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

$40,445 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When trying to decide between daily usability and long-term fuel savings, the choice between the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid gets interesting. The Mazda CX-70 leans into traditional power, offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its regular unleaded engine, paired with an MSRP of $40,445. Conversely, the Kia Sportage PHEV asks a slightly higher $40,490 but promises significant savings, boasting a combined 36 MPG compared to the CX-70's 25 MPG—a crucial 11 MPG difference. While the Mazda is noticeably larger at 200.8 inches long, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, the Kia provides 33 miles of pure electric range, which could mean zero gas fill-ups for shorter commutes.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its excellent 36 MPG combined efficiency and 33 miles of electric-only driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-70

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 is better for families because its longer 200.8-inch body provides a superior 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers better long-term value by offsetting its higher MSRP with significantly better fuel economy.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You prioritize raw power, needing the 280 horsepower available from the standard engine setup.
You require maximum interior volume, as the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the slightly lower starting price of $40,445 compared to the Kia's starting point.

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

You want to drastically cut gas station visits, leveraging the 33 miles of all-electric range.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, benefiting from the substantial 11 MPG combined advantage (36 MPG vs. 25 MPG).
You appreciate a slightly wider stance (73.4 inches) for stability, despite being shorter overall at 184.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-70	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	200.8"	184.4"
Width	-	73.4"
Height	68.2"	66.9"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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 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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
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	268 hp
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	271 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	Locking
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
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	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	54.8 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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

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	—
Spare Tire Location	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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the fuel cost compare between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sportage PHEV has a significant advantage here, achieving 36 MPG combined compared to the Mazda CX-70's 25 MPG combined—a difference of 11 MPG. Furthermore, the Kia can cover the first 33 miles entirely on electric power, dramatically reducing regular unleaded consumption for typical daily driving.

Is the larger size of the Mazda CX-70 worth the trade-off in efficiency?

The Mazda CX-70 is indeed longer (200.8 inches vs. 184.4 inches) and offers more cargo space (39.6 cu ft vs. 34.5 cu ft). If hauling large items frequently is paramount, the size is beneficial, but you will accept the corresponding drop in fuel economy.

Which vehicle is better equipped for spirited driving?

Enthusiasts will likely favor the CX-70, which boasts 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque to push its 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sportage PHEV offers less peak power at 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque through its 6-speed automatic.

What is the charging situation for the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid?

While we know the Kia has a 33-mile electric range, specific charging times or battery size aren't detailed here. However, remember that to maximize its value, you must have access to charging, which is not a factor for the gasoline-only CX-70.

Are there significant differences in their AWD systems or required fuel?

Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, making ownership logistics simple for both choices. The key mechanical difference lies in their transmissions: the Mazda uses an 8-speed unit while the Kia uses a 6-speed unit.

How close are the starting prices for these two models?

The MSRPs are nearly identical; the 2025 Mazda CX-70 starts at $40,445, while the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is listed at $40,490. This minimal $45 difference means your buying decision should hinge on usage patterns rather than initial sticker shock.