Mazda
Mazda CX-5 (2026)
$29990
Released 2026
Best Cars · head-to-head
Mazda CX-5 (2026) vs Kia Sportage (2026)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Kia Sportage (2026) is cheaper at $28790. Every spec and price links to its source.
Kia
Kia Sportage (2026)
$28790Cheaper
Released 2026
Which is better: the Mazda CX-5 (2026) or Kia Sportage (2026)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Kia Sportage (2026) is the cheaper at $28790.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2026 | 2026 |
Sources — Mazda CX-5 (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Kia Sportage (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Mazda CX-5 (2026) and Kia Sportage (2026)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Retains engaging, fun-to-drive handling and Mazda driving character; Roomier rear seat and larger cargo area after the redesign; Upscale, class-above interior materials.
Flagged: Loss of physical switchgear, especially the volume knob; No turbo option; modest, unremarkable acceleration from carryover 2.5L; Mediocre / mid-pack fuel economy (26 mpg combined).
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, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Comfortable, quiet, well-controlled ride; Strong value — low entry price and generous standard equipment; Hybrid powertrain adds welcome pep and refinement over the gas engine.
Flagged: Sluggish, underpowered 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine; Unengaging, dull driving dynamics (non-hybrid); Hybrid fuel economy regresses on larger-wheel SX/X-Line trims.