2025 Kia Sportage vs. Mazda CX-50: How Does the Kia Stack Up?

This 2025 Kia Sportage vs. Mazda CX-50 comparison gives you the info you need to make the most informed buying decision. Learn about both crossovers here.

There are plenty of reasons to make your next vehicle a crossover SUV. The combination of versatility, space, and style makes it an attractive choice, especially for practical, suburban driving. If that’s you, you may be asking yourself: is the 2025 Kia Sportage a good SUV option? 

2025 Kia Sportage: Specs, features, & performance

As far as crossovers go, the 2025 Kia Sportage offers an attractive combination of affordability and usability. What sets this vehicle apart from the crowd is its ample space and aesthetically pleasing design. Since the Sportage experienced a major design overhaul in 2023, the 2025 model offers little to no changes from previous years. 

Here’s a quick, at-a-glance look at the 2025 Kia Sportage’s key specs:

How much does the 2025 Kia Sportage cost? 

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2025 Kia Sportage starts at $28,565 and goes up to $39,465. Plenty of factors impact your price, including trim levels, customizations, and where you choose to buy.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 Kia Sportage price by trim level:

Powertrain & performance

The standard powertrain for the 2025 Kia Sportage pairs a 2.5-L four cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Together, these generate 187 horsepower. You have the option of choosing front- or all-wheel drive. Additionally, the Sportage has an optional hybrid powertrain, which makes 227 ponies. 

In terms of acceleration, the gas-powered Sportage hits 60 mph in 9.1 seconds. The hybrid, on the other hand, brings that down to 7.4 seconds. 

Towing capacity

When outfitted with an aftermarket trailer brake controller, the 2025 Kia Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds. 

Fuel economy

According to the EPA, the 2025 Kia Sportage has a base gas mileage of 25 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined. The X-Pro trim is a bit thirstier, offering 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined. The hybrid powertrain is naturally thriftier, with 38 mpg city and highway. 

Interior features

The most eye-catching feature of the 2025 Kia Sportage is the digital dashboard display. In terms of color scheme, you can choose either two-tone or an all-black cabin. What’s more, there’s plenty of space for legroom and storage, with 40 cubic feet of space behind the back seat. 

Infotainment & connectivity

The 2025 Sportage comes with a base 8.0-inch infotainment display to pair with the digital gauge display. You have the option to upgrade this to the 12.3-inch model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. There’s also an optional Harman/Kardon audio unit and the ability to add wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Safety features

The Sportage comes with a range of both standard and available safety features. Standard features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Available features include blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Warranty & maintenance coverage

Among the many reasons to buy a Kia is the peace of mind that comes from their generous warranty package. A limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. There is no complimentary Kia service or maintenance. 

Comparison: 2025 Mazda CX-50

Now let’s see how the Sportage compares to a top competitor: the 2025 Mazda CX-50. With its comparable performance and infotainment features, the CX-50 falls short in two categories: price and spaciousness. Here’s our full rundown of the Mazda’s specs and features.

Price

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2025 Mazda CX-50 ranges from $31,720 and goes up to $44,720, depending on the trim and additional customizations.

Here’s a breakdown of price by trim level. You’ll see how the Sportage comes out ahead at every level. 

Powertrain & performance

The Mazda CX-50 comes standard with a 2.5-L four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This combination makes 187 horsepower, same as the Sportage. There’s the option to upgrade to a turbo variant and bring that up to 256 ponies, but that makes the already pricier Mazda even more expensive. 

As far as acceleration goes, the Mazda CX-50 hits 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. 

Towing capacity

The maximum towing capacity for the 2025 Mazda CX-50 is 2,000 pounds with the powertrain comparable to the Sportage. The engine upgrade takes this up to 3,500 pounds. 

Fuel economy

The 2025 CX-50 has a gas mileage of 24 mpg city and 30 highway with the base powertrain. This is slightly less than the Sportage. 

Interior features

The CX-50’s interior is upscale and comfortable, especially on the higher-end trims. All models include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, push start, and a partial digital gauge display. However, some users have complained of limited head and leg room in this vehicle, a problem that the Sportage does not have. 

Infotainment & connectivity

The CX-50 comes standard with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen that runs the Mazda Connect operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. In terms of audio, an eight-speaker stereo comes standard for most trims, but the Premium and Premium Plus come with a 12-speaker Bose stereo. With the exception of the Select trim, all models include a wireless phone charger. 

Safety features

Standard safety features on the Mazda CX-50 include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

Warranty & maintenance coverage

Mazda’s warranty coverage is a bit stingy compared to Kia’s. A limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, while a powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. No complimentary scheduled maintenance is included.

2025 Kia Sportage FAQs

Is a Kia Sportage a reliable car?

Yes, the Kia Sportage is a reliable vehicle. In fact, J.D. Power places the Sportage as #3 in reliability in the compact SUV category. 

Is it worth it to buy a Kia Sportage?

Yes, it’s worth it to buy a Kia Sportage. The affordable price, high reliability, vehicle longevity, and generous warranty all make the Sportage an attractive choice for most buyers. 

How many miles will a Kia Sportage last?

The average Kia Sportage lasts anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 miles. As with any other vehicle, the Sportage’s longevity is dependent on regular maintenance, careful driving, and avoiding any major accidents. 

So what do you think? Did we convince you to give the Sportage a chance? If so, stop by Kia of Key West to answer any other burning question you have and even take a test drive! 

Schedule an appointment with Kia of Key West here.