2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$39,890 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the efficient plug-in hybrid technology of the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV and the potent, larger 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a tough call for many crossover shoppers. The primary conflict here is fuel economy versus sheer size and power. The Kia, priced around $39,890, offers an impressive 34 miles of all-electric range and achieves 35 combined MPG, a significant advantage over the Mazda’s 25 combined MPG. This efficiency gap, often resulting in 10 MPG more for the Kia, directly impacts long-term running costs. However, the CX-90 boasts superior muscle with 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia’s 258 lb-ft, and it’s a much larger vehicle at 200.8 inches long. While the Kia provides decent utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo space, the Mazda’s performance credentials and larger footprint make it a different proposition altogether.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 34-mile electric range and 35 combined MPG, drastically cutting fuel use.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The larger 2026 Mazda CX-90 is better suited for families needing interior space, measuring 200.8 inches in length versus the Kia's 183.5 inches.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will favor the Mazda CX-90 for its substantially higher torque output of 332 lb-ft compared to the Kia's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers better running cost value through drastically better fuel economy (35 MPG combined vs. 25 MPG) for a slightly higher MSRP.

Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, benefiting from the 35 combined MPG rating.
Your daily driving needs fit within the 34 miles of pure electric range offered by the plug-in hybrid system.
You prefer a more compact crossover, with the Kia measuring 183.5 inches long.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need maximum power, evidenced by the CX-90's 332 lb-ft of torque.
Your family requires significant passenger or cargo volume, as the CX-90 is substantially larger overall.
You appreciate the smooth shift control provided by the 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Mazda CX-90
Length	183.5"	200.8"
Width	73.4"	78.5"
Height	66.9"	68.3"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	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	6-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	36/35 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	88/79 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	84 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	34 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	40	—
Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	18.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	265/55R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	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.
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 Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How much better is the Kia Sportage PHEV's fuel economy than the Mazda CX-90?

The difference is quite noticeable; the Kia Sportage PHEV achieves 35 combined MPG, while the Mazda CX-90 is rated for only 25 combined MPG. This results in a 10 MPG advantage for the Kia.

Which vehicle has more power under the hood?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is significantly more powerful, producing 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV's 258 lb-ft of torque.

Can I drive the Kia Sportage PHEV exclusively on electricity for short trips?

Yes, the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated electric range of 34 miles before engaging the gasoline engine. This covers many standard commuting distances.

If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover has more usable space?

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more than double the 14.9 cubic feet offered by the larger-bodied Mazda CX-90.