KIA Sorento vs Mazda CX 5: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare KIA Sorento vs Mazda CX 5 – SUVs have dominated the automotive market in 2023, catering to families, adventure enthusiasts, and urban commuters alike.

Two popular contenders in this segment are the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5. Both models boast impressive features, but they also come with distinct attributes that set them apart.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into various aspects, including pricing, fuel economy, dimensions, colors, safety, warranty, specs, and overall pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.

What is the Difference Between KIA Sorento and Mazda CX 5?

The 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 are both excellent choices in the midsize SUV market, each offering unique strengths and features. Here are some key differences between the two SUVs:

Pricing

When considering purchasing a new SUV, one of the first factors that come to mind is the price. The KIA Sorento and the Mazda CX-5 are two popular contenders in the SUV market, offering a range of features and capabilities at different price points.

The 2023 KIA Sorento comes with a starting price of $30,090 for the base trim level. At this price point, buyers can expect a well-equipped SUV with essential features and functionalities.

The base trim offers a comfortable and spacious interior, advanced safety technologies, user-friendly infotainment, and efficient performance.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 starts at a base price of $26,700, making it slightly more affordable than the KIA Sorento.

Despite its lower starting price, the Mazda CX-5 doesn’t compromise on style, performance, or safety features.

Mazda is known for its emphasis on driving dynamics and sporty design, which appeals to those seeking a more engaging driving experience.

The CX-5 also offers a range of trim levels, each with its own set of features, allowing buyers to choose the one that best fits their needs and budget.

Factors to Consider:

When comparing the pricing of the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5, it’s essential to consider your individual preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Budget: If your budget is a primary concern and you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Mazda CX-5 might be the better choice for you.

• Features: Consider the features that matter most to you. While the KIA Sorento may have a slightly higher starting price, it could offer more standard features or advanced technologies that justify the cost.

• Warranty: KIA’s comprehensive warranty coverage may be appealing to those seeking additional peace of mind with their purchase.

• Driving Experience: If you prioritize a sporty driving experience and elegant design, the Mazda CX-5’s performance-focused approach might be a better fit for you.

Ultimately, the choice between the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 comes down to individual preferences, needs, and budget constraints.

Both SUVs offer excellent value in their respective price ranges, and it’s essential to test drive and thoroughly evaluate each model to determine which one aligns best with your lifestyle and requirements.

Whichever SUV you choose, you can rest assured that both the KIA Sorento and Mazda CX-5 are reliable and popular options in the competitive SUV market.

Read also: Volkswagen Tiguan vs Mazda CX 9

Fuel Economy

The 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offer different engine options, providing buyers with varying levels of fuel efficiency to suit their needs and preferences.

– KIA Sorento: Fuel Economy

• Base 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine:

EPA estimates Up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The base engine of the KIA Sorento delivers a commendable fuel economy, ideal for everyday driving needs.

It offers a satisfying blend of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice among buyers.

• Turbocharged 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine:

EPA estimates 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The turbocharged engine provides more power and performance but slightly sacrifices fuel efficiency compared to the base engine.

It appeals to drivers seeking a sportier and more energetic driving experience.

• Hybrid Sorento HEV:

EPA estimates 39 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The hybrid variant of the Sorento is the most fuel-efficient option, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious buyers.

It significantly reduces carbon emissions and fuel expenses, ideal for those looking to minimize their environmental impact.

• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sorento:

EPA estimates (Hybrid mode): 35 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
EPA-estimated electric-only range: Up to 32 miles on a full battery charge.

The PHEV Sorento allows for extended electric-only driving, making it an excellent option for short commutes or local errands. It can run solely on electric power for a considerable distance before switching to the gasoline engine.

On real-world fuel economy tests, the Sorento EX Hybrid achieved 31 mpg on the highway, slightly lower than its EPA estimate.

The Sorento PHEV returned 25 mpg in Hybrid mode, falling 8 mpg short of its EPA estimate. However, it’s important to note that real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving conditions and habits.

– Mazda CX-5 Fuel Economy:

• Base 2.5-liter Engine:

EPA estimates 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The standard engine strikes a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among CX-5 buyers.

• Turbocharged Engine:

EPA estimates 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. With more power under the hood, the turbocharged engine is a compelling option for those seeking a sportier driving experience.

On our 75-mph highway route, the standard engine returned 32 mpg, while the turbocharged engine achieved 30 mpg.

In conclusion, both the KIA Sorento or Mazda CX-5 offer competitive fuel economy figures, with the advantage shifting depending on the chosen engine option.

The KIA Sorento stands out with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, delivering impressive fuel efficiency for eco-conscious consumers.

On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 offers good fuel economy with both its standard and turbocharged engines, appealing to drivers looking for a mix of performance and efficiency.

