Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-30: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-30 – The compact SUV segment has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, and the 2023 Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-30 stand as strong contenders in this competitive market.

Choosing between two well-regarded models can be a daunting task, as both offer a range of features, styles, and capabilities.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into various aspects, from price, dimensions, safety features, and specs, to help you make an informed decision when choosing between the Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Sportage.

What is the Difference Between Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-30?

The 2023 Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-30 are both popular choices in the compact SUV market, but they have a few key differences that set them apart. Here are the main differences between Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-30.

Pricing

– 2023 Kia Sportage Price:

Kia offers a variety of trim levels for the 2023 Sportage, each catering to different budgets and preferences.

The base model is the Sportage LX, which comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) and has a starting price of $26,290.

For those seeking additional traction and control, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is available, which adds $1,800 to the base price, bringing it to $28,090.

For customers looking for more features and amenities, the X-Line trim is a popular choice. Starting at $31,090, it offers a range of upgrades, including advanced infotainment options, upgraded interior materials, and exterior design enhancements.

At the top of the Sportage lineup is the X-Pro Prestige model, which boasts a luxurious experience and a plethora of advanced technologies. This top-tier trim starts at $37,090, making it the most expensive option in the Sportage lineup.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30 Price:

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also provides an array of trim levels, offering various features and price points to suit different buyers.

The base model, known as the 2.5 S trim, starts at an attractive price of $22,950, positioning the CX-30 as a competitive option in the compact SUV market.

Mazda takes pride in offering a generous selection of trim levels for the CX-30, catering to various customer preferences.

With a total of seven trim levels to choose from, buyers have the flexibility to select the one that best fits their needs and budget.

While all trim levels have their merits, many customers find the 2.5 S Select trim to be the best value proposition. Priced at around $25,000, it strikes a balance between affordability and desirable features.

The 2.5 S Select trim comes with a host of standard features, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a well-equipped compact SUV without breaking the bank.

Read also: Mitsubishi Outlander vs Kia Sportage

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many car buyers, as it directly impacts the overall cost of ownership and environmental impact.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offers two engine options, each with slightly different fuel efficiency ratings.

When equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD), the Sportage achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

For those opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) models, the fuel economy figures change to an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

While these figures are based on EPA estimates, actual fuel efficiency may vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and other factors.

It’s worth noting that the Sportage’s turbocharged engine, available on higher trim levels, may have a slightly lower fuel efficiency due to its increased power output.

To provide a more accurate assessment of Sportage’s real-world fuel economy, independent tests and evaluations on a 75-mph highway fuel-economy route are still pending.

While the CX-30, Mazda’s Skyactiv technology is well-regarded for its focus on efficiency without compromising on performance. The Mazda CX-30 offers two engine options, and each comes with its own set of fuel economy ratings.

The non-turbocharged CX-30 achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 29 mpg.

These impressive numbers reflect Mazda’s commitment to providing an efficient yet engaging driving experience.

For those who opt for the CX-30 with the turbocharged engine, the fuel economy figures change slightly.

The EPA-estimated ratings for the turbocharged model are 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 25 mpg.

This slight decrease in fuel efficiency is a trade-off for the increased power and performance offered by the turbocharged engine.

In independent testing, a CX-30 Premium test vehicle managed to exactly match its EPA rating of 31 mpg on a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, confirming the CX-30’s efficiency claims.

Dimensions

2023 Kia Sportage Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

2023 Mazda CX-30 Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

The dimensions of the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 reflect their positions in the compact SUV segment.

The Sportage offers a slightly larger overall size, providing more cargo capacity and interior space. It also has a higher ground clearance, which can be advantageous for those seeking off-road capabilities.

On the other hand, the Mazda CX-30 features more compact dimensions, making it a practical choice for urban driving and parking.

While it may have a smaller cargo capacity and interior space, it compensates with a smaller turning circle, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces.

Ultimately, the choice between the two SUVs will depend on individual preferences and needs. Buyers seeking more interior space and cargo capacity may lean towards the Sportage, while those looking for a more agile and city-friendly vehicle may prefer the CX-30’s compact dimensions.

