2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$31,990 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 lies in performance, with the CX-90 offering a substantial 89 additional horsepower, generating 280 hp compared to the Sorento's 191 hp, alongside 332 lb-ft of torque versus 181 lb-ft. This power gap is reflected in the MSRP difference of $6,810, with the Sorento starting at $31,990 and the CX-90 at $38,800. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with the Sorento achieving a marginally better combined 26 MPG versus the CX-90's 25 MPG, though the Sorento utilizes front-wheel drive exclusively while the CX-90 includes standard All-Wheel Drive. Furthermore, the CX-90 is dimensionally larger, offering 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft, and is longer by 11.2 inches (200.8 vs 189.6 inches). Buyers must weigh the significant performance increase of the CX-90 against the Sorento's lower entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its $6,810 lower MSRP and slightly superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is preferred for families because it offers greater maximum cargo capacity at 14.9 cu ft and standard All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 191 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento presents better overall value, evidenced by its $31,990 base price against the CX-90's $38,800.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Budget constraints mandate an entry price under $32,000, as the MSRP is $31,990.
Maximizing fuel efficiency by 1 MPG combined (26 MPG vs 25 MPG) is a top priority.
A smaller vehicle footprint is preferred, with a length of 189.6 inches compared to the CX-90's 200.8 inches.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Performance metrics, such as achieving 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, are crucial.
All-Wheel Drive capability is required standard across all trims considered.
Need for maximum storage volume, as the CX-90 provides 14.9 cu ft versus 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"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

What is the primary performance advantage of the 2026 Mazda CX-90?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has a significant power advantage, producing 280 horsepower, which is 89 hp more than the 2025 Kia Sorento's 191 hp. This substantial power increase is paired with considerably higher torque output.

How does the pricing structure differ between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Sorento has a base MSRP of $31,990, making it substantially more affordable than the 2026 Mazda CX-90, which starts at $38,800, resulting in a $6,810 price gap.

Is there a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency ratings?

The fuel economy ratings are very similar; the Sorento achieves 26 MPG combined, slightly edging out the CX-90's 25 MPG combined. However, the Sorento achieves 31 MPG highway versus the CX-90's 28 MPG highway.

Which vehicle offers more interior space for cargo?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers 14.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, which surpasses the 2025 Kia Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet. The CX-90 is also the longer vehicle overall at 200.8 inches.

Does the drive type selection differ between the base models?

Yes, the standard configuration for the base 2025 Kia Sorento is Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is equipped with All Wheel Drive as standard equipment.