2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$31,990 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento bursts onto the scene with an accessible price point starting at $31,990, offering a sensible 191 hp powertrain focused on efficiency, netting a respectable 26 MPG combined. It’s the pragmatic choice, sized compactly at 189.6 inches long. Contrarily, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 screams performance enthusiast, boasting a formidable 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, even if its MSRP is significantly higher at $42,250. The Mazda’s extra length (200.8 inches) translates directly into superior utility, evidenced by its massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. While the Kia prioritizes lower running costs, the Mazda provides nearly 90 more horsepower, showcasing a clear divergence in priorities between these two three-row contenders.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its lower initial MSRP of $31,990 and slightly better combined MPG rating of 26.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 is the better family hauler, offering significantly more space with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

Enthusiasts will overwhelmingly favor the Mazda CX-70 for its dominant 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento offers unmatched entry-level accessibility with a $10,260 lower starting price than the CX-70.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

You need to keep your initial outlay low, as the Sorento starts $10,260 less expensive.
Fuel economy is paramount, as the Sorento achieves 31 MPG highway versus the CX-70’s 28 MPG highway.
You prefer the maneuverability of a shorter vehicle, as the Sorento is 11.2 inches shorter in length.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum towing or hauling capability is required, benefiting from the 89 hp advantage and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You require substantial passenger and gear space, given the CX-70's segment-leading 39.6 cu ft cargo volume.
All-wheel drive capability and enhanced driving dynamics are must-haves, as the CX-70 includes AWD standard.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Mazda CX-70
Length	189.6"	200.8"
Width	74.8"	-
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	—	✓
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

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	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	275/45R21
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	✓	✓

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 2026 Mazda CX-70.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Sorento and the 2026 CX-70?

The performance gap is substantial, with the Mazda CX-70 producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Kia Sorento’s 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This nearly 90 horsepower difference means the CX-70 will offer far superior acceleration and passing power.

How does the cargo space compare for hauling gear or luggage?

The Mazda CX-70 offers vastly superior storage capability, boasting 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space. In contrast, the Kia Sorento provides only 12.6 cubic feet, making the CX-70 the clear choice for large families or frequent haulers.

Is the higher price of the CX-70 justified by fuel economy?

No, the higher MSRP of the CX-70 does not yield better fuel economy; the Kia Sorento achieves a better combined rating of 26 MPG versus the Mazda's 25 MPG. The Sorento also offers slightly better highway mileage at 31 MPG.

Which vehicle offers better base traction management?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as its standard drive type, whereas the 2025 Kia Sorento comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). This gives the CX-70 an immediate advantage in poor weather traction.

How significant is the MSRP difference between the two crossovers?

There is a major price disparity, with the Mazda CX-70 starting $10,260 higher than the Kia Sorento. The Sorento begins at $31,990, making it the budget-conscious option for buyers seeking standard three-row transportation.

Are both vehicles flexible with transmission control?

Both utilize 8-speed automatic transmissions, but the Mazda CX-70 specifies a 'shiftable automatic,' suggesting paddle shifters or manual mode control that the base Sorento specification does not explicitly highlight.