Both SUVs have their strengths, catering to different lifestyles and driving preferences within the compact SUV market.

Read also: Kia Sportage vs Kia Sorento

Color Options

The choice of color can play a significant role in personalizing a vehicle and reflecting one’s style.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Colors

Exterior Colors:

• Ebony Black
• Dawning Red
• Jungle Green
• Wolf Gray
• Sapphire Blue
• Glacial White Pearl
• Gravity Gray

Interior Colors:

• Sage Green (leatherette)
• Saturn Black (leatherette)

The 2023 Kia Sportage offers a diverse range of exterior colors, providing buyers with plenty of options to choose from.

From classic tones like Ebony Black and Glacial White Pearl to more adventurous shades like Dawning Red and Jungle Green, the Sportage allows buyers to express their personalities through their vehicle’s exterior.

For the interior, the Sportage comes with two leatherette options: Sage Green and Saturn Black. These interior color choices complement the exterior colors and add a touch of sophistication to the cabin.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30 Colors

Exterior Colors:

• Machine Gray Metallic
• Platinum Quartz Metallic
• Snowflake White Pearl Mica
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic
• Deep Crystal Blue Mica
• Jet Black Mica

Interior Colors:

• White (leather)
• Black (leather)

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also offers a variety of elegant and premium exterior color options. Machine Gray Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, and Snowflake White Pearl Mica are popular choices that exude sophistication and style.

Inside the CX-30’s cabin, buyers can choose between two leather interior colors: White and Black. The White leather interior adds a touch of luxury and brightness, while the Black leather interior offers a classic and refined look.

Safety Features

Safety is of utmost importance for car buyers, and both the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offer a range of advanced driver-assistance technologies to enhance occupant protection.

The 2023 Kia Sportage comes equipped with a variety of standard and optional safety technologies to provide peace of mind during every drive. Key safety features include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: These systems help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions by warning the driver and applying brakes if necessary.
• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: These features help keep the vehicle within its lane and provide alerts if unintended lane departure is detected.
• Available Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: The optional blind-spot monitor helps detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots, while the rear cross-traffic alert warns of approaching vehicles when backing up.

Additionally, the 2023 Sportage offers an available remote parking feature, similar to Hyundai’s Smart Park system.

This innovative technology allows the vehicle to be remotely maneuvered into a parking space without the driver inside the car.

While the 2023 Mazda CX-30 also places a strong emphasis on safety and includes a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This feature helps prevent collisions with pedestrians by automatically applying the brakes if an imminent collision is detected.
• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: These systems work together to help the driver maintain proper lane positioning and provide alerts if unintentional lane departure occurs.
• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: The CX-30’s adaptive cruise control adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on the traffic flow, maintaining a safe following distance.

Additionally, the CX-30 offers optional features such as a head-up display and blind-spot monitoring, which provide valuable information and alerts to enhance overall safety awareness.

For more comprehensive safety information, buyers can refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites, which conduct crash tests and provide safety ratings for vehicles.

Warranty

Warranty coverage is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing a new vehicle, as it provides peace of mind and protection against unforeseen issues. Let’s compare the warranty plans for the Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-30.

– 2023 Kia Sportage Warranty:

Kia is well-known for offering one of the best warranty plans in the automotive industry. The 2023 Sportage comes with the following warranty coverage:

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty covers the vehicle for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty protects against defects in materials and workmanship during the specified coverage period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Kia offers an impressive powertrain warranty that covers the engine, transmission, and related components for a duration of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This extensive coverage provides added reassurance for major powertrain components.

It’s worth noting that while Kia’s powertrain warranty outshines many competitors with its lengthy coverage, the Sportage lacks the complimentary scheduled maintenance that some other automakers, such as Toyota and Hyundai, offer.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30 Warranty:

Specific warranty information for the 2023 Mazda CX-30 has not been released yet. However, based on Mazda’s standard warranty coverage for other vehicles in its lineup, we can anticipate the following:

• Limited Warranty: The limited warranty typically covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty protects against defects in materials and workmanship during the specified coverage period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Mazda usually offers a powertrain warranty that covers the engine, transmission, and related components for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This coverage provides protection for essential drivetrain components.

