2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-70

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid presented a unique design that stood out within Kia's lineup, blending elements from other models to create a distinct crossover appearance. It featured LED headlights, body-color mirrors, and Satin Chrome accents, with the EX trim adding fog lamps and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Sorento Hybrid offered a mix of hard and soft-touch surfaces, with leatherette seat trim, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and dual-zone climate controls. The interior was functional, with a few distractions like the reflective dashboard trim, but overall, it provided a comfortable and appealing environment.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a sporty and upscale look, with redesigned fasciae, a unique grille, and dark accents. The interior was nearly identical to the CX-90, minus the third-row seat, and featured quality materials and textures. The CX-70's interior was available in exclusive colors, like red leather, and included heated and ventilated seats in higher trims. While it didn't match luxury models in sophistication, it provided a premium feel for its price range, with ample cargo space and practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It was only available with front-wheel drive and offered Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart drive modes. The Sorento Hybrid excelled in Eco mode, achieving 39 mpg in the city and 37 mpg combined, outperforming some competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. However, its powertrain was noisy under hard acceleration, emphasizing its focus on efficiency rather than speed.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered more power with its turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 280 horsepower in the Turbo model and 340 horsepower in the Turbo S. The PHEV variant combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 323 horsepower. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-70 provided a sporty driving experience with responsive steering and athletic handling, though the ride could be harsh on rough surfaces. The PHEV offered a quieter drive with an electric-only range of 26 miles, while the Turbo models boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a well-thought-out interior with functional controls and comfortable seating. The split-level dashboard vents allowed precise airflow control, while the drive mode dial was easy to use. However, the rotary shifter required deliberate effort to engage gears. The Sorento's third-row seating was less spacious, with limited legroom compared to competitors. Cargo space was adequate for everyday needs, but larger loads required folding the rear seats. The EX trim included a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 provided ample space for five passengers, with standard heated front seats and a triple-zone climate control system. Premium Plus trims added ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the seats were supportive, adjustable side bolsters and massagers would enhance comfort. The CX-70 offered generous cargo space, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.3 cubic feet with them folded. Mazda also provided various cargo-enhancing accessories for added practicality.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with an intuitive operating system. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for quick access to functions. Standard features included push-button start, keyless entry, and a rearview camera, with an optional wireless phone charger available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. Mazda Connect offered touch-sensing capability for smartphone mirroring, while a control knob and buttons managed other functions. The system was visually appealing and logically arranged, with Alexa Built-in for improved voice recognition. Most models included a 12-speaker Bose sound system, delivering excellent audio quality. Additional features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The EX trim added advanced collision avoidance systems. While the lane-keeping system needed refinement, the Sorento Hybrid shared a similar body structure with the 2021 Sorento, which received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with i-ActiveSense safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Premium trims added semi-autonomous steering assistance and Unresponsive Driver Support, which initiated a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. The CX-70 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety performance.