The Quick Answer
- Sorento wins on price: from $32,590 versus $39,300, and AWD from $37,490 versus $39,300 (AWD is standard on the CX-90).
- CX-90 wins on power and towing: a 280- or 340-hp turbo six versus the Sorento's 274-hp turbo four, and 5,000 lbs of towing versus up to 4,500.
- Seating: the CX-90 seats up to eight; the Sorento six or seven. The CX-90's third row is a little roomier (30.4 vs. 29.6 in.).
- Efficiency: the CX-90 turbo gets 25 mpg combined versus 23 for the Sorento turbo, but the Sorento Hybrid gets up to 37, and Mazda doesn't offer a regular hybrid.
- Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles on the Sorento powertrain versus 5 years/60,000 miles for Mazda.
Sorento vs. CX-90: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sorento | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $32,590 (LX FWD) | $39,300 (3.3 Turbo Select, AWD) |
| AWD from | $37,490 (S AWD) | $39,300 (standard on every trim) |
| Engines | 2.5L, 186 hp; 2.5L turbo, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft | 3.3L turbo inline-6 mild hybrid, 280 hp / 332 lb-ft; Turbo S 340 hp / 369 lb-ft (premium fuel) |
| EPA combined | 26 (2.5L FWD); 23 (turbo) | 25 |
| Hybrid | Sorento Hybrid, 232 hp, up to 37 mpg | None (mild hybrid assist only) |
| Plug-in hybrid | 268 hp; 74 MPGe; 31 mi electric; $53,890 | 323 hp; 56 MPGe; 26 mi electric; from $50,695 |
| Seats | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Max towing | 4,500 lbs (X-Pro); 3,500 (turbo EX, X-Line) | 5,000 lbs (Premium Sport and up); 3,500 (Select, Preferred, PHEV) |
| 3rd-row legroom | 29.6 in. | 30.4 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd row / max | 12.6 / 75.5 cu ft | 14.9 / 74.2 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in. FWD; 8.2 in. AWD | 8.0–8.1 in. |
| Length | 189.6 in. | 200.8 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
| Destination | $1,495 | $1,645 |
2027 Sorento data from Kia; 2026 CX-90 data from Mazda's newsroom and spec deck, with prices effective May 4, 2026, as of October 2026. Mazda has not announced a 2027 CX-90. MSRP excludes destination. EPA estimates; actual results vary. Towing requires towing equipment.
Price and Value
The Sorento starts $6,710 below the CX-90. Because every CX-90 has AWD, the fairer comparison is AWD to AWD: the Sorento S AWD ($37,490) is $1,810 less than the CX-90 Select ($39,300), and the turbo Sorento EX AWD ($40,190) is $890 more.
Mazda gives you more standard power and an eight-seat bench at that price. The Sorento EX AWD counters with Highway Driving Assist, navigation, a power liftgate and 20-in. wheels, and Kia's longer warranty.
Power and Fuel Economy
The CX-90's 3.3L turbo inline-six makes 280 hp (340 hp in the Turbo S on premium fuel) and is rated 25 mpg combined, better than the Sorento turbo's 23. It's the stronger, smoother engine.
The Sorento's advantage is choice. The Sorento Hybrid gets 37 mpg with FWD and 34 with AWD, and Mazda doesn't sell a regular CX-90 hybrid.
Plug-In Hybrids
Both offer a plug-in. The CX-90 PHEV ($50,695) makes 323 hp, tows 3,500 lbs and drives up to 26 miles on electricity (56 MPGe). The 2027 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid ($53,890, X-Line SX Prestige only) makes 268 hp and tows 2,000 lbs, but it's more efficient: 31 miles of electric range (EPA-est.) and 74 MPGe.
Space and Seating
The CX-90 is 11.2 in. longer, but the two are closer inside than that suggests. The CX-90 has 0.8 in. more third-row legroom and 2.3 cu ft more behind the third row; the Sorento has 1.3 cu ft more max cargo space and 41.7 in. of second-row legroom versus 39.4.
The CX-90 seats eight on most trims; the Sorento tops out at seven. The Sorento's shorter length makes it easier to park and maneuver.
Towing and Colorado Driving
- Towing: 5,000 lbs on the CX-90 Premium Sport and up; 4,500 lbs on the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige and 3,500 on turbo EX and X-Line Sorentos.
- AWD: standard on every CX-90; on the Sorento it's optional on the S and EX and standard on X-Line and X-Pro trims.
- Altitude: both turbo engines handle I-70 climbs well. The Sorento's non-turbo 2.5L (LX, S) is the one to avoid if you drive the mountains often.
- Trail roads: the Sorento X-Pro adds all-terrain tires and 8.2 in. of clearance; the CX-90 has 8.0 to 8.1 in. on every trim.
Warranty
Kia covers the Sorento for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner, plus 10 years/100,000 miles on hybrid batteries. Mazda covers the CX-90 for 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles, and the CX-90 PHEV's battery for 8 years/100,000 miles.
Where the CX-90 Wins
An honest comparison names the Mazda's advantages:
- AWD standard on every trim.
- A more powerful inline-six (280 or 340 hp) with better mpg than the Sorento turbo (25 vs. 23).
- Up to eight seats and slightly more third-row room.
- 5,000 lbs of towing on Premium Sport and up.
- A more powerful plug-in hybrid (323 hp) that costs less and tows 3,500 lbs.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sorento if…
You want the lower price, a 37-mpg hybrid, the most efficient plug-in, an easier-to-park size or the longer warranty.
Choose the CX-90 if…
You want standard AWD, an inline-six with more power, eight seats or 5,000 lbs of towing, and the higher price fits your budget.
Compare the Sorento at Emich Kia
We stock the Sorento, Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, including X-Line trims. Bring your CX-90 quote and we'll compare equipment line by line.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Sorento vs. CX-90: FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-90 bigger than the Kia Sorento?
Yes. The CX-90 is 11.2 inches longer and seats up to eight, with 30.4 inches of third-row legroom versus 29.6. The Sorento has slightly more max cargo space (75.5 vs. 74.2 cubic feet).
Which is cheaper, the Sorento or the Mazda CX90?
The Sorento starts at $32,590 versus $39,300. With AWD, the Sorento S AWD is $37,490, still $1,810 less than the CX-90 Select.
Does every CX-90 have AWD?
Yes, AWD is standard on every 2026 CX-90. On the Sorento, AWD is optional on the S and EX and standard on X-Line and X-Pro trims.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Comparing turbo models, the CX-90 at 25 mpg combined versus 23 for the Sorento turbo. The Sorento Hybrid beats both at up to 37 mpg, and Mazda doesn't offer a regular CX-90 hybrid.
How much can the Sorento and CX-90 tow?
The CX-90 tows up to 5,000 lbs on Premium Sport and higher trims. The Sorento tows up to 4,500 lbs on the X-Pro SX Prestige and 3,500 lbs on turbo EX and X-Line trims.
Which has the better warranty?
The Sorento: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, versus 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles for the CX-90.
Drive the 2027 Sorento
Shop the Sorento in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the CX-90.
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