Mazda CX 5 vs KIA Sportage: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Mazda CX 5 vs Kia Sportage – When it comes to choosing the perfect compact SUV, the Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage are two strong contenders that capture the attention of potential buyers.

Both vehicles offer a blend of style, performance, and practicality, making it challenging to decide between the two.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the various aspects that differentiate the Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage, assisting you in making an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and needs.

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

The Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage have several differences that cater to different preferences and priorities.

The CX-5 stands out with its sporty driving dynamics, upscale interior, and diverse engine options, while the Sportage excels with a smooth ride, attractive design, and an extended powertrain warranty.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage offer competitive starting prices, making them attractive options for budget-conscious SUV shoppers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 starts at a base price of $26,250. This price is for the entry-level model and includes standard features and amenities.

As buyers move up to higher trim levels, additional features are included, which may slightly increase the overall price.

On the other hand, the 2022 KIA Sportage has a slightly lower starting price, with the base model available from $24,090.

Like the Mazda CX-5, higher trim levels of the Sportage come with added features and technology, which can increase the final cost.

While both SUVs offer affordable starting prices, it is essential to consider the additional features and packages available in higher trim levels, as they may offer enhanced performance, technology, and safety options.

Read also: Audi Q3 vs Audi Q5

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for many SUV buyers, as it directly impacts running costs and environmental impact.

Let’s compare the fuel economy ratings of the KIA Sportage vs Mazda CX-5 to see how they stack up against each other.

The Mazda CX-5 offers two engine options, each with its own fuel economy ratings. The base 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. This engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency for everyday driving.

For those seeking more power, the CX-5’s turbocharged engine delivers increased performance but comes with a slight trade-off in fuel economy.

The turbocharged engine is rated at 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, offering respectable efficiency considering the added power.

In real-world testing, the CX-5’s base engine returned an impressive 32 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine achieved 30 mpg.

These results indicate that the CX-5’s actual fuel efficiency can sometimes surpass its EPA-rated figures.

While the KIA Sportage, in comparison to its rivals, the KIA Sportage’s fuel economy numbers are slightly lower.

The front-wheel-drive base-engine Sportage achieves an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These figures are behind the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V in the segment.

When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Sportage’s fuel economy drops by 1 mpg in the city and 4 mpg on the highway.

The front-wheel-drive turbo model has EPA estimates of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but these numbers decrease to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.

In real-world testing, the Sportage’s all-wheel-drive SX Turbo model returned a fuel economy of 23 mpg on the highway, which is notably lower than the 29 mpg achieved by the all-wheel-drive, turbocharged CX-5.

These results suggest that the KIA Sportage’s actual fuel efficiency may fall short of its EPA ratings, especially when compared to some of its competitors.

Dimensions

The dimensions of an SUV can greatly impact its practicality, maneuverability, and overall usability. Let’s compare the dimensions of the Mazda CX-5 vs KIA Sportage to understand how they differ in size.

– Mazda CX-5 Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

KIA Sportage Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

In terms of dimensions, the Mazda CX-5 is slightly longer than the KIA Sportage, with a length of 180.1 inches compared to 176.4 inches.

The CX-5 also has a larger wheelbase of 106.2 inches, contributing to its roomier interior. However, the KIA Sportage has a higher ground clearance of 6.4 inches, making it potentially better for light off-road adventures.

Inside the cabin, both SUVs offer similar front headroom and legroom, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

However, the CX-5 provides slightly more front hip room, which may be appreciated by broader-hipped drivers.

In the rear seats, the Sportage has marginally more headroom and hip room, while the CX-5 offers more legroom, potentially providing greater comfort for rear passengers.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the KIA Sportage offers a slightly larger space with all seats in place, at 30.7 cubic feet compared to the CX-5’s 30.8 cubic feet.

However, the CX-5 takes the lead when it comes to maximum cargo capacity, offering 59.3 cubic feet compared to the KIA Sportage’s 60.1 cubic feet.

Overall, both the Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage provide ample interior space and cargo capacity, with the CX-5 offering a slightly more spacious cabin and the Sportage excelling in maximum cargo volume.

Read also: KIA Sorento vs Mazda CX 5

Colors Options

The color choices available for the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage allow buyers to personalize their SUVs according to their preferences.

Both the KIA Sportage and Mazda CX-5 offer a decent variety of exterior and interior color options, allowing buyers to personalize their SUVs to match their preferences and style.

Whether you prefer classic and elegant colors or bolder and more adventurous choices, both SUVs provide ample options to make your vehicle uniquely yours.

