2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$30,500 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is the $17,790 MSRP difference, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 against the Sorento PHEV’s $48,290. Performance figures favor the Kia, which delivers 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the CX-50’s 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows the Sorento PHEV achieving a 33 MPG combined rating compared to the CX-50’s 28 MPG combined, further bolstered by a 30-mile electric range. However, the CX-50 offers substantially more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft. While the Sorento is taller by 3.4 inches, the CX-50 maintains a respectable, albeit smaller, footprint for maneuverability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its 30 miles of electric-only range and superior 33 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is the family choice because it provides nearly three times the cargo capacity at 31.4 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Enthusiasts will favor the Sorento PHEV for its significant power advantage, delivering 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 offers significantly better entry-level value with an MSRP of $30,500, which is $17,790 less than the Kia.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize a lower acquisition cost, starting at an MSRP of $30,500.
You need maximum usable cargo volume, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft.
You prefer simpler, naturally aspirated mechanics over a complex plug-in hybrid system.

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

You can utilize the 30 miles of all-electric range for daily commuting.
You require higher output, exemplified by the 261 hp engine.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, targeting a 33 MPG combined rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	185.8"	189.6"
Width	75.6"	74.8"
Height	63.5"	66.9"
Wheelbase	110.8"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Kia
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	261 hp
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	258 lb-ft
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	Mazda	Kia
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all 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)	25/31 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	12.4 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	77/71 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	74 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	30 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	45
Charging Time (240V)	—	3.4 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the primary operational difference regarding fuel economy between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV can operate purely on electricity for 30 miles, and its combined gasoline economy is rated at 33 MPG. In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 relies solely on gasoline, achieving a 28 MPG combined rating.

How do the vehicle dimensions affect interior space and maneuverability?

The CX-50 is slightly shorter in length (185.8 inches vs. 189.6 inches) but crucially offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. The Sorento is taller at 66.9 inches, offering greater vertical clearance.

Is the performance gap between the two vehicles significant?

Yes, the 2026 Sorento PHEV has a substantial lead, producing 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the CX-50 generates 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, a difference of 74 horsepower.

Why is the Kia Sorento PHEV priced nearly $18,000 higher than the Mazda CX-50?

The primary reason for the $48,290 MSRP of the Sorento is its plug-in hybrid powertrain technology and higher power output. The CX-50 is positioned as a traditional AWD crossover with a starting price of $30,500.

Do either of these vehicles use premium gasoline?

Neither vehicle requires premium fuel; both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle is mechanically more robust for towing or heavy hauling given the available specifications?

Based purely on power output, the Sorento PHEV's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque suggest better capability, though specific towing capacities are not provided in the data.