While Mazda provides a competitive warranty plan, both Hyundai and Kia surpass it with their 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage, offering buyers extended protection for their vehicles.

Read also: Mazda CX 30 vs Kia Sorento

Specifications

– 2023 Kia Sorento Specs:

The 2023 Kia Sorento is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine, producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

The power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Sorento offers a variable valve timing system, enhancing engine efficiency and performance.

Additionally, the vehicle comes with dual fuel injection, optimizing fuel delivery for improved combustion.

The Sorento’s specifications also highlight its practicality, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,016 lbs.

These capabilities make it suitable for towing and carrying cargo, enhancing its versatility for various tasks.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30 Specs:

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine, generating 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

The power is transmitted to all wheels through a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The CX-30 also features a variable valve timing system and direct injection, optimizing fuel delivery and performance.

Mazda’s innovative cylinder deactivation technology enhances fuel efficiency by temporarily deactivating two cylinders under light-load conditions, further improving the vehicle’s overall efficiency.

In conclusion, the specs of the Kia Sorento and the Mazda CX-30 demonstrate their individual performance capabilities and technologies.

While the Sorento offers an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and dual fuel injection, the CX-30 boasts a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency.

Both vehicles feature similar base engine sizes and drive types, showcasing their suitability for all-wheel drive configurations.

Buyers seeking a balance of performance and efficiency can consider these specifications to make an informed decision based on their driving preferences and needs.

Pros and Cons

The 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 are both popular choices in the competitive compact SUV market.

Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, making it essential for potential buyers to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

2023 Kia Sportage Pros:

• Stylish, Quiet, and High-Tech Interior: The Sportage offers a well-designed and tech-savvy cabin, providing a pleasant and modern driving experience for occupants.
• Roomy Seating and Huge Cargo Area: With ample space for passengers and a generous cargo capacity, the Sportage excels in practicality for everyday use and road trips.
• Added Off-Road Capability with X-Pro Trim: The X-Pro Prestige trim level enhances the Sportage’s off-road capabilities, appealing to adventurous drivers seeking versatility in various terrains.

Cons:

• Standard Engine Supplies Leisurely Acceleration: The base engine’s performance may feel sluggish to some drivers, especially when compared to higher-powered options.
• Subpar Fuel Economy from this Engine Too: While performance may not be a priority for all buyers, the base engine’s fuel efficiency may not meet the expectations of those seeking greater fuel economy.

2023 Mazda CX-30 Pros:

• Upscale Interior Design and Build Quality: The CX-30 impresses with its premium interior, featuring high-quality materials and a sophisticated design that rivals more expensive models.
• Advanced Safety Features Come Standard: Mazda prioritizes safety, equipping the CX-30 with a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, providing added peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
• Poised Handling and Refined Ride Quality: The CX-30 delivers a balanced and composed driving experience, combining precise handling with a comfortable ride.

Cons:

• Transmission Can Be Slow to Downshift: Some drivers may notice a slight delay in downshifting with the CX-30’s transmission, which could affect responsiveness in certain driving scenarios.
• Significant Rear Blind Spots: The CX-30’s design may result in sizable blind spots in the rear, necessitating extra caution when changing lanes or parking.

Conclusion

Both the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offer a range of appealing features, making them attractive choices in the compact SUV segment.

The Sportage stands out with its roomy interior and cargo space, while the CX-30 impresses with its upscale interior and advanced safety features.

When choosing between the two, buyers should consider their priorities and preferences. The Sportage may appeal to those seeking a spacious and practical SUV, while the CX-30 could be a top choice for those valuing a premium interior and safety technologies.

Overall, understanding the comparison of each vehicle can help buyers make an informed decision that aligns with their lifestyle and driving needs.

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