Kia gave the Sportage an impressive redesign for the 2023 model year, which makes it a more competitive choice against its compact crossover SUV rivals, such as the Mazda CX-5. Find out how the two vehicles measure up in this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 comparison. With its plethora of advantages, the Sportage defeats the CX-5 in numerous ways.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Sportage vs. CX-5: Performance

For performance, the 2023 Kia Sportage offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower). 

In comparison, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (256 horsepower). 

The two crossover SUVs have the same horsepower output for the base engines, but the Sportage has the edge for maximum horsepower.

Also, the Sportage has the advantage for efficiency. The fully gas-powered Sportage gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg, while the Sportage Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

 In comparison, the CX-5 gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 26 combined mpg.

Sportage vs. CX-5: Towing

The 2023 Sportage can tow more than the 2023 CX-5. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the CX-5.

Sportage vs. CX-5: Off-road capabilities

If you’re aiming to head off-road, then the Sportage is the better crossover SUV for you. While both vehicles offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the Sportage has higher ground clearance than the CX-5 (up to 8.3 vs. 7.5 inches). Also, unlike the CX-5, the Sportage has off-road-focused models with the X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims.

Sportage vs. CX-5: Safety

Both the Sportage and CX-5 have a strong roster of safety and driving assistance features. This includes a blind-spot monitoring system, brake assist, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, a forward collision warning system, a backup camera, and electronic stability control.

Sportage vs. CX-5: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 Sportage is slightly bigger than the 2023 CX-5, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 108 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 74.1 cu-ft. In comparison, the CX-5 has a total passenger volume of 104 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 58.1 cu-ft. 

However, the CX-5 has a more upscale cabin, with a high-quality design and a liberal use of premium materials. 

Sportage vs. CX-5: Warranty coverage

The Sportage has more generous warranty coverage than the CX-5. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the CX-5.

Sportage vs. CX-5: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Sportage or the 2023 CX-5? The starting price of the 2023 Sportage ranges from $25,990 MSRP for the LX trim up to $42,990 MSRP for the Plug-In Hybrid X-Line Prestige trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 CX-5 ranges from $26,700 MSRP for the 2.5 S trim up to $39,650 MSRP for the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 Sportage has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for maximum horsepower output, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and warranty coverage. Conversely, the 2023 CX-5 has the advantage of a more upscale cabin.