2027 Kia Sportage vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5

The Quick Answer

• Price: the Sportage starts lower at $28,990 with FWD. With AWD, the CX-5 is $800 less: $29,990 versus $30,790 for a Sportage LX AWD.
• Space: the Sportage has 39.6 cu ft behind the rear seat versus 33.7, 74.1 cu ft max versus 66.5 and 41.3 in. of rear legroom versus 39.9.
• Towing: 2,500 lbs for the Sportage versus 1,500 for the CX-5.
• Power and mpg: both have a 187-hp 2.5L four-cylinder and both get 26 mpg combined with AWD. Only the Sportage offers a hybrid (up to 41 mpg) and a plug-in hybrid.
• Warranty: Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage is twice Mazda's 5 years/60,000 miles.

Sportage vs. CX-5: Side by Side

2027 Sportage data from Kia; 2026 CX-5 data from Mazda's pricing release, spec deck and mazdausa.com, as of October 2026. MSRP excludes destination. EPA estimates; actual mileage varies. Mazda has not announced a 2027 CX-5.

Price and Value

If you want AWD, the CX-5 has the edge on price: every trim includes it, and the $29,990 2.5 S undercuts the $30,790 Sportage LX AWD by $800 ($700 counting destination). The CX-5's base trim also includes blind-spot monitoring, which the Sportage adds on the EX ($32,590 with AWD).

If you don't need AWD, the Sportage LX FWD starts lower at $28,990. At the top of the range, the Sportage X-Pro Prestige ($39,890) adds all-terrain tires, a heated windshield and heated steering wheel, while the CX-5 Premium Plus ($38,990) adds a 15.6-in. screen and a 360-degree camera.

Power and Fuel Economy

Both use a 2.5L four-cylinder rated at 187 hp, and neither is turbocharged. The CX-5 makes 8 lb-ft more torque; the Sportage has an 8-speed automatic versus Mazda's 6-speed. With AWD, both are rated 26 mpg combined, and the FWD Sportage gets 28.

The bigger difference is choice. The Sportage Hybrid adds 45 hp and gets up to 41 mpg (35 with AWD), and the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid adds electric driving. There's no CX-5 hybrid; Mazda's compact hybrid is the separate CX-50 Hybrid, covered in our Sportage vs. CX-50 comparison.

Space and Practicality

The two are within 0.2 in. of each other in length, but the Sportage uses its space better: 5.9 cu ft more behind the rear seat, 7.6 cu ft more with the seats folded and 1.4 in. more rear legroom. The new CX-5 grew about 4.5 in. for 2026 and is roomier than before, but it still trails the Sportage on every interior measurement here.

Towing and Colorado Driving

• Towing: the Sportage tows 2,500 lbs with trailer brakes, 1,000 lbs more than the CX-5, enough for a small camper or a pair of jet skis.
• AWD: standard on every CX-5. On the Sportage it's a $1,800 option on the LX, EX and SX Prestige and standard on the X-Line and X-Pro Prestige.
• Clearance: 8.3 in. on an AWD Sportage versus 8.0 to 8.2 in. on the CX-5.
• Altitude: both 2.5L engines lose power on I-70 climbs. If you head to the mountains often, the Sportage Hybrid's turbocharged system holds its power better.
• Dirt roads: the Sportage X-Pro Prestige adds all-terrain tires and Terrain Mode; the CX-5 has an Off-Road drive mode.

Tech and Safety

The CX-5's 12.9-in. touchscreen is a little bigger than the Sportage's 12.3-in. screen and has Google built-in. The base CX-5 2.5 S uses wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; every Sportage has wireless.

Mazda includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear automatic braking, Vehicle Exit Warning and front and rear parking sensors on every CX-5. The Sportage LX includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist and front and rear parking sensors, and adds blind-spot warning on the EX.

Warranty

Kia covers the Sportage for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner. Mazda covers the CX-5 for 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles.

Where the CX-5 Wins

An honest comparison names the Mazda's advantages:

• AWD on every trim, at a lower price than an AWD Sportage.
• Blind-spot monitoring and Vehicle Exit Warning standard on the base trim.
• A larger standard touchscreen with Google built-in.
• Slightly more torque (186 vs. 178 lb-ft) and a bit more clearance than a FWD Sportage.

Which Should You Buy?

Compare the Sportage at Emich Kia

We stock the gas Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, including AWD, X-Line and X-Pro trims. Bring your CX-5 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.

Sportage vs. CX-5: FAQ

Drive the 2027 Sportage

Shop the Sportage in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the CX-5.