Sleek styling, agile dimensions, and versatile SUV design are a given in our Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage comparison – regardless of your choice between these compact crossover SUVs. However, as you’ll see in this guide from the experts at Gunther Mazda, the Mazda CX-5 blows past its Kia competitor in terms of available power output, standard amenities, and plush luxury touches. See our chart below for a quick overview of Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage specs, including thrilling horsepower and torque values for the Mazda sport-ute of up to 256 and 320 pound-feet, respectively – all without compromising fuel efficiency. Then, continue reading to see how the Mazda CX-5 outpaces the Kia Sportage overall.
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| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2025 Kia Sportage | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Available Engine |
|
N / A |
| Horsepower |
|
187 |
| Torque |
|
178 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) |
|
|
| Max. Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs3 | 2,500 lbs4 |
| Cargo Space (Trunk / Max.) | 29.1 / 59.3 cu ft | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft |
| Hip Room (Front / Rear) | 55.2 / 55.3–55.4 in | 54.8 / 53.4 in |
| Headroom W/ Moonroof (Front / Rear) | 39.3 / 39 in | 37.8 / 38 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 lineup offers these eight sophisticated options to choose from:
In addition, you can choose from a range of beautiful colors like Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Platinum Quartz Metallic, depending on the trim you choose.
The 2025 Kia Sportage comes in seven trims:
It also offers a range of color options, like Everlasting Silver, Jungle Green, and Dawning Red. Similar to the Mazda CX-5, the availability of these hues will vary depending on the model.
Drivers seeking more power and engagement behind the wheel will appreciate the available turbocharged performance of the Mazda CX-5. This dynamic SUV’s available horsepower and torque majorly surpasses the 2025 Kia Sportage model’s maximum of 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque with a maximum of 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.
These figures are possible with the robust turbo powertrain available in the Mazda CX-5 lineup – the Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo four-cylinder engine – when it’s treated to premium 93-octane fuel. The Kia Sportage, on the other hand, only offers one engine type: a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder. So, there’s no opportunity to upgrade to more output when choosing the Kia SUV. Plus, all-wheel drive comes standard across every Mazda CX-5 trim for improved traction and control during adverse road conditions – the Kia Sportage makes you upgrade to AWD.
When it comes to MPG, both SUVs reach similar numbers, depending on the particular model. For example, Mazda CX-5 models that are equipped with Cylinder Deactivation and i-Stop offer an EPA-estimated 26/30/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while the highest MPG the Kia Sportage offers is an EPA-estimated 25/32/28 (City/Highway/Combined).2
Regarding towing capacity, each Mazda CX-5 model has the strength to tow up to 2,000 pounds.3 While the Kia Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds,4 that’s only with trailer brakes. Otherwise, the Kia Sportage can tow up to 1,653 pounds without trailer brakes.4
Now, let’s take a look inside each of these sport-utes with a Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage interior showdown. You’ll immediately notice the differences in comfort and craftsmanship between these two crossovers.
When it comes to Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage dimensions, the Kia Sportage offers more cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are down. This is in part due to the Kia vehicle having larger exterior dimensions – which isn’t necessarily appealing to shoppers searching for a nimble compact SUV. Despite its smaller size, the Mazda CX-5 has more hip room in both the front and rear at 55.2 and 55.3 inches, respectively, as opposed to 54.8 and 53.4 inches in the Kia Sportage. The Mazda SUV also provides 39.3 inches of headroom in the front and 39 inches in the rear when it’s built with the available moonroof – this is more than the 37.8 and 38 inches provided in the front and rear of the Kia model with its available panoramic sunroof.
Both models offer seating for five, but when it comes to the finer details, the Mazda CX-5 raises the bar in a way the Kia SUV can’t compete with. For example, the Mazda CX-5 offers available leather-trimmed seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped gear selector and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The only leather you’ll find in the Kia Sportage is a leather-wrapped gear shift knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other features that you will find on the base Mazda CX-5 model but not on the entry-level Kia vehicle are Push Button Start and a pollen filter for the air conditioning system.
The Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a four-speaker sound system, and the Kia Sportage boasts a standard six-speaker audio setup. However, upgrades abound with both. While the Sportage offers a Harman Kardon® premium surround sound system with eight speakers, the Mazda CX-5 upgrades to an immersive 10-speaker Bose® 10-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®.
If you’re ready to upgrade to a stylish, sophisticated SUV, you can’t go wrong with the 2025 Mazda CX-5 – we think it’s the clear winner of this Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage clash. The team here at Gunther Mazda would be happy to provide more information, so don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’d love to tell you more about the advantages of choosing the Mazda CX-5. However, the only way to truly find out if this premium SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle is by taking a test drive, which you can do at our dealership!
Are you wondering how the Mazda CX-5 compares to other segment competitors? Check out our Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison to see how these two popular crossovers stack up against one another.
A new Mazda CX-5 is waiting for you here at Gunther Mazda. Your next chapter starts behind the wheel of this new Mazda SUV.
No, the Mazda CX-5 is not bigger than the Kia Sportage. The Kia SUV is slightly longer and wider and offers more cargo space. However, this comes at the detriment of maneuverability, which is one of the main selling points of a compact crossover SUV. With smaller exterior dimensions, the Mazda CX-5 is better suited to narrow city streets and tight parking lots than its competition.
While both models offer a variety of standard features, some of the features that are standard on the base model of the Mazda CX-5 are not standard on the entry-level model of the Kia Sportage. These include Push Button Start, a pollen filter for the vehicle’s air conditioning system, and all-wheel drive. Come explore all the standard features that the Mazda CX-5 offers today.
If you’re looking for a premium SUV that offers an elevated driving experience, we recommend choosing the Mazda CX-5 over the Kia Sportage. Test-drive the model to be 100% sure this SUV is the one for you. Here at Gunther Mazda, we’re passionate about the Mazda brand and Mazda CX-5 lineup, so we would love to tell you more about this incredible SUV.
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1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
4Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
