2025 Mazda CX-70 vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$40,445 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV is the initial purchase price, with the Mazda priced $7,845 lower at $40,445 compared to the Kia's $48,290 MSRP. Fuel efficiency is another major divergence; the Sorento PHEV achieves a combined 33 MPG and offers a 30-mile electric range, significantly outpacing the CX-70's 25 MPG combined rating. Performance favors the Mazda, which delivers 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard powertrain, exceeding the Kia’s 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. In terms of size, the CX-70 is physically larger, measuring 200.8 inches in length, contrasting with the Sorento's 189.6 inches. However, the cargo utility heavily favors the larger Mazda, offering 39.6 cu ft against the Kia's constrained 12.6 cu ft, likely due to the Sorento's hybrid battery placement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers superior operational efficiency with 33 MPG combined and the flexibility of a 30-mile electric range, lowering daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-70

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provides substantially more usable storage space with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 produces higher conventional power metrics, achieving 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, outclassing the Sorento PHEV's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 achieves a lower barrier to entry at $40,445 while still delivering higher base horsepower figures than the significantly pricier Kia Sorento PHEV.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum cargo volume is critical, as the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft versus 12.6 cu ft for the Sorento.
Superior instantaneous performance metrics, including 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, are desired.
A lower initial MSRP of $40,445 is prioritized over hybrid technology benefits.

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

Achieving 33 MPG combined and utilizing a 30-mile all-electric range for daily driving is a primary goal.
A smaller overall footprint (189.6 inches long) is preferable for urban maneuverability.
The $7,845 price difference is justifiable to gain access to plug-in hybrid powertrain technology.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	200.8"	189.6"
Width	-	74.8"
Height	68.2"	66.9"
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	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	261 hp
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft
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	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	40.3 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	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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.
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-70 and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the cargo space differ between the 2025 CX-70 and the 2026 Sorento PHEV?

The Mazda CX-70 offers substantially more utility, boasting 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV is highly constrained in this area, offering only 12.6 cubic feet, likely due to the packaging of its hybrid components.

Is the CX-70 significantly more powerful than the Sorento PHEV?

Yes, based on specified output, the CX-70 is the more powerful conventional vehicle, generating 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento PHEV's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

What is the main financial difference when comparing the two crossovers?

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 has an MSRP of $40,445, which is $7,845 less expensive than the 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV, which starts at $48,290.

Does the Sorento PHEV offer any significant fuel economy advantage over the CX-70?

The Kia Sorento PHEV achieves a combined 33 MPG, exceeding the CX-70’s 25 MPG combined rating, and provides an additional 30 miles of zero-emission electric driving capability.

Are both vehicles similar in external size?

No, the CX-70 is longer and taller, measuring 200.8 inches in length and 68.2 inches in height. The Sorento PHEV is shorter at 189.6 inches and lower at 66.9 inches, while also being slightly wider at 74.8 inches.

Do both models use the same fuel type and drivetrain?

Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel and come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). However, the CX-70 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission while the Sorento PHEV utilizes a 6-speed automatic.