2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Kia Sorento lies in performance, with the Mazda offering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, representing an 89 hp advantage for the CX-90. Despite this power gap, the Sorento claims a slight fuel economy lead with a 26 MPG combined rating versus the CX-90's 25 MPG combined, although the Mazda utilizes standard all-wheel drive while the Sorento defaults to front-wheel drive. Financially, the Sorento starts at a lower MSRP of $32,190, undercutting the CX-90's $38,045 entry price by $5,855. Dimensionally, the CX-90 is larger, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the Sorento's 189.6 inches, which corresponds to a marginal cargo advantage for the Mazda at 14.9 cubic feet versus 12.6 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for commuting due to its lower starting MSRP of $32,190 and slightly superior combined fuel economy at 26 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides better utility for families with a larger overall footprint (200.8 inches long) and superior cargo space (14.9 cu ft vs 12.6 cu ft).
2025 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is the choice for driving engagement, boasting substantially higher output with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento delivers better entry value, priced $5,855 lower than the CX-90 while still offering adequate efficiency and necessary crossover utility.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- Maximum engine performance is required, leveraging the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- Standard all-wheel drive capability is preferred over the Sorento's FWD base configuration.
- A longer vehicle length (200.8 inches) and more storage capacity (14.9 cu ft) are prioritized.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Budget is a primary constraint, evidenced by the $5,855 lower starting MSRP ($32,190).
- Marginal fuel efficiency is critical, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the CX-90's 25 MPG.
- A smaller, more maneuverable vehicle is needed, given the Sorento's narrower width (74.8 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 189.6" |
| Width | 78.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.7 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: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-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-90 and 2026 Kia Sorento.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 CX-90 and 2026 Sorento?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 delivers significantly more power, outputting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Kia Sorento produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda has a 89 hp advantage in raw output.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Kia Sorento edges out the competition slightly with a 26 MPG combined rating compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-90's 25 MPG combined rating. Note that the Sorento's efficiency is based on FWD, while the CX-90 comes standard with AWD.
How substantial is the price difference between the two models?
The 2026 Kia Sorento has a notably lower starting MSRP at $32,190. This is $5,855 less expensive than the 2025 Mazda CX-90, which begins at $38,045.
If I haul cargo often, which vehicle is physically larger?
The Mazda CX-90 is dimensionally larger overall, with a length of 200.8 inches versus the Sorento's 189.6 inches. This translates to 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the CX-90 compared to 12.6 cubic feet in the Sorento.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Kia Sorento are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, offering operational cost savings over vehicles requiring premium fuel.
How does the standard drivetrain configuration differ?
The Mazda CX-90 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) across its lineup for enhanced traction in varied conditions. Conversely, the base trim for the Kia Sorento utilizes a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup.
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