2025 Kia Sportage vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$27,390 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage bursts onto the scene with a focus on efficiency, boasting a segment-leading 28 MPG combined, making it the pragmatic choice for long-haul commuters. Its larger 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity also offers superior utility compared to the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft. Conversely, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 captivates with its driver-focused dynamics, delivering slightly more low-end grunt with 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Kia's 178 lb-ft, and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) promises better grip in poor conditions. While the CX-5 starts slightly higher at $28,770 versus the Sportage's $27,390 MSRP, the Mazda counters with a more engaging 6-speed automatic experience. Both machines produce an identical 187 hp, but the fundamental difference lies in the Kia's efficiency edge against the Mazda's standard traction and torque advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

Families will benefit more from the Kia Sportage's substantially larger 39.6 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 offers a more engaging drive with standard AWD and slightly higher torque at 186 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage provides a lower barrier to entry with a $27,390 MSRP and better fuel economy.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You prioritize fuel savings, as the Sportage achieves 32 MPG highway.
You need maximum hauling capability, benefiting from 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the lowest initial investment with an MSRP of $27,390.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You demand standard All-Wheel Drive for year-round performance traction.
You prefer the feel of a slightly punchier engine, signaled by 186 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate a more compact footprint, measuring 180.1 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	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	8-speed shiftable 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)	25/32 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	15.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
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	39.4 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.
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 and 2025 Mazda CX-5.

Which crossover is more powerful based on the specs?

Both the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 generate an identical 187 horsepower. However, the CX-5 has a slight edge in torque output, producing 186 lb-ft compared to the Sportage's 178 lb-ft.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy?

The difference is notable for frequent drivers; the Sportage achieves 28 MPG combined (25 city/32 highway), while the AWD-equipped CX-5 is rated at 25 MPG combined (23 city/29 highway).

Is the Mazda CX-5 better equipped for bad weather?

Yes, the Mazda CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it a clear advantage in traction over the front-wheel-drive Sportage's base configuration.

How much more space does the Sportage offer over the CX-5?

The Kia Sportage is significantly larger inside for cargo, offering 39.6 cu ft versus the Mazda CX-5's 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Which vehicle is cheaper to purchase initially?

The 2025 Kia Sportage carries a lower starting MSRP of $27,390, undercutting the 2025 Mazda CX-5 which begins at $28,770.

Do these crossovers use premium fuel?

Fortunately, neither vehicle requires expensive premium fuel; both the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5 are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.