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

$40,490 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the practical efficiency of the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the robust size of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is a classic crossover conundrum. If your primary goal is slashing fuel costs, the Sportage PHEV leads significantly with a combined 36 MPG versus the CX-90's 25 MPG, translating to serious long-term savings. The Kia offers a solid 33 miles of electric-only range, perfect for short trips, while the larger Mazda provides more muscle, boasting 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 271 lb-ft. Despite the size difference, the Sportage has more than double the usable space with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo room versus the CX-90's smaller 14.9 cu ft area. The entry price is close, with the CX-90 slightly cheaper at $38,800 compared to the Kia's $40,490, but the PHEV's fuel economy offsets this initial difference quickly.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV's ability to deliver 33 miles on pure electricity and achieve 36 combined MPG makes it vastly more economical for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the physically larger vehicle, offering more overall passenger and potential seating flexibility, even if its primary cargo capacity is smaller.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 produces more raw power, delivering 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 271 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

While slightly pricier upfront, the Kia's massive 11 MPG efficiency advantage provides superior long-term operational value.

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

You prioritize fuel economy and want a 36 combined MPG rating.
Your daily driving needs are mostly covered by the 33-mile all-electric range.
You need usable utility, as the Kia offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need the extra physical presence provided by the CX-90's greater dimensions (200.8 inches long).
You prefer the immediate punch of higher torque, rated at 332 lb-ft.
You want a slightly lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Mazda CX-90
Length	184.4"	200.8"
Width	73.4"	78.5"
Height	66.9"	68.3"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED 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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
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	268 hp	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	271 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	Locking	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/36 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	36 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.5/399.6 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
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.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 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	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 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 Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	265/55R19
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Is the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV cheaper to run than the Mazda CX-90?

Yes, absolutely. The Sportage PHEV achieves 36 combined MPG, which is 11 MPG better than the CX-90's 25 combined MPG. Over a year, this efficiency gap will result in significant savings at the pump.

Which vehicle is physically larger for passengers and general hauling?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is significantly larger overall, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Sportage's 184.4 inches. However, the Sportage offers more dedicated rear cargo volume at 34.5 cu ft versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

Do either of these vehicles use premium fuel?

No, both the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs manageable.

How does the power output compare between the two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 is the more powerful vehicle, boasting 280 horsepower and a healthy 332 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Sportage PHEV produces 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, using its electric boost wisely for efficiency.

What is the advantage of the Sportage's electric-only range?

The Kia Sportage PHEV can travel 33 miles purely on battery power before engaging the hybrid system. This allows many drivers to complete short commutes or errands using zero gasoline.

Are the transmissions different between the two models?

Yes, the Kia uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Mazda utilizes a slightly more modern-feeling 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, reflecting their different powertrain setups.