2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$38,045 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is fuel economy, with the Kia achieving 36 combined MPG versus the Mazda's 25 combined MPG, representing an 11 MPG advantage for the hybrid. The Mazda counters with superior power, boasting 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outweighing the Kia's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft. Pricing shows the CX-90 starts lower at $38,045 compared to the Sportage PHEV's $40,490. However, the Kia offers substantial utility gains, providing 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, alongside an EPA-estimated 33 miles of pure electric range. While both utilize AWD, the physical footprint differs significantly, with the CX-90 being over 16 inches longer, impacting maneuverability versus interior volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV's ability to achieve 33 miles of electric range and its 36 combined MPG offer substantial long-term fuel savings for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage offers nearly 20 cu ft more maximum cargo space (34.5 cu ft vs. 14.9 cu ft) essential for carrying family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 delivers superior raw output with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 268 hp and 271 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 undercuts the Kia on initial purchase price, starting at $38,045 versus $40,490, while offering higher base power.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

If maximizing engine output is a priority, the CX-90 provides 280 horsepower.
If minimizing initial outlay is critical, the CX-90 has a lower MSRP of $38,045.
If you prefer a larger exterior presence, the CX-90 measures 200.8 inches in length compared to the Kia's 184.4 inches.

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

If fuel efficiency is paramount, the Sportage PHEV offers a superior 36 combined MPG.
If maximum hauling capability is needed, the Kia provides 34.5 cu ft of cargo space.
If short, regular trips can be covered electrically, the Kia provides a 33-mile electric range.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	200.8"	184.4"
Width	78.5"	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	✓	✓
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	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

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

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	✓	✓
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	—
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 Plug-In Hybrid.

Which vehicle offers a better fuel economy rating?

The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid significantly outperforms the Mazda CX-90 in fuel efficiency, achieving 36 combined MPG versus the CX-90's 25 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Kia provides 33 miles of purely electric range before switching to hybrid mode.

How do the horsepower and torque specifications compare between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 holds the performance advantage with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its standard powertrain. The 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV offers 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

Is the larger Mazda CX-90 more practical for hauling cargo?

Despite its larger exterior dimensions (200.8 inches long), the Mazda CX-90 actually offers less cargo room, maxing out at 14.9 cu ft. The smaller Kia Sportage PHEV provides significantly more utility with 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.

What is the difference in starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a lower entry price point at $38,045. The 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is priced higher at $40,490 for its base trim.

Does the difference in electric range make the Kia a better choice for city driving?

Yes, the 33-mile electric range on the Kia Sportage PHEV allows many commuters to complete local driving cycles without consuming gasoline. The CX-90 relies solely on its 25 combined MPG efficiency.

Do both vehicles utilize all-wheel drive and require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability. Additionally, both vehicles are specified to use regular unleaded fuel.