2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a bold new front end with vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims boasting LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, with the new X-Pro trim offering a more aggressive look. Inside, the Sorento showcased a new dashboard with a cleaner design, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching enhancing the upscale feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a premium appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive price. However, the ergonomics were a point of contention, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering better performance. The Sorento's all-wheel-drive option provided additional ground clearance and improved usability. The X-Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like all-terrain tires and improved engine cooling, allowing for a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. However, the gas-powered versions had average fuel efficiency, with combined ratings of 23 mpg for turbo models.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models, while the Turbo S variant offered 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a firm suspension that enhanced driving dynamics. The CX-90's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded lower figures.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, but the third row remained tight. It offered advantages over smaller models with optional third-row seats, providing more legroom in the front and second rows. The third row had 29.6 inches of legroom, making it suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down increased capacity to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on the trim. With all seats down, it offered up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. The cargo area offered 14.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded. Maximum cargo volume reached 74.2 cubic feet, which was smaller than some competitors.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster. The new infotainment system, "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX-Prestige models included a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard had a traditional layout with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the center console. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite included a comprehensive set of standard and optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sorento had not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2024, but previous models received favorable ratings.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. It offered a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system.