2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, built on the N3 platform, was notably larger than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom due to its 7.1-inch longer body and 3.4-inch longer wheelbase. The new model was also slightly taller and wider, enhancing its road presence. Its bold styling, featuring angular LED headlights and distinctive "boomerang" LED daytime running lights, set it apart from other vehicles. The interior was designed around a large optional infotainment display, with a minimalist and elegant look. However, the SynTex artificial leather upholstery felt somewhat cheap, despite Kia's promotion of it as an "animal-free" alternative.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had aged well since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Carbon Turbo trim featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, adding a touch of luxury. Mazda improved the fuel economy of the base engine and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5's interior was upscale, with high-quality materials and a comfortable, if snug, seating arrangement for four adults. The design and quality of the cabin elevated it above most mass-market rivals, giving it a luxury feel.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, shared with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, offered more horsepower than competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape hybrids. The Sportage Hybrid provided smooth and predictable acceleration, with a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The well-tuned transmission contributed to a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, although the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. On regular gas, it still offered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the revs to build before delivering a wave of torque. However, its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an observed 22.9 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and it featured Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology for enhanced cornering. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway and offered lively handling in the city, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It provided more front-seat headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids but less for second-row passengers. The dual-level cargo floor added flexibility, with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage Hybrid's interior featured a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones, and clever cupholders, maximizing available space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in interior room, provided a comfortable experience for four adults. The standard heated front seats were redesigned for comfort and support, with six-way power adjustment for the driver. The CX-5's cabin design and quality were impressive, resembling a luxury vehicle. It offered 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than most compact crossovers. The storage space was good, though the cupholders were somewhat awkward to use.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The EX model upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the SX-Prestige combined it with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive, though Android Auto didn't utilize the entire screen. The Sportage Hybrid included touch controls for audio and climate, four standard USB-C ports, and an optional Harman Kardon audio system.

Mazda's approach in the 2024 CX-5 focused on minimizing driver distraction, with traditional switchgear for essential controls. The 10.25-inch display allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving, with wireless connectivity available in several trims. The infotainment system was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons, though the native voice interface was less intuitive than smartphone assistants. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The Carbon Turbo trim featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the premium interior feel.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of testing. The base LX trim included standard forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the SX-Prestige offered advanced features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a blind-spot view camera, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. However, competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered adaptive cruise control as standard.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it hadn't in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.