2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between premium driving dynamics and lower running costs is a common headache for crossover shoppers. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 enters the ring boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard setup, aiming squarely at driver engagement, though it achieves a combined 25 MPG. On the other side, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid focuses relentlessly on economy, delivering a superb 42 combined MPG, while costing a significant $7,755 less, starting at $30,290. The CX-90 is physically larger at 200.8 inches long compared to the Sportage Hybrid’s 184.4 inches. While the Mazda offers AWD standard, its comparatively low 14.9 cu ft of cargo space lags far behind the Kia’s massive 39.5 cu ft, presenting a clear trade-off between passenger space/power and utility/efficiency for the modern buyer.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid clearly wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 42 combined MPG.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Families will overwhelmingly favor the Kia's significantly larger cargo capacity of 39.5 cu ft over the Mazda's 14.9 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid offers substantially better value, starting $7,755 cheaper and delivering 17 more MPG.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- You prioritize brisk acceleration and superior power, benefiting from the 280 hp engine.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied conditions.
- You prefer the driving refinement associated with the larger 200.8-inch chassis.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- Minimizing trips to the gas station is key, thanks to the 42 combined MPG rating.
- Maximum utility is necessary, evidenced by the 39.5 cu ft of available cargo space.
- You want to save $7,755 upfront compared to the entry price of the CX-90.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-90 | Kia Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 184.4" |
| Width | 78.5" | 73.4" |
| Height | 68.2" | 65.4" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm | 232 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 | 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 | 41/44 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 42 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 444.0/518.0 mi. | 561.7/602.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.7 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Dual 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. | 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: 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. | 41.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | 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 | — |
| 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-90 and 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Kia Sportage Hybrid compared to the Mazda CX-90?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 42 MPG. This is a notable 17 MPG better than the 2025 Mazda CX-90's combined rating of 25 MPG.
If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover offers more space?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner for cargo, offering 39.5 cubic feet of space. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 trails considerably with only 14.9 cubic feet.
Is the price difference substantial between these two models?
Yes, there is a significant financial difference; the Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,045, which is $7,755 more expensive than the Kia Sportage Hybrid’s starting MSRP of $30,290.
Which car provides more raw power for highway merging?
The Mazda CX-90 is the more powerful option, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Hybrid produces 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.
Does the difference in size affect how they drive?
The CX-90 is the larger vehicle at 200.8 inches long, which generally suggests a more planted, possibly softer ride, while the smaller Kia (184.4 inches long) might feel more nimble in tight parking lots.
Do I need premium fuel in either of these crossovers?
Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium fuel for their base engines; both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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