Compact SUVs stay a best choice for on a regular basis commuters with their effectivity, affordable price ticket, and revolutionary options. The Mazda CX-50 and Kia Sportage are extremely regarded choices on this phase, every of them rating within the high 5 of our finest compact SUVs. Interested by seeing what units these two autos aside? Let’s take a better look.
2026 Mazda CX-50
When you’re in search of a automobile that accommodates your each day commute together with a day of trekking the paths, look no additional than Mazda’s CX-50. This mannequin options customary all-wheel drive (AWD), which is good for mild off-road driving or enhanced safety in inclement climate, making the CX-50 interesting to each each day commuters and journey seekers. It additionally boasts a premium design and revolutionary options, giving drivers a snug and linked in-cabin expertise.
The 2026 mannequin lineup brings a brand new “outdoor-focused” Meridian Version trim possibility, together with up to date inside and exterior design choices. Customers can selected from a variety of 10 trim ranges, together with the two.5 S fashions, the Turbo fashions, and the CX-50 Hybrid compact SUVs,
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
Turbo Engine: Past the bottom 2.5-liter engine and hybrid variations, Mazda provides a turbo engine possibility, which boasts 256 horsepower — greater than most on this class. This engine improve makes for a snappier drive over the CX-50 2.5 S’s base of 187 hp with a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine. For 2026, the turbo turns into extra inexpensive with the introduction of a brand new CX-50 2.5 Turbo trim.
Towing Capabilities: Whereas the usual engine within the CX-50 can tow as much as 2,000 kilos, the turbo engine permits for pulling as much as 3,500 kilos, making it one of the succesful on this phase and outworking the Sportage by 1,000 kilos.
Premium Inside: Within the 2026 CX-50, you’ll discover an elevated inside constructed with premium supplies all through, even within the base fashions. Leatherette upholstery comes customary on decrease trims with the choice to improve to real leather-based on higher trims.
Learn our Mazda 2026 Skilled Overview or see 2026 Mazda CX-50 fashions on the market close to you.
2026 Kia Sportage
With a brand new front-end redesign for 2026, the Kia Sportage will flip extra heads than earlier than. The Sportage is Kia’s best-selling mannequin, largely because of its revolutionary know-how, spacious inside, and placing design. This automobile is straightforward to drive, attracting many each day long-haul commuters.
Together with the redesigned entrance finish, the 2026 mannequin options new daytime working lights, an ordinary 12.3-inch touchscreen, and useful tech options, together with customary adaptive cruise management and over-the-air updates.
Kia Sportage Highlights
A Alternative of Powertrains: The bottom Sportage will get a 2.5-liter fuel engine with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive (AWD) is offered. Kia provides the Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid mannequin to the lineup, providing a variety of alternative for customers.
Tech Savvy: The 2026 Sportage provides consumers revolutionary know-how at a low worth. Its spectacular customary characteristic set now contains auto-sensing windshield wipers, non-obligatory blind-spot view screens, and over-the-air updates.
Expansive Guarantee: Kia’s warranties are among the many most complete within the trade. They provide a 5-year/60,000-mile fundamental guarantee and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee. In comparison with the CX-50’s 3-12 months/36,000-Mile Guarantee, the Sportage offers extra reassurance for brand new consumers.
Learn our Kia Sportage Skilled Overview or see 2026 Kia Sportage fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The bottom engines in each the CX-50 and Sportage are non-turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder items producing 187 hp, and every may be ordered up with a hybrid powertrain. Kia bumps the ante with a plug-in hybrid, whereas Mazda goes all-in with a 227-hp turbo possibility. Every mannequin provides sturdy security options and intuitive know-how.
Pricing
New 2026 MAZDA CX-50 Costs
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Retail Value
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Honest Buy Value (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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$31,395
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TBD
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$33,895
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TBD
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$34,645
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TBD
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$36,395
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TBD
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$39,395
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TBD
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$41,895
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TBD
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$44,395
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TBD
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The Kelley Blue E-book Honest Buy Value for any particular person used automobile can differ vastly in response to mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are at the moment paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-50 autos and New 2026 Kia Sportage autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s advised retail worth (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot charge, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2026 MAZDA CX-50 | 2026 Kia Sportage | |
| Widespread Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capability | 2,000 kilos | 2,500 kilos |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | automated, 6-speed skyactiv-drive sport w/guide mode | automated, 8-speed |
| Gas Economic system | N/A | 25 metropolis/33 freeway/28 mixed mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Security | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 108.5 inches |
| General Size | 185.8 inches | 183.5 inches |
| Width | 80.8 inches | 73.4 inches |
| Peak | 63.5 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.0 toes | 19.3 toes |
| Headroom, Entrance | 39.1 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Legroom, Entrance | 41.7 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.8 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 55.9 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.6 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 31.4 toes | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 56.3 toes | 74.1 toes |
Specification desk displays the everyday configuration of autos proven.
Conclusion
When you’re in search of a refined automobile outfitted with customary options for adventurous drives, the CX-50 may be the higher alternative for you. The Sportage would possibly acquire an edge because of its spacious cabin and expansive guarantee. If cash is an element as nicely, take into accout the Sportage base worth begins $1,300 decrease than the CX-50. We’d have a tough time selecting between the 2 compact SUVs, however cash talks.
