2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$28,790 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the practical efficiency of the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the balanced driving experience of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 can feel like choosing between your wallet and your fun factor. If fuel costs are top of mind, the Kia dominates: the Sportage Hybrid delivers a combined 43 MPG, dwarfing the CX-5's 25 MPG combined—an 18 MPG gulf that adds up fast. Performance seekers might lean toward the Sportage Hybrid's 227 horsepower versus the CX-5's 187 horsepower, giving the Kia a noticeable edge in acceleration. However, the Mazda keeps its MSRP very close, starting at $28,770 compared to the Kia's $28,790. While the CX-5 offers standard All-Wheel Drive, the Kia provides significantly more utility with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Mazda's 30.8 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its exceptional 43 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly lowering daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Families will benefit more from the Kia's superior utility, offering 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Mazda's 30.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Sportage Hybrid offers noticeably more performance with 227 horsepower, beating the CX-5's 187 horsepower rating.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 offers better baseline value by including All-Wheel Drive standard for virtually the same MSRP of $28,770.

Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...

Your primary concern is minimizing gas station visits, thanks to its impressive 43 MPG combined rating.
You frequently haul large items, as its 39.5 cu ft of cargo space beats the CX-5 by over 8 cubic feet.
You want the stronger acceleration provided by its 227 horsepower engine.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You live in an area requiring AWD capability for poor weather, which the CX-5 includes standard.
You prefer a slightly taller vehicle profile, as the CX-5 measures 66.1 inches high compared to the Kia's 65.4 inches.
You prioritize the driving feel that comes with 186 lb-ft of torque and a shiftable automatic transmission over hybrid efficiency.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Hybrid	Mazda CX-5
Length	183.5"	180.1"
Width	73.4"	72.6"
Height	65.4"	66.1"
Wheelbase	108.5"	106.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	227 hp	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	186 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Transmission Type	6-speed automatic	6-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)	42/44 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	43 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	575.4/602.8 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.7 gal.	15.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	55.2 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

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	55.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted 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
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 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 Sportage Hybrid and 2025 Mazda CX-5.

How much gas money can I actually save going with the Kia hybrid?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid achieves 43 MPG combined, while the Mazda CX-5 is rated at only 25 MPG combined. That 18 MPG difference means you'll spend considerably less on regular unleaded fuel over the course of a year.

Is the Mazda CX-5’s standard All-Wheel Drive better than the Kia’s FWD?

For drivers in snowy or consistently slippery conditions, the CX-5's standard AWD provides better traction than the Sportage Hybrid's standard Front Wheel Drive. However, the Kia prioritizes fuel efficiency over all-weather security in this specific trim comparison.

If I enjoy driving, which crossover feels faster?

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid is objectively faster, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially out-muscling the Mazda CX-5's 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle offers more practical space for large shopping trips or luggage?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 39.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Mazda CX-5 is notably smaller inside, providing only 30.8 cubic feet of storage space.

Are the starting prices for these two crossovers nearly identical?

Yes, the entry MSRPs are practically the same: the Mazda CX-5 starts at $28,770, just $20 less than the Kia Sportage Hybrid's starting price of $28,790.