Dimensions

The dimensions of a vehicle play a significant role in determining its suitability for various needs, including passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

Let’s compare the dimensions of the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5:

– KIA Sorento Dimensions

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

– Mazda CX-5 Dimensions

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

In conclusion, the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 have different dimensions, with the Sorento being larger in overall length, wheelbase, and cargo capacity.

The CX-5, on the other hand, offers slightly more interior volume and is a bit narrower, which may appeal to drivers who prioritize maneuverability in urban settings.

Read also: Mazda CX 30 vs Ford Escape

Color Options

When it comes to personalizing your SUV, the color options play a significant role in expressing your style and preferences.

Both the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offer a variety of exterior and interior color choices to suit different tastes. Let’s take a closer look at the available color options for each model.

– KIA Sorento Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Ebony Black: A classic and timeless black exterior that exudes elegance and sophistication.
• Passion Red: A vibrant red hue that adds a sporty and eye-catching touch to the Sorento’s exterior.
• Everlasting Silver: A sleek and modern silver shade, offering a contemporary and upscale appearance.
• Gravity Gray: A stylish and versatile gray color that complements the KIA Sorento’s design with a touch of subtlety.
• Glacial White Pearl: A pearlescent white color that enhances the SUV’s presence, giving it a refined and premium look.

Interior Colors:

• Black, cloth: The Sorento’s interior comes with a black cloth upholstery option, providing a comfortable and sophisticated cabin ambiance.

– Mazda CX-5 Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Jet Black Mica: A glossy black exterior that adds a sense of sleekness and boldness to the Mazda CX-5.
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic: An attention-grabbing red metallic shade, giving the CX-5 a vibrant and premium appearance.
• Rhodium White Metallic: A silvery-white metallic color that exudes a sense of modernity and elegance.
• Eternal Blue Mica: A deep blue hue that offers a sense of depth and richness to the CX-5’s exterior design.

Interior Colors:

• Black, cloth: The CX-5’s interior features a black cloth upholstery option, providing a cozy and stylish cabin environment.

Both the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offer a selection of attractive color options for buyers to choose from.

Whether you prefer a classic black exterior, a vibrant red hue, a sleek silver tone, or a modern metallic shade, both SUVs have options to match your style.

Similarly, the interior color choices are designed to create a comfortable and inviting cabin space. The black cloth upholstery option in both models adds a touch of sophistication and versatility to the overall interior design.

When selecting the color for your SUV, consider your personal taste, the style you wish to portray, and how the color complements the overall design of the vehicle.

Whether you opt for the bold and sporty appearance of the KIA Sorento or the modern and premium look of the Mazda CX-5, both SUVs are sure to turn heads on the road with their attractive color options.

The 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offer a range of attractive exterior and interior color options, allowing buyers to personalize their SUVs to their preferences.

The KIA Sorento presents a tasteful selection of exterior colors, including bold options like Passion Red and sleek choices like Glacial White Pearl. The Ebony Black option provides a classic and sophisticated look that can appeal to many buyers.

Inside the cabin, the Sorento offers a comfortable Black cloth interior option, ensuring a clean and contemporary appearance.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5. These midsize SUVs are equipped with advanced driver-assistance technologies that aim to enhance safety and provide peace of mind to drivers and passengers.

– KIA Sorento: Safety Features

The Sorento boasts a comprehensive list of standard and optional safety features, which contribute to its overall safety rating. Some key safety features include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: This feature alerts the driver of potential front-end collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent an accident.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: The lane-departure warning system notifies the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, while lane-keeping assist can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane.

• Available Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: The available blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spots, helping to avoid potential side collisions. The rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles while backing up, enhancing safety in crowded parking lots or busy streets.

– Mazda CX-5: Safety Features

The CX-5 also excels in safety features, offering a robust suite of standard driver-assistance technologies. Some key safety features include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This safety feature detects pedestrians and other potential obstacles in the vehicle’s path, automatically applying the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: Similar to the Sorento, the CX-5 includes lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist to help drivers stay safely within their lanes.

• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: The adaptive cruise control system in the CX-5 allows drivers to set a desired speed and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as traffic conditions change.

Warranty

When purchasing a new SUV, a comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind and reassurance about the vehicle’s reliability.

The 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 offer different warranty plans, each with its own strengths. Let’s take a closer look at the warranty coverage provided by both manufacturers.

– KIA Sorento Warranty:

Kia is renowned for offering one of the most impressive warranty plans in the automotive industry, ensuring customers feel confident in their purchase.

However, unlike its corporate counterpart, Hyundai, Kia does not provide complimentary maintenance.

• Limited Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). The limited warranty covers various components of the vehicle, offering peace of mind for the initial years of ownership.

• Powertrain Warranty: Ten years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). The powertrain warranty provides extensive coverage for essential components, including the engine and transmission, offering long-term protection against major powertrain issues.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Unlike Hyundai, Kia does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance. Vehicle owners will be responsible for regular maintenance costs.

