2024 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2024 Kia Sportage
When it's time to choose a versatile family vehicle, there are more than enough choices, and shortlisting a compact SUV is always a good start.
With a wide selection in this popular vehicle segment, buyers may need some help making the right choice. With this in mind, we take a closer look at two strong contenders in the compact/sub-compact SUV market that both offer seating for five passengers and useful everyday utility with some degree of off-road ability thrown in.
Read on as we share more on the 2024 versions of 2024 Mazda's CX-50 and Kia's Sportage.
2024 Mazda CX-50
Still relatively new from its debut in 2022, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 sees little in the way of changes for 2024. As such this US based production model continues for the 2024 model year with no changes to specs but the suspension and steering see upgrades for enhanced handling.
For 2024, the Mazda CX-50 is offered in seven trim levels: Base, Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus trims. For those buyers seeking some more off-road abilities, an additional "Meridian Edition" trim level is available for turbocharged models.
2024 Kia Sportage
Kia's subcompact SUV Sportage saw a major overhaul in 2023, with the 2024 Sportage getting less substantial changes for this model year. Upgrades to safety equipment include additional airbags for rear seat passengers, and the headlights are upgraded to LED units across the range.
The Sportage continues to be offered with a bevy of standard features and equipment to attract buyers and remains a solid value choice. Like the Mazda CX-50, the Kia Sportage is available in seven trims; LX. EX, X Line, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige.
Exterior
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 sports an exterior design that uses a rugged off-road inspired and square styling with noticeable body cladding and enhanced ground clearance of either 8.3 or 8.6 inches, depending on trim levels.
The stylish exterior is available with an optional panoramic sunroof with 17-inch alloy wheels standard fitment across the range, with 20-inch wheels available on select trims.
For owners wanting to take their CX-50s further off the beaten track, the extra cost Meridian trim available at dealer level adds some all-terrain-inspired features.
The 2024 Kia Sportage features a stylish standout exterior design with features like the now standard LED projector style headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. Silver front and rear skid plates, plus the wheel arch moldings, add to the adventurous look.
Door handles and a rear spoiler finished in body color and a shark fin antenna are some standard exterior features.
The X-Pro trims offer numerous features for exploration such as high-utility roof rails, all-terrain tires and 17 to 19 inch alloy wheel options.
Powertrain
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is fitted with a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four engine offering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, married to a six-speed automatic transmission with power going to all wheels. A powerful 256-and 320 lb-ft torque turbocharged version is also available.
The Sportage's standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine making 187 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels as standard or available all-wheel drive.
Interior
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 seats five passengers in two rows in a comfortable and somewhat upmarket cabin. Interior design details suggest an outdoor lifestyle, with seat stitching reflecting the pattern of hiking boot laces and the center console finished in a texture that mimics the grip of a telephoto lens.
Seats standard in black leatherette are well bolstered and supportive, with rear-seat passengers getting plenty of legroom. Front seats are heated and ventilated.
A seven-inch partial digital gauge display sits in front of the driver, who also has the convenience of a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and push-button start. Standard features across all trims include dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows with a one-touch down/up feature, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, speed-sensitive power door locks with 2-stage unlocking, and Mazda's advanced keyless entry and start system.
The CX-50's trunk area offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space expanding to 56.3 cubic feet by folding the 60/40-split rear seats down. A liftgate that opens flush with the floor makes for easy loading.
The Kia Sportage features standard air conditioning on the base LX and dual-zone auto climate control with auto defog on all other trims. A large 12.2-inch digital display on the dashboard is on offer for the driver, and other standard features include rear aircon vents, power windows, day/night rearview mirror and rear demister.
The snazzy interior is available in a two-tone color scheme as an option, and the center console is fitted with a rotary shift knob, a push-to-start button, plus other controls that blend into a piano-black bezel. Interior lighting is on offer, with LED illumination on upper trims.
The generous dimensions of the Kia translate into good passenger space, and the cargo area holds 39.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the back seat. 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space is available once folding down the 60/40 split rear seat. A dual-level cargo floor offers even more versatility for owners.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen display is on offer on the base 2024 Mazda CX-50, while upper trims feature a 10.3-inch screen. Mazda's Connect interface standard on all trim levels is controlled via the click wheel found on the center console.
Wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with eight speakers, with the Premium and Premium Plus models featuring a 12-speaker Bose stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio.
Standard features on the Kia Sportage include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Plus and plentiful USB-A and -C ports in both seating rows. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display is standard, with an available upgrade to 12.3 inches for enhanced connectivity and crisper graphics.
An upgrade to a Harman/Kardon system is an option, as well as wireless phone charging and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety Features
The CX-50 is equipped with a full suite of safety features that buyers have come to expect from a modern SUV. Driver aids such as lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control are standard plus automated emergency braking.
Kia has fitted the Sportage with plenty of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. Features include auto emergency braking technology, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, a surround-view monitor and parking assist.
Visit Our Dealership
Whether you are buying a new 2024 Mazda CX-50 or another Mazda model from our extensive selection of new and certified pre-owned Mazdas, our passionate and committed team at Seacoast Mazda in Portsmouth, NH, will happily assist you.
We look forward to being of service to you and making you a lifelong customer.