Compact SUV Battle: 2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 KIA Sportage

• The 2024 Mazda CX-5 starts at $29,300 and is in stock here at SB Mazda Chantilly, VA!

Compact SUVs are all the rage these days, and it’s not hard to see why – especially when you take a look at the 2024 Mazda CX-5. Praised worldwide for its premium feel, thrilling driving experience, and practicality, it’s no wonder why the CX-5 has been part of Mazda’s lineup since 2012. However, with great success comes competition, and this time, the competition comes from KIA. Also a compact SUV, the KIA Sportage has also been praised for its pricing and features. While both vehicles bring admirable qualities to the table, the CX-5 distinguishes itself with its superior performance and luxurious interior. For those shopping for compact SUVs, read on and learn how and why the 2024 Mazda CX-5 is the better choice!

Performance

• Engine: Both offer the ever-so-popular 2.5L four-cylinder engine as standard under the hood. The CX-5 edges out the Sportage with slightly more power (187 hp vs 181 hp) and better torque (186 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft). The CX-5 also offers a turbocharged variant of this engine, making up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: The CX-5 comes standard with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic, while the Sportage utilizes an 8-speed automatic. Both offer manual shift modes for a more engaged driving experience.
• Drivetrain: A major difference is the standard all-wheel drive in the CX-5, providing superior traction in adverse conditions. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sportage, with all-wheel drive available for an extra $1,800.
• Fuel Economy: Both achieve similar fuel efficiency. The CX-5 with AWD manages 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The Sportage with FWD gets 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined, with AWD dropping those figures slightly to 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.

Interior

• Space: The Sportage offers more passenger and cargo space. Rear-seat legroom is particularly generous in the Sportage (41.3 inches) compared to the CX-5 (39.6 inches). Cargo capacity also favors the Sportage, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the seats and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The CX-5 offers 30 cubic feet and 59.3 cubic feet, respectively.
• Materials and Comfort: The CX-5 boasts a luxurious feel with premium materials throughout the cabin. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long journeys. The Sportage’s interior has improved but uses less upscale materials. The front seats are comfortable, but some find the rear seats a bit firm on longer trips.

Technology

• Infotainment System: The CX-5 features a user-friendly infotainment system with a rotary knob control, but the screen size might feel small for some. The Sportage offers a larger touchscreen with a wider range of features, but the interface can be more complex to navigate. Both offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.
• Driver Assistance Features: Both SUVs come well-equipped with standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offer additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Safety & Warranty

• Crash Test Ratings: Both the CX-5 and Sportage have earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• Mazda CX-5 Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is a more typical warranty coverage in the industry.
  Kia Sportage Warranty: Stands out with an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on the rest of the vehicle. This longer warranty can provide significant peace of mind for ownership costs down the line.

Interested? Great! We have plenty of 2024 Mazda CX-5 in stock here at SB Mazda Chantilly, VA! Give us a call and schedule a test drive today!