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

$48,290 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV grabs attention with its efficient electric capability, offering 30 miles of pure EV range and achieving 33 combined MPG, ideal for minimizing daily running costs. Meanwhile, the 2026 Mazda CX-70 fires back with raw power, boasting a commanding 280 hp and a robust 332 lb-ft of torque, promising a more visceral driving thrill. While the Kia starts at $48,290, the CX-70 undercuts it significantly at $42,250, despite the Kia offering a 6-speed automatic versus the Mazda's 8-speed. The efficiency gap is massive: the Sorento PHEV delivers 8 more MPG combined than the CX-70's 25 MPG. However, the CX-70 provides substantially more utility, swallowing 39.6 cu ft of cargo compared to the Sorento's mere 12.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV is the clear choice for commuters due to its 30 miles of electric range and superior 33 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers significantly more space, hauling 39.6 cu ft of cargo compared to the Kia's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

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

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 provides a powerful 280 hp experience while carrying a $6,040 lower starting MSRP than the Sorento PHEV.

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

Your daily driving rarely exceeds the 30-mile electric range, minimizing gasoline use.
You prioritize fuel economy, benefiting from the 33 combined MPG versus the CX-70's 25 MPG.
You prefer the slightly smaller exterior footprint at 189.6 inches long for easier city parking.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

You demand immediate, stronger acceleration thanks to 332 lb-ft of torque.
Your budget demands saving the $6,040 difference in base price.
You need maximum hauling capacity, utilizing the CX-70's massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Mazda CX-70
Length	189.6"	200.8"
Width	74.8"	-
Height	66.9"	68.2"
Wheelbase	110.8"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
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.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	18.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	56.2 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 Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

What is the primary performance advantage of the Mazda CX-70 over the Kia Sorento PHEV?

The Mazda CX-70 delivers a distinct performance edge with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Kia Sorento PHEV's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Sorento PHEV for highway driving?

The Sorento PHEV offers notably better fuel economy on the highway, achieving 34 MPG compared to the CX-70's 28 MPG rating.

Does the electric range on the Kia affect its utility versus the Mazda?

Yes, the Kia offers 30 miles of pure electric driving, but this PHEV configuration severely restricts its cargo space to only 12.6 cu ft, while the non-PHEV CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft.

Is the higher price of the Kia Sorento PHEV justified by its drivetrain?

The Kia justifies its $48,290 MSRP by including plug-in hybrid technology and an electric range, although the CX-70 is nearly $6,000 cheaper and has an 8-speed transmission.

Are both crossovers capable in poor weather conditions?

Yes, both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing enhanced traction regardless of which powertrain configuration you choose.

Which vehicle uses a simpler transmission setup?

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic, which is mechanically simpler than the 8-speed shiftable automatic found in the 2026 Mazda CX-70.