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

$30,500 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the dependable 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the technologically advanced 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid boils down to budget versus long-term savings and performance. If saving upfront matters most, the CX-50 starts strong at an MSRP of $30,500, significantly undercutting the Kia's $40,490 starting price. However, the Kia fights back with a robust 268 hp compared to the Mazda's 187 hp, making it quicker. For daily driving, the Sportage PHEV offers a compelling 33 miles of electric range and a higher combined MPG of 36, whereas the CX-50 achieves 28 combined MPG. While the Kia offers slightly more cargo space at 34.5 cu ft versus 31.4 cu ft, the $9,990 difference in entry cost is substantial and must be weighed against the PHEV's running cost benefits.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV wins for commuters due to its 33 miles of all-electric range, drastically reducing fuel costs during typical daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV edges out the CX-50 by offering superior combined MPG (36 vs 28) and slightly more usable cargo space (34.5 cu ft vs 31.4 cu ft).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

With 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, the Sportage PHEV offers substantially more power than the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 provides excellent AWD utility with great fuel economy (28 MPG combined) for $9,990 less than the starting MSRP of the Kia.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You want to save $9,990 immediately, as the CX-50 starts at $30,500.
You prefer the standard efficiency of an all-wheel-drive gas vehicle that uses regular unleaded fuel and achieves 31 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a slightly larger physical footprint, as the CX-50 is slightly longer (185.8 inches) than the Kia.

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

You can take advantage of the 33 miles of electric range for most daily commutes.
You prioritize performance, benefiting from the 268 hp generated by the hybrid powertrain.
You want better overall fuel economy, boasting a combined 36 MPG versus the CX-50's 28 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	185.8"	184.4"
Width	75.6"	73.4"
Height	63.5"	66.9"
Wheelbase	110.8"	108.5"

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	—	✓
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	268 hp
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	271 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	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	87/78 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	83 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	33 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	43
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
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.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	—
Spare Tire Location	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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV than the 2025 Mazda CX-50?

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV has a significantly higher starting MSRP of $40,490 compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-50's $30,500, representing a $9,990 difference.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips based on fuel economy?

While both use regular unleaded fuel, the CX-50 gets 28 combined MPG, whereas the Sportage PHEV achieves 36 combined MPG, suggesting the Kia might still have an edge once the electric range is depleted.

Is the power difference between these two crossovers noticeable?

Yes, the Kia Sportage PHEV produces 268 hp, which is 81 hp more than the Mazda CX-50's 187 hp, indicating much quicker acceleration capability.

Do both cars offer all-wheel drive capability?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) transmission configurations.

Does the Mazda CX-50 offer more cargo space?

No, the Kia Sportage PHEV offers slightly more room for gear, providing 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-50's 31.4 cubic feet.

Which vehicle is better if I don't have a place to plug in the hybrid daily?

If you cannot regularly charge the plug-in hybrid, the Mazda CX-50 becomes the better value proposition since you lose the primary benefit of the Kia while paying a much higher upfront cost.