– Mazda CX-5 Warranty:

While Mazda offers a reliable warranty plan, it falls short compared to Kia and Hyundai’s coverage. It does not include complimentary maintenance.

Limited Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). The limited warranty provides coverage for specific parts and systems during the initial period of ownership.

Powertrain Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). The powertrain warranty covers essential powertrain components, offering protection against potential drivetrain issues.

Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Similar to Kia, Mazda does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, meaning owners are responsible for routine maintenance expenses.

When comparing the warranty coverage of the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5, Kia emerges as the clear winner in this category.

Kia’s impressive warranty package, including the lengthy powertrain coverage, provides buyers with an added layer of confidence and security.

On the other hand, Mazda’s warranty plan, while reliable, does not match the extended coverage offered by Kia and its corporate partner, Hyundai.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox

Specifications

The 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 are both equipped with capable engine options and advanced technologies. Let’s compare the specifications of their base engines and drivetrains.

– KIA Sorento Specs

The KIA Sorento’s base engine is a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, providing sufficient power for everyday driving needs.

The engine features a dual fuel injection system, contributing to its efficiency and performance. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is available in front-wheel drive (FWD).

– Mazda CX-5 Specs

The Mazda CX-5’s base engine is also a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It generates 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The engine comes with direct injection and cylinder deactivation technology, enhancing its efficiency and performance.

The CX-5 is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and features an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, providing improved traction and handling in various driving conditions.

Pros and Cons

– 2023 KIA Sorento

Pros:

• Abundance of Standard and Optional Features: The KIA Sorento offers a generous array of standard features, even in the base trim. Additionally, it provides various optional packages and upgrades, allowing buyers to customize their SUV with desired amenities.

• Ample Second- and Third-Row Legroom for the Class: The Sorento stands out with its spacious interior, providing ample legroom for passengers in both the second and third rows. This ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all occupants.

• Sharp-Looking and Easy-to-Use Infotainment System: The KIA Sorento’s infotainment system is not only visually appealing but also user-friendly. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to access various functions and features, enhancing the overall driving experience.

• Powerful Available Turbocharged Engine: For those seeking extra power and performance, the Sorento offers an available turbocharged engine option. This engine provides a boost in horsepower and torque, catering to drivers who desire a more spirited driving experience.

Cons:

• Base Engine’s Lackluster Acceleration: The base engine in the Sorento may not deliver the same level of acceleration as some of its competitors. While it is suitable for daily commuting and regular driving, those seeking more energetic performance might consider the available turbocharged engine.

– 2023 Mazda CX-5

Pros:

Engaging Driving Dynamics: The Mazda CX-5 is known for its sporty and engaging driving dynamics, making it a joy to drive on winding roads and highways alike. Its responsive handling and well-tuned suspension contribute to an enjoyable driving experience.

Attractive and Upscale Cabin: Inside the CX-5, passengers are treated to an elegant and upscale cabin. High-quality materials and thoughtful design elements create a sophisticated and luxurious ambiance.

Optional Turbocharged Engine Provides Plenty of Power: The CX-5 offers an optional turbocharged engine, delivering ample power and performance. This engine is an excellent choice for drivers seeking enhanced acceleration and responsiveness.

Quiet at Highway Speeds: The CX-5 excels in providing a quiet and refined ride, particularly at highway speeds. Noise insulation and sound-deadening measures ensure a serene cabin environment for all occupants.

Cons:

• Base Engine Offers Lackluster Acceleration: Similar to the Sorento, the CX-5’s base engine may not deliver the same level of acceleration as some of its rivals. While it is suitable for most everyday driving needs, some drivers may prefer a more spirited performance.

• Ride Is a Little Firm for the Class: The CX-5’s ride quality is generally comfortable, but some reviewers note that it can feel slightly firm, especially when compared to the smoother rides of some competitors.

• Less Rear Legroom and Cargo Space Than Most Competitors: While the CX-5 offers a comfortable cabin, it may have slightly less rear legroom and cargo space compared to some other midsize SUVs in its class. This could be a consideration for buyers who prioritize rear-passenger comfort or require significant cargo capacity.

Conclusion

The 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 are both formidable contenders in the midsize SUV segment, each offering unique strengths and features.

The KIA Sorento excels in providing ample space and comprehensive safety features, making it an ideal choice for families.

On the other hand, the Mazda CX-5 impresses with its dynamic driving experience and luxurious interior, appealing to those seeking a more refined ride.

Ultimately, the decision between these two SUVs depends on individual preferences, priorities, and budget constraints.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit their local dealerships for test drives to experience firsthand what each vehicle has to offer.

By considering factors such as pricing, fuel economy, safety, warranty, and specifications, shoppers can make an informed choice and drive away with an SUV that perfectly suits their needs and lifestyle.

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