazda CX-90
Length	189.6"	200.8"
Width	74.8"	78.5"
Height	66.7"	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 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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	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	8-speed automatic	8-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)	23/31 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three 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	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	39.7 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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	55.5 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	Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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.
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-90.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Sorento and CX-90?

The gap is substantial; the Mazda CX-90 delivers 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which is 89 more horsepower than the Kia Sorento's 191 hp rating. This difference will be felt immediately in acceleration and highway passing power.

Which crossover is better equipped for cost-conscious drivers?

The Kia Sorento presents the better value proposition with a starting MSRP of $31,990, saving buyers $6,055 compared to the Mazda CX-90's $38,045 entry price. This lower initial investment makes the Sorento highly appealing.

Does the CX-90's larger size translate to meaningful interior space benefits?

Yes, the CX-90 is both longer (200.8 inches vs. 189.6 inches) and wider, resulting in 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. This extra volume is beneficial for larger families or frequent haulers.

Are there differences in fuel economy despite both using regular unleaded fuel?

While both are close, the Sorento edges out the CX-90 slightly, offering 26 combined MPG versus the CX-90's 25 combined MPG. The Sorento achieves better efficiency on the highway at 31 MPG versus 28 MPG.

Is All-Wheel Drive standard on both models for foul weather driving?

No, the Kia Sorento comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the significantly more powerful Mazda CX-90 includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, offering better grip in low-traction situations.

How do the transmissions compare in driving feel?

Both utilize eight-speed automatics, but the CX-90 specifies a 'shiftable automatic,' implying a more engaging manual control experience for the enthusiast driver. The Sorento uses a standard 8-speed automatic optimized for economy.