– Mazda CX-5 Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Deep Crystal Blue Mica
• Sonic Silver Metallic
• Eternal Blue Mica
• Machine Gray Metallic
• Snowflake White Pearl Mica
• Jet Black Mica
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic

Interior Colors:

• Parchment, leather
• Black, leather

The Mazda CX-5 offers a tasteful selection of exterior colors that include classic hues like Sonic Silver Metallic and Jet Black Mica, as well as eye-catching options like Eternal Blue Mica and Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

The Soul Red Crystal Metallic, in particular, is a signature color for Mazda, and it adds a touch of sophistication to the CX-5’s appearance.

Inside the cabin, buyers can choose between Parchment and Black leather upholstery options. Both colors complement the CX-5’s refined interior design and offer a premium feel to the overall driving experience.

– KIA Sportage Colors:

Exterior Colors:

• Black Cherry
• Steel Gray
• Pacific Blue
• Sparkling Silver
• Hyper Red

Interior Colors:

• Black, cloth
• Black, premium cloth
• Gray, cloth
• Gray, premium cloth

The 2022 KIA Sportage offers a diverse range of exterior colors to suit various tastes.

Options like Black Cherry and Hyper Red add a touch of boldness to the Sportage’s appearance, while Steel Gray and Sparkling Silver offer a more subtle and sophisticated look.

Inside the cabin, buyers can choose between Black and Gray cloth or premium cloth upholstery options.

The Black interior provides a sleek and contemporary feel, while the Gray option offers a more understated and versatile choice.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for car buyers, and both the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage prioritize occupant protection with their comprehensive suites of driver-assistance technology.

The Mazda CX-5 comes equipped with a wide range of standard and optional safety features to enhance driver awareness and assist in potential collision avoidance. Some of the key safety features include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses sensors to monitor the road ahead for potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. If it detects an imminent collision, it can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: The Lane-Departure Warning system alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane. The Lane-Keeping Assist system can actively steer the vehicle back into the lane if necessary, helping to prevent unintended lane departures.

• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: The Adaptive Cruise Control system allows the driver to set a desired speed and following the distance from the vehicle ahead. It can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain the set distance, reducing the need for constant speed adjustments in traffic.

Similarly, the 2022 KIA Sportage offers a suite of standard and available safety features to provide added confidence and security to drivers. Some of the key safety features include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: The Forward-Collision Warning system alerts the driver if the vehicle detects a potential collision with the vehicle ahead. The Automated Emergency Braking system can intervene to apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond in time, reducing the severity of a potential collision.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: Like the Mazda CX-5, the Sportage also includes Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist systems to help drivers stay within their lanes and prevent unintentional lane departures.

• Available Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: The Sportage offers optional Blind-Spot Monitoring, which can detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and issue warnings to prevent unsafe lane changes. The Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system helps detect approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space, reducing the risk of collisions.

Both the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage come equipped with essential safety features to enhance driver awareness and assist in collision avoidance.

The standard features, such as Automated Emergency Braking, Lane-Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, provide a strong foundation for safer driving experiences.

Additionally, the availability of optional features like Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert in the Sportage allows buyers to customize their SUVs with added safety capabilities.

Warranty

Warranty coverage is an essential aspect of car ownership, providing peace of mind to buyers knowing that they are protected against potential defects and repairs.

The warranty coverage provided by Mazda for the CX-5 is relatively standard but may be seen as less competitive compared to some of its competitors. The warranty plan includes:

• Limited Warranty: Mazda offers a limited warranty that covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers repairs for any defects in materials or workmanship during the specified period.

• Powertrain Warranty: The CX-5’s powertrain warranty extends for five years or 60,000 miles. This warranty covers the engine, transmission, and other major drivetrain components against defects and malfunctions.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Unfortunately, Mazda does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of the CX-5’s warranty plan.

However, KIA stands out with an impressive warranty plan that offers extensive coverage, providing an added layer of confidence for potential buyers. The warranty plan for the KIA Sportage includes:

• Limited Warranty: KIA offers a generous limited warranty that covers the Sportage for five years or 60,000 miles. This warranty covers repairs for any defects in materials or workmanship during the specified period.

• Powertrain Warranty: The Sportage boasts an industry-leading powertrain warranty that extends for ten years or 100,000 miles. This warranty covers the engine, transmission, and other major drivetrain components, offering long-term protection.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Similar to the Mazda CX-5, the KIA Sportage does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of its warranty plan.

In terms of warranty coverage, the 2022 KIA Sportage clearly outperforms the Mazda CX-5. KIA’s warranty plan offers longer coverage for both the limited warranty and powertrain warranty, providing greater protection against potential defects and repairs.

The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, in particular, is a standout feature and contributes to KIA’s reputation for providing reliable and long-lasting vehicles.

However, it’s essential to consider other factors, such as performance, features, and pricing, when making a decision between the Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage.

While KIA may offer a superior warranty plan, the CX-5 has its own strengths, including its stylish design, driving dynamics, and advanced technology features.

