Sophisticated styling, well-equipped trims, and practicality are what you will find in our 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage comparison. When examining these sport utility vehicles side by side, you'll find many similarities but also stark differences that make one more appealing than the other. The team at Gunther Mazda believes that the newly redesigned Mazda CX-5 has plenty more to offer compared to its Kia competitor.
Browse our chart below for a snapshot of the Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage specs, including key features like horsepower and fuel economy, then continue reading to see how the Mazda CX-5 outperforms the Kia Sportage in other categories.
← Drag to scroll →
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Kia Sportage | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 24 / 30 / 261 |
|
| Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs3 | 2,500 lbs4 |
| Cargo Space (Trunk / Max) | 33.7 / 66.5 cu ft | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft |
| Hip Room (Front / Rear) | 55.2 / 52.4 in | 54.8 / 53.4 in |
| Headroom w/ Moonroof (Front / Rear) | 39.2 / 39.1 in | 37.8 / 38 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
For the 2026 model year, there are five Mazda CX-5 trim levels to choose from:
Depending on the trim level, you can choose from a palette of stunning colors like Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Gray Metallic, Navy Blue Mica, and Aero Gray Metallic.
The 2026 Kia Sportage is available in six trim levels:
The Kia Sportage also has its own array of exterior hues, such as Glacial White Pearl, Nebular Blue, Runway Red, Panthera Metal Matte, and Fusion Black, in addition to a few options with a contrasting Ebony Black Roof combination.
The turbocharged engine offered in previous iterations of the Mazda CX-5 is no longer available; a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine now comes standard on every 2026 trim. It produces a stout 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque and is married to a six-speed automatic transmission and an i-Activ AWD® system.
Although the Mazda CX-5 isn't force-fed with a turbocharger, its power figures still surpass those of the Kia Sportage, which also has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It too is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, slightly less torque than the Mazda sport-ute. You also have the option to get the Kia SUV with all-wheel drive, as front-wheel drive is standard on most trims.
As for fuel economy, both SUVs achieve similar numbers. The Mazda CX-5 scores an EPA-estimated 24/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 which is equal to the all-wheel-drive Kia Sportage, which earns up to an EPA-estimated 24/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 The front-wheel-drive Kia achieves up to an EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 but drivers who prioritize capability may find the combination of fuel efficiency and standard AWD on the Mazda CX-5 more appealing.
Regarding towing capacity, the Mazda CX-5 can tow up to 1,500 pounds3 across all its trims, while the Kia Sportage offers up to 2,500 pounds of towing capacity with trailer brakes.4 Without trailer brakes, the Kia Sportage can only tow up to 1,653 pounds.4
When comparing the Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage interior, you'll notice differences in craftsmanship between the two compact SUVs, particularly when it comes to the quality of materials and cabin size.
Starting with the Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage dimensions, the Kia Sportage contains more cargo space due to its slightly larger overall dimensions. However, the Mazda CX-5 gives a bit more interior room for passengers in a few key areas.
Without a moonroof, the Mazda CX-5 offers 39.7 inches of front headroom and 40.2 inches in the rear, compared with the 39.6 and 39.4 inches, respectively, in the Kia Sportage. The Mazda SUV also provides 41.7 inches of front-seat legroom, slightly more than the 41.4 inches in the Sportage. Additionally, the Mazda model has 57.6 inches of front shoulder room and 55.6 inches in the rear, compared with the 57.5 inches in the front row of the Kia Sportage.
Both SUVs seat five, but the Mazda CX-5 pulls ahead of the Kia in terms of interior quality and technology. For instance, the Mazda CX-5 offers leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel on certain trims, while the Kia Sportage can be equipped with a leather-wrapped wheel and shift selector but lacks genuine leather seating. The Mazda also comes standard with an eight-speaker audio system, a 12.9-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch LCD meter display, compared to the six-speaker system, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and 4.2-inch TFT cluster in the Kia Sportage.
Both SUVs can also be built with an upgraded sound system. However, the Kia SUV is available with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, while the Mazda CX-5 takes your driving experience to another level with a more robust 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®.
If you're ready to get into the winner of this Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sportage comparison – the sophisticated 2026 Mazda CX-5 – contact us or visit Gunther Mazda for a test drive. Our team would love to tell you more about the redesign and give you a detailed tour of its updates. Once you find an edition you love, we can add on available accessories to tailor it even more to your preferences.
In the meantime, check out our Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 to see how the newly revised model stacks up against another competitor in its class.
The new Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage are similar in size, although the Mazda is slightly longer. The Mazda CX-5's larger dimensions provide additional interior space compared to the previous generation, making it a practical choice if you want a compact SUV with more room for passengers and cargo.
While both SUVs have a generous selection of standard features, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 stands out with its more comprehensive technology compared to the Kia. This includes a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10.25-inch LCD meter display.
If you're interested in a compact SUV with sporty driving dynamics and an upscale, well-appointed interior, we recommend the Mazda CX-5. While the Kia Sportage has its strengths, the Mazda CX-5 offers a well-rounded package that we're certain you will love. At Gunther Mazda, our team can show you what this fantastic SUV is capable of.
| Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester | Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 | Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 |
| Mazda CX-50 vs. Mazda CX-5 | Mazda CX-5 Trims | Mazda CX-5 Colors |
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 https://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.
