2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs. Kia Sportage Hybrid

Compact crossovers have the unique appeal of providing both athleticism and drivability, showcasing the prowess of an SUV while still providing the maneuverability of a car. The market for these vehicles has grown over the years as consumers recognize their exceptional versatility and convenience. Recent additions to the compact crossover market include hybrid versions of some of the most popular compact models, including the Mazda CX-50 and Kia Sportage. These hybrids increase appeal even more, offering improved efficiency without sacrificing design and style.

If you’re looking to compare cars, our team at Capistrano Mazda in San Juan Capistrano, California, has assessed the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid vs. the Kia Sportage Hybrid to help you decide which is the best fit for you and your needs.

Trims and Pricing

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 hybrid and the 2025 Kia Sportage hybrid come in three available trim levels to choose from:

•  CX-50: The CX-50 comes with the Preferred, Premium, or Premium Plus trim levels, with starting prices of $33,970, $37,400, and $40,050.
• Sportage: The Sportage features the LX, EX, or SX Prestige trim levels, with prices starting at $28,590, $32,390, and $37,590.

Engine Specifications, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of the CX-50 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with three electric motors to churn out 219 hp. Each trim level comes standard with an electronic all-wheel drive (AWD) and Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, which features power and trail modes. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission for a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of 7.6 seconds and a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The Sportage houses a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four gas engine that’s paired with two electric motors to produce 227 hp. This engine features a six-speed automatic transmission and Normal, Smart, and Sport drive modes. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the base trim level, while AWD is available on the EX and SX Prestige trim levels. The Sportage hybrid has a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of 7.4 seconds, and its towing capacity maxes out at 2,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, these two vehicles are remarkably similar. Since the CX-50 only has one engine and drivetrain option, each trim level has an EPA rating of 39 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 38 mph combined. Real-world testing by Car and Driver revealed a fuel economy of 34 mpg on the highway, just slightly lower than the EPA rating.

The FWD Sportage has an EPA rating of 42 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined. The AWD versions see 38 mpg in the city, on the highway, and combined. However, Car and Driver’s real-world testing revealed that the Sportage only achieved 31 mpg on the highway.

Interior Comfort, Space, and Cargo Capacity

Inside is where these two hybrid crossovers differ the most. Standard features on all trim levels of the CX-50 hybrid include an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped gear selector and steering wheel, half leatherette-trimmed seats, and heated front seats with three-level adjustments. In comparison, these features are either only available on higher trim levels of the Sportage hybrid or not available at all.

The Mazda features a standard 10.25-inch full-color infotainment display screen on even the base model, compared to an 8-inch touch-screen display that’s standard on the Kia. You’ll also find standard wireless phone charging in the CX-50, as well as charging ports for both front and rear passengers. These features are only available on the higher trim levels of the Sportage.

Cargo space is slightly different between the two models, with the CX-50 providing 29.2 cubic feet of storage with the seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Sportage provided 39.5 cubic feet with the seats up and 73.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seat folded if the dual-level flooring is utilized to increase capacity.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Technologies

The Mazda CX-50 really shines when it comes to safety features and driver-assistance technology. Unlike its competitor, the CX-50 includes its whole suite of safety features on every trim level, providing you with security and peace of mind regardless of which model you select. The Sportage, however, only provides the basic features on its base trim, reserving the majority of its safety technology for the higher trim levels.

Standard features across the board for all CX-50 trim levels include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, radar cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, rear seat alert, vehicle exit warning, driver attention alert, emergency lane-keeping with road-keep assist, and a rearview monitor. Each trim level also features Mazda’s Smart Brake support, which provides automatic forward braking with collision mitigation and secondary collision reduction.

Standard features on the Sportage include forward collision avoidance, rear parking distance monitor, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant warning. If you want more features similar to the CX-50, you’ll need to opt for a higher trim level.

Buyer’s Guide: Which One To Choose?

The decision between the Mazda CX-50 hybrid and the Kia Sportage hybrid will largely come down to what you value the most. Fuel efficiency reigns supreme in a hybrid, and real-world testing revealed that the CX-50 performs slightly better. If you prefer interior comfort and convenience over performance, you may prefer the CX-50’s increased standard technology and driver-assistance features over the Sportage’s slightly more powerful engine.

If you want to learn more about the CX-50, our team at Capistrano Mazda is here to help. Contact us today with any questions or browse our inventory of new Mazda vehicles for sale. Browse our inventory of new Mazda vehicles and find your perfect ride. If you’re wondering how the rest of the Mazda vehicles stack up to the competition, check out our Mazda comparison page to stay informed.