Read also: Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX 5

Specifications

The specifications of an SUV play a significant role in determining its performance and capabilities. Let’s compare the key specifications of the Mazda CX 5 vs KIA Sportage to understand how they differ:

– Mazda CX-5 Specs:

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency for everyday driving.

The CX-5 comes with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and is available in an all-wheel-drive configuration, providing better traction and stability in various driving conditions.

– KIA Sportage Specs:

The 2022 KIA Sportage is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a good amount of power for daily driving needs.

The Sportage comes with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration.

In terms of specifications, both the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage offer similar engine sizes and transmission types, providing comparable performance figures.

The CX-5 has a slightly higher horsepower rating of 187 compared to the KIA Sportage’s 181 horsepower.

However, the torque output of the CX-5 and Sportage is nearly the same, with the CX-5 producing 186 lb-ft and the Sportage generating 175 lb-ft of torque.

Both SUVs offer a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, making them suitable for towing small trailers or lightweight equipment.

The CX-5’s all-wheel-drive configuration and the Sportage’s front-wheel-drive configuration cater to different driving preferences, with the CX-5 providing enhanced traction and stability on various road surfaces.

Pros and Cons

When comparing the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage, it’s essential to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each SUV to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and needs.

Mazda CX-5 Pros:

• Keen Handling and Steering: The CX-5 is praised for its responsive handling and precise steering, making it a joy to drive, especially on winding roads.

• Upscale Cabin: The CX-5 boasts an attractive and upscale interior, offering a premium experience for both drivers and passengers.

• Optional Turbocharged Engine: The availability of a turbocharged engine provides the CX-5 with plenty of power and improved performance for those seeking an extra boost.

• Quiet at Highway Speeds: The CX-5 delivers a serene and quiet ride at highway speeds, ensuring a comfortable driving experience during long journeys.

Cons:

• Base Engine’s Lackluster Acceleration: The standard engine’s acceleration may feel underwhelming for some drivers, especially when compared to competitors with more powerful base engines.

• Firm Ride: The CX-5’s ride can be a little firm for its class, which may not be as comfortable for passengers on rough roads.

• Less Rear Legroom and Cargo Room: Compared to some competitors, the CX-5 offers slightly less rear legroom and cargo capacity, which may be a consideration for buyers needing more passenger and cargo space.

KIA Sportage Pros:

• Smooth Ride: The Sportage provides a smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively for a pleasant driving experience.

• Spacious Seating: Both the front and rear seats of the Sportage offer ample space, ensuring comfort for all passengers during long drives.

• Attractive Dashboard Layout: The Sportage’s dashboard layout is well-designed, featuring appealing features that are easy to use and access.

• Quiet Interior at Highway Speeds: Like the CX-5, the Sportage excels in maintaining a quiet interior, reducing road noise for a peaceful ride.

Cons:

• Lower Fuel Economy: The Sportage’s fuel economy may not be as impressive as some of its top rivals, which may be a consideration for buyers seeking higher efficiency.

• Modest Cargo Capacity: The Sportage offers a relatively modest cargo capacity compared to some competitors, potentially limiting storage for larger items.

• Slow Acceleration: The acceleration of the Sportage may feel sluggish compared to some rivals, especially during passing or merging maneuvers.

• Next-Gen Sportage on the Horizon: As a potential con, some buyers might prefer to wait for the next-generation Sportage if they desire the latest features and design updates.

FAQs

What is the Kia equivalent to the Mazda CX-5?

The Sportage and CX-5 both seat five people, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. Standard engines are closely matched in the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5.

The CX-5’s standard (and only) engine produces 187 horsepower, whereas the Sportage contains 181 horsepower.

Is Kia more reliable than Mazda?

In terms of reliability. Mazda vehicles are more dependable than Kia vehicles, according to Consumer Reports January 2021 Auto Issue surveys of all its subscribers.

Mazda is ranked first in dependability by Consumer Reports, the company is placed 15th overall.

Conclusion:

Both the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and KIA Sportage offer a range of pros and cons, catering to different driving preferences and priorities.

The CX-5 impresses with its engaging driving dynamics, premium cabin, and optional turbocharged engine. However, it may fall short in terms of base engine acceleration and rear legroom, and cargo space.

On the other hand, the Sportage boasts a smooth ride, spacious seating, and an attractive dashboard layout.

However, it may have slightly lower fuel efficiency, limited cargo capacity, and slower acceleration compared to some rivals.

Ultimately, buyers should carefully assess their priorities, such as driving performance, interior space, and fuel economy, to determine which SUV best suits their lifestyle and preferences.

RELATED:

• Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-30
• Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-50
• Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V
• Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson
• Mazda CX 5 vs CX 3
• Mazda CX 5 vs CX-30
• Mazda CX 5 vs BMW X1
• Mazda CX 5 vs Volvo XC60
• Mazda CX 5 vs Honda HRV