2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a premium driving experience and raw affordability often hinges on a single crossover purchase. The 2025 Mazda CX-70, starting at $40,445, offers a significant performance advantage with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, targeting buyers who prioritize power, despite a slightly lower combined MPG of 25. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento undercuts it drastically at $32,190, saving buyers $8,255 upfront. While the Sorento achieves better fuel economy at 26 MPG combined, it offers substantially less power at 191 hp. Size is also a factor: the CX-70 is over 11 inches longer at 200.8 inches, potentially meaning more interior space, whereas the Sorento is more city-friendly due to its smaller footprint and standard FWD configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its lower $32,190 MSRP and slightly better 26 MPG combined efficiency.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is better for families as it offers a significant 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 clearly appeals to driving enthusiasts by delivering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, drastically outperforming the Sorento's 191 hp.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento provides superior monetary value, costing $8,255 less than the Mazda CX-70.
Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...
- You must have substantial power, evidenced by the CX-70's 280 hp engine.
- You need maximum hauling space, as the CX-70 boasts 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability paired with a powerful 332 lb-ft of torque output.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Sticking to a strict budget is paramount, given the Sorento's $32,190 starting MSRP.
- You prioritize slightly better fuel economy, as the Sorento achieves 26 MPG combined.
- You prefer a more compact footprint for city driving, being 11.2 inches shorter in length than the CX-70.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-70 | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 189.6" |
| Width | - | 74.8" |
| Height | 68.2" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 122.8" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed 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) | 24/28 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/55R19 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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-70 and 2026 Kia Sorento.
How significant is the power difference between the CX-70 and Sorento?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Mazda CX-70 offers 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Kia Sorento produces only 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This 89 hp gap means the Mazda will feel noticeably quicker on the road.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is the clear winner for cargo space, providing 39.6 cubic feet. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Sorento offers only 12.6 cubic feet, making the CX-70 significantly more practical for larger loads.
What is the exact price difference between these two crossovers?
There is an $8,255 difference in the starting price; the 2025 Mazda CX-70 is listed at $40,445, whereas the 2026 Kia Sorento starts significantly lower at $32,190.
Is the AWD standard on both models for better traction?
No, the drive types differ significantly; the Mazda CX-70 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which complements its powerful engine. The Kia Sorento, however, comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, meaning AWD would likely be an added cost.
How do their fuel economy ratings compare since they both use regular unleaded?
The 2026 Kia Sorento holds a slight edge, rated at 26 MPG combined (23/31 City/Highway). The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is rated just 1 MPG lower overall at 25 MPG combined (24/28 City/Highway).
If I want a larger vehicle, which one should I choose based on size?
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches in length and 68.2 inches in height. The Sorento is considerably smaller, sitting at 189.6 inches long and 66.7 inches high.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool