2021 Kia Sorento vs. Mazda CX-5
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 and 2021 Kia Sorento are two exceptional mid-size compact SUVs. They both feature attractive interior and exterior designs, quality materials, are well equipped with excellent infotainment, connectivity, safety and driver assistance technology and have affordable prices. These versatile vehicles are perfect for work, play and running the errands families need every day. When comparing the Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sorento, both 2021 models are nearly identical in size, share many similar features, and provide excellent value. Picking one is a challenge.
Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sorento: Exterior
The 2021 Kia Sorento exterior has bold style, handsome, chiseled body lines, hexagonal grille pattern, eye-catching LED headlights and taillights, body-color front and rear bumpers, muscular exterior details and 17-inch aluminum rims. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has beautifully sculpted bodywork, a three dimensional grille pattern, low, thin, Adaptive LED head and tail lights, pushed back A-pillars improving aerodynamics and visibility and 17-inch aluminum rim that create an aggressive appearance.
Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sorento: Interior
The Sorento has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rotary shift knob and drive-mode selector on the center console, 3 row seating for seven, intricately stitched seat inserts and door panels and integrated ambient lighting. The spacious interior has great storage space and optional second-row captain chairs. Inside the CX-5's shows attention to detail blended with thoughtful ergonomics. Quality materials and a fabulous layout create an upscale feel with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-cloth mesh upholstery, comfortable seating for 5 and a host of creature comforts.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Sorento has keyless entry, 8.0-inch touchscreen with optional 10.3-inch version, wireless charging, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, Bose sound system, smart-device integration, MP3 player, steering wheel audio controls, backup camera and a USB port. The CX-5 has keyless entry, keyless start, an infotainment system with 10.3 inch screen, rotary controller, center console volume knob, voice commands and steering wheel controls. It has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, backup camera and Mazda Connected Services featuring subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
Under The Hood
Let's compare the 2021 Mazda CX-5 vs.Kia Sorento engine options. Available with front or all-wheel drive, the 2021 Kia Sorento has four engine options. A 2.5 liter, 191 horsepower, Inline-4 with 182 pound-feet of torque is standard. There is also a 2.5 liter, 281 horsepower, Inline-4 turbocharged engine with 311 pound-feet of torque. Both work with an 8-speed automatic transmission. An 1.6 liter, 4 cylinder, 277 horsepower, turbo hybrid engine that's combined with a 5 kWh battery and works with a 6-speed automatic transmission is also an option. This only comes with front-wheel drive. The 2021 Sorento has a plug-in-hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6 liter, 261 horsepower gasoline engine and a 8 kWh battery. It only comes with all-wheel-drive.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5's standard engine is a 2.5 liter, 187 horsepower, Inline-4 with 186 pound-feet of torque and great throttle response. A 2.5 liter, 250 horsepower turbo 4-cylinder version with 320 pound-feet of torque is also available. Both engines work with a 6-speed automatic transmission and come with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Performance
The 2021 Kia Sorento SUV has the power and control you need for daily driving or your vacation adventure. It handles well, feels planted around curves and gives a smooth, stable, controlled ride at various speeds and on diverse road surfaces. It has a good steering feel, is nimble enough to zigzag through city traffic and has enough power to accelerate quickly for highway driving. Combining safety, comfort and convenience lets this road-trip-ready ride take on any driving situation with confidence.
Performance is the Mazda CX-5's strong suit. It has engaging driving dynamics, plenty of power, is delightfully athletic, has a smooth, comfortable, refined ride and is the ideal vehicle for everyday driving. Drivers will enjoy its excellent handling, precise steering, composed cornering, superior ride quality, good performance on rough roads and its ability to keep road noise to a minimum. On curvy roads, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes alive with easy acceleration and the satisfying response from its electrically assisted steering. Zoom, zoom, zoom indeed.
Safety And Driver-Assistance Features
When comparing the 2021 Kia Sorento vs. Mazda CX-5 at safety, both cars have an array of key standard and optional safety and driver-assistance technology. They include:
a. Cruise Control
b. Back-Up Camera
c. Lane Departure Warning
d. Lane Keeping Assist
e. Brake ABS System
f. Brake Assist
g. Stability Control
h. Traction Control
i. Airbags: Driver, Front Head, Front Side, Front Passenger and Rear Head.
l. Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
j. 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
k. Child Safety Locks
l. Blind Spot Monitoring
m. Rear Parking Aid
n. Adaptive Cruise Control
o. Heads-Up Display
The 2021 Kia Sorento also has forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it did not get National Highway Transportation Administration or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety safety ratings.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has safety and driver-assistance features not available on the 2021 Kia Sorento. They include automated emergency braking featuring pedestrian detection, Telematics and a 360 Camera. Plus, it was named a IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and received a NHTSA 5-star crash-test rating.
Available Trims
The 2021 Kia Sorento comes in 6 trim levels. The base model LX, the S, the EX, SX, the SX Prestige and SX Prestige X-Line. Each trim has unique features and prices ranging from about $30,000 to just over $45,000. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has 7 trim levels from which to choose. The Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, the Carbon Edition Turbo, the Grand Touring Reserve and the Signature. Each highlights special features and costs between $25,300 and $37,500.
Overview
In the 2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. Kia Sorento matchup, both models stand out as excellent midsize SUVs. The Sorento is larger, has much more cargo space and several powertrains from which to choose. Mazda's CX-5 is stylish, versatile, has clean body lines outside, luxury-level trimmings inside and is a nimble, powerful, fun-to-drive compact crossover with more safety features than the 2021 Kia Sorento and costs almost $5,000 less. This makes it a compelling choice for midsize SUV buyers. Stop by Seacoast Mazda for a test drive.