2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$27,390 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference lies in the starting MSRPs, with the 2025 Kia Sportage starting at $27,390, which is $2,510 less than the 2026 Mazda CX-50's $29,900 entry point. This price disparity is accompanied by efficiency trade-offs: the Sportage achieves a combined 28 MPG, outperforming the CX-50's 26 MPG combined rating. However, the Mazda compensates with superior torque delivery, boasting 185 lb-ft compared to the Kia’s 178 lb-ft, despite both generating 187 horsepower. Dimensionally, the Sportage is slightly shorter at 183.5 inches versus the CX-50's 185.8 inches, though the Kia offers substantially more storage space with 39.6 cu ft compared to the Mazda's 31.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and is 2.1 inches wider (75.6 inches), suggesting a focus on traction and stability over sheer practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage provides significantly more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is preferred by enthusiasts due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system and marginally higher torque output of 185 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage offers a lower barrier to entry at $27,390, undercutting the Mazda by $2,510.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

Budget is the primary concern, as the MSRP starts $2,510 lower at $27,390.
Maximum cargo volume is needed, with 39.6 cu ft available versus the competitor’s 31.4 cu ft.
Priority is placed on maximizing fuel efficiency, as evidenced by the 28 MPG combined rating.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

All-weather capability is mandatory, as the CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
Slightly better low-end acceleration is desired, supported by the 185 lb-ft torque rating.
A slightly wider stance (75.6 inches) and overall length (185.8 inches) are preferred for road presence.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	Mazda CX-50
Length	183.5"	185.8"
Width	73.4"	75.6"
Height	65.4"	63.5"
Wheelbase	108.5"	110.8"

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	—	✓
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	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/32 MPG	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	15.9 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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	53.6 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	52.1 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	✓	—
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.
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 2026 Mazda CX-50.

What is the primary mechanical difference between the base models?

The key mechanical distinction is the drive type; the 2025 Kia Sportage comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, while the 2026 Mazda CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive. Furthermore, the CX-50 delivers 185 lb-ft of torque versus the Sportage's 178 lb-ft.

How much more practical is the Kia Sportage for hauling gear?

The Sportage holds a substantial advantage in cargo capacity, offering 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is notably greater than the CX-50’s capacity of 31.4 cubic feet, making the Kia better suited for larger loads.

Does the higher price of the CX-50 translate to better fuel economy?

No, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is less efficient despite its higher $29,900 MSRP. It achieves a combined 26 MPG, whereas the lower-priced Kia Sportage provides a combined rating of 28 MPG.

Are the horsepower figures the same for both crossovers?

Yes, both the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are rated at an identical 187 horsepower in their base trims. The dynamic difference in performance will likely stem from torque delivery and transmission gearing.

How does the base MSRP compare between the two vehicles?

The 2025 Kia Sportage has a base MSRP of $27,390, positioning it as the more affordable option against the 2026 Mazda CX-50, which starts at $29,900. This represents a $2,510 initial cost savings for the Kia.

Which vehicle has a simpler automatic transmission setup?

The Kia Sportage utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Mazda CX-50 is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic. Buyers prioritizing more gear ratios for potential smoothness might favor the Kia's setup.