2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Kia Sportage (car2) and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 (car1) lies in utility, specifically cargo volume, where the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft compared to the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft—an 8.8 cu ft advantage. Performance figures are nearly identical, with both producing 187 horsepower, though the CX-5 retains a slight edge in torque at 186 lb-ft versus the Sportage's 178 lb-ft. Fuel economy demonstrates a measurable split: the Sportage achieves a combined 28 MPG (25/33 City/Highway) using standard FWD, whereas the AWD CX-5 nets 25 MPG combined (23/29 City/Highway). Priced almost identically, the Sportage undercuts the CX-5 by $80, starting at $28,690 versus $28,770. Transmission differences are also present, with the Sportage utilizing an 8-speed automatic versus the CX-5's 6-speed unit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage provides superior fuel efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the CX-5's 25 combined MPG.
2026 Kia Sportage
With 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Sportage offers significantly more practical space than the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 delivers slightly more rotational force with 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sportage's 178 lb-ft, supplemented by standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage undercuts the Mazda CX-5 on MSRP by $80 while providing notably better fuel economy and cargo volume.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied driving conditions.
- You prioritize marginally higher torque delivery (186 lb-ft) from the powertrain.
- You prefer the more compact exterior dimensions, measuring 180.1 inches in length.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- Maximum utility is critical, as evidenced by the 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want the better fuel economy, achieving 33 highway MPG versus the CX-5's 29 highway MPG.
- You prefer the mechanical advantage of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a 6-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-5 | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 184.4" |
| Width | 72.6" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.1" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 106.2" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 178 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 | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/443.7 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.8 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 | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P225/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Kia Sportage.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Kia Sportage (car2) is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving a 28 combined MPG rating with its FWD configuration. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 (car1), burdened by standard AWD, achieves only 25 combined MPG.
Is the performance power output significantly different between these two crossovers?
No, the power output is virtually identical; both vehicles are rated at 187 horsepower. The CX-5 holds a slight 8 lb-ft torque advantage (186 vs 178), which may be more noticeable in acceleration feel.
How does the cargo capacity compare for hauling gear?
The Kia Sportage offers substantially more room, providing 39.6 cu ft of cargo volume, whereas the Mazda CX-5 is restricted to 30.8 cu ft.
What is the impact of the differing drivetrains on efficiency?
The CX-5 uses standard AWD paired with its 6-speed transmission, resulting in a lower 23/29 MPG split. The Sportage leverages FWD with an 8-speed automatic for better efficiency at 25/33 MPG.
Are the starting MSRPs competitive between the two models?
Yes, the pricing is extremely tight; the Kia Sportage starts at $28,690, making it only $80 cheaper than the Mazda CX-5, which begins at $28,770.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is longer and wider than the CX-5, measuring 184.4 inches long compared to the CX-5's 180.1 inches. However, the CX-5 is slightly taller in overall height.
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