# Mazda CX-5 (2026) vs Kia Sportage (2026): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Mazda CX-5 (2026) (Mazda) and Kia Sportage (2026) (Kia) among cars. Kia Sportage (2026) is the cheaper of the two at $28790.

## Side by side

| Spec | Mazda CX-5 (2026) | Kia Sportage (2026) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $29990 | $28790 |
| Brand | Mazda | Kia |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Body style | compact SUV | compact SUV |
| Mpg combined | 26 | 28 |
| Horsepower | 187 | 187 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo cuft | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic | 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic |

## Key differences

- Mpg combined: Mazda CX-5 (2026) 26 vs Kia Sportage (2026) 28
- Drivetrain: Mazda CX-5 (2026) AWD vs Kia Sportage (2026) FWD
- Powertrain: Mazda CX-5 (2026) 2.5L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 naturally aspirated, 6-speed automatic vs Kia Sportage (2026) 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic

## What reviewers say

**Mazda CX-5 (2026)** — Two whitelisted outlets reviewed the redesigned 2026 CX-5. Both praise the roomier cabin, upscale materials and retained fun-to-drive handling, while faulting the dropped turbo, modest acceleration and the loss of physical controls. Only Car and Driver ran instrumented numbers (0-60 in 8.0 sec, 173-ft braking, 0.83 g skidpad); MotorTrend's first drive was hands-on but unmeasured. (2 sourced reviews.)

**Kia Sportage (2026)** — Both whitelisted hands-on reviews survived verification. Car and Driver (instrumented) and MotorTrend (hybrid first drive) rate the refreshed 2026 Sportage a comfortable, well-equipped value whose weak 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine is its main flaw; the hybrid supplies the missing pep. Car and Driver measured 9.1-sec 0-60 for the gas engine versus 7.4 for the hybrid, plus 31 mpg observed highway. Non-whitelisted outlets were excluded. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Mazda CX-5 (2026): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=50290 (fueleconomy.gov, verified 2026-06-15)
- Kia Sportage (2026): https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=49455 (fueleconomy.gov, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cars/mazda-cx-5-2026-vs-kia-sportage-2026/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Mazda CX-5 (2026) ($29990) vs Kia Sportage (2026) ($28790) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cars/mazda-cx-5-2026-vs-kia-sportage-2026/
License: CC BY 4.0.