2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a bold new front end with vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like amber daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. Inside, the Sorento boasted a modern dashboard with a single pane of glass housing the gauge cluster and infotainment displays, offering a cleaner look. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, providing a more upscale feel, with options for luxurious faux wood grain and quality stitching.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its timeless design, with graceful curves that set it apart from other small SUVs. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, it maintained a luxury-like appearance. The interior featured high-quality materials and a blend of analog and digital elements, favoring usability over flashy tech. The CX-5's layout was intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for easy control, making it user-friendly despite lacking a large touchscreen.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 191 horsepower, which felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on higher trims, delivered 281 horsepower and provided a more spirited drive. All-wheel drive was optional, enhancing the Sorento's capability, especially in the rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims. The X-Pro excelled in off-road conditions, offering improved towing capacity and terrain modes.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter engine generated 187 horsepower, offering average acceleration. The turbocharged version increased output to 256 horsepower, providing quicker acceleration and a more confident drive. Standard all-wheel drive and sporty handling made the CX-5 enjoyable on winding roads. While the ride was firmer, it remained comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, minimizing road noise.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's interior was spacious in the first two rows, with 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row was tighter, with 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The layout was ergonomic, with ample storage and optional features like heated and ventilated seats.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered a refined interior but lacked some practicality compared to rivals. Rear legroom was decent, but competitors like the Honda CR-V provided more space. Cargo capacity was 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The CX-5 featured convenient storage solutions and a power liftgate on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen across all trims, integrated into a sleek dashboard. The new software, "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit," prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SX-Prestige models included a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 had a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a center console dial. The system was intuitive, with logical menus and easy operation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless capability on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on midrange trims, and the top model featured a Bose audio system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento included the Drivewise suite of safety features, with adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist as standard. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist and surround-view cameras. It received "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, but full evaluations were pending.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned high safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and "Good" scores from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added advanced features like adaptive headlights and a driver attention monitor.