2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$28,790 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the efficient, spacious 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the slightly more nimble, affordable 2026 Mazda CX-30 can be tough. If saving on gas is your top priority, the choice is clear: the Sportage Hybrid sips fuel, achieving an outstanding 43 MPG combined compared to the CX-30’s 27 MPG combined. This massive 16 MPG advantage translates to fewer trips to the pump over the long run. Power-wise, the Kia pulls ahead with 227 hp versus the Mazda’s 186 hp, offering 41 more horsepower for passing maneuvers. However, the CX-30 starts at a lower MSRP of $25,975. On the practicality front, the Sportage offers nearly double the storage space, boasting 39.5 cubic feet of cargo room compared to just 20.2 cu ft in the smaller CX-30. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize exceptional fuel economy and space or a lower entry price and smaller footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid is better for families as it offers substantially more storage space at 39.5 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Enthusiasts will prefer the Sportage Hybrid for its higher output of 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 offers better initial value with a lower MSRP of $25,975, despite having lower fuel efficiency.

Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...

You average high annual mileage and want to maximize savings with 43 MPG combined.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the 39.5 cu ft of available cargo space.
You desire more acceleration thanks to the 227 hp engine.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Your primary goal is keeping the initial purchase price low, starting at $25,975.
You prefer an All-Wheel Drive system standard for potentially better grip.
You are comfortable with a smaller vehicle footprint, evidenced by its 173.0-inch length versus the Kia's 183.5 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Hybrid	Mazda CX-30
Length	183.5"	173.0"
Width	73.4"	70.7"
Height	65.4"	61.4"
Wheelbase	108.5"	104.4"

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	—	✓
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	186 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	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/44 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	43 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	575.4/602.8 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.7 gal.	12.7 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	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media 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.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	54.6 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

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	53.2 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	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
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 2026 Mazda CX-30.

How much more efficient is the Kia Sportage Hybrid compared to the Mazda CX-30?

The difference in efficiency is substantial; the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid delivers 43 MPG combined, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-30 achieves only 27 MPG combined. This means the Kia gets 16 more miles per gallon, which adds up quickly in daily driving.

Is the Mazda CX-30's standard AWD a dealbreaker against the Kia's FWD?

It depends on your climate. The CX-30 offers standard All-Wheel Drive, which is great for slippery conditions, but the Sportage Hybrid is FWD only. If you live where AWD is essential, the CX-30 has an edge, despite sacrificing efficiency.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling luggage or gear?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is vastly better for cargo, offering 39.5 cubic feet of capacity. The Mazda CX-30 only provides 20.2 cubic feet, making the Kia nearly twice as spacious for luggage.

How big is the performance gap between the two crossovers?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is notably stronger, producing 227 horsepower compared to the Mazda CX-30’s 186 horsepower. This 41 hp advantage means the Kia will feel quicker when accelerating onto the highway.

If budget is the absolute main concern, which one should I buy?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the more budget-friendly entry point with an MSRP of $25,975. The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts higher at $28,790, although its superior MPG might offset the difference over several years.

Are the transmission types similar between these two models?

Both use a 6-speed automatic transmission, but they are calibrated differently. The Sportage uses a standard 6-speed automatic, while the CX-30 features a 6-speed shiftable automatic, offering the driver slightly more manual control options.