2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mazda CX-50 Comparison

2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

The best kind of SUV is one that is both practical and comfortable, and that's why the 2026 Sportage and 2026 Mazda CX-50 are so highly acclaimed. Both hold a high reputation for being reliable and capable, no matter the journey ahead. But if you're looking to get a new ride, it's worth looking into the latest 2026 Kia Sportage compared to the current 2026 Mazda CX-50, even if you're aiming to be on a budget. Keep reading to see what we mean! For capable and fun-to-drive SUVs near you, be sure to stop by Kia of Bedford or view our new inventory online for available models near Bedford, Ohio.

2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

Did you know the 2026 Kia Sportage has more equipment for a lower price than the 2026 Mazda CX-50? That's just one of the many things we love about the latest Sportage. But is it a better ride than the CX-50? Read on to find out!

Vehicle Comparison

	2026 Kia Sportage	2026 Mazda CX-50
Starting Price	Starting at $28,690	Starting at $29,900
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6,100 rpm	187 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Engine Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs	2,000 lbs
Maximum Payload	1,270 lbs	1,120 lbs
Cargo Space	74.1 cu ft	56.3 cu ft
Seating Capacity	5	5

Performance

The 2026 Kia Sportage has a powertrain for every type of driver. The base powertrain setup is a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces a respectable 187 horsepower. Drivers looking to maximize every drop of fuel can opt for the Sportage Hybrid, which packs a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to a battery pack that increases horsepower to 232 and fuel economy to 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg highway. Drivers looking for a bit more punch can step up to the Tucson Plug-in-Hybrid, which raises horsepower to a stout 261 with only a minor effect on fuel economy, managing 35 mpg combined.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 also has a few different powertrain options, but they aren't as impressive as what's available in the Kia. The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes a similar 187 horsepower. Drivers looking for a bit more power can opt for this same engine with a turbocharger attached, which produces 256 horsepower. Like the Kia, there is also a hybrid powertrain available; however, it's significantly less efficient with an EPA rating of only 38 mpg combined.

Safety Features

The 2026 Kia Sportage and 2026 Mazda CX-50 both earned the coveted "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Being that Hyundai and Kia share engineering and safety efforts, these two compact SUVs are evenly matched in the safety category.

Safety Feature	2026 Kia Sportage	2026 Mazda CX-50
Forward Collision Avoidance	Standard	Standard
Lane Keeping Assist	Standard	Standard
Lane Following Assist	Standard	Not Available
Driver Attention Warning	Standard	Standard
Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go	Standard	Standard
Rear Occupant Alert	Standard	Standard
Blind-Spot Collision Warning	Standard	Not Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist	Standard	Not Available
Safe Exit Warning	Standard	Standard
Highway Driving Assist	Available	Not Available
High Beam Assist	Standard	Available
Blind-Spot View Monitor	Available	Not Available
Surround View Monitor	Available	Available
Remote Smart Parking Assist	Available	Not Available

Interior

The 2026 Sportage is the latest example in Kia's consistent trend over the last decade of making the nicest interiors of any compact SUV. So nice in fact that when you slip into the driver's seat, you'll feel like you entered a luxury SUV that carries a price tag double what the Sportage costs.

A massive glass instrument panel extends from the driver door to just before the passenger seat, which houses two configurable 12.3-inch screens. The materials are soft to the touch, and the overall theme is simple, elegant, and straightforward. Tune to your favorite station on the available 12-speaker Bose sound system and cruise to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in style. Battle those frigid Bedford winters by using the KiaAccess app to warm your Sportage to an optimal temperature for the drive home.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 also has a nicely designed interior, just not quite as nice as the Sportage. A 10.3-inch center screen is standard equipment, as is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. An 8-speaker sound system comes standard, while a 12-speaker Bose system is available in upper trim levels.

Bottom Line

The 2026 Kia Sportage gives a better experience than the 2026 Mazda CX-50. Everything that you could want (and more) is in the 2026 Kia Sportage at a lower cost compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-50. You're basically getting modern styling and tech free of charge! Treat yourself to something better while keeping cash in your wallet with the 2026 Kia Sportage.

Take the 2026 Kia Sportage for a Test Drive!

Ready to try out the new 2026 Kia Sportage in person? Swing by Kia of Bedford today or give us a call at (866) 344-0006 for more information about our selection of SUVs and to schedule a test drive. To see what we have available, you can browse our new inventory online for the latest SUVs near Bedford, OH!

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Disclaimer

*All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle information. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice. Prices and payments do not include tax, titles, tags, finance charges, documentation charges, emissions testing charges, or other fees required by law, vehicle sellers or lending organizations.

Based on 2025 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

While every effort has been made to ensure display of accurate data, the vehicle listings within this website may not reflect all accurate vehicle items. Accessories and color may vary. All inventory listed is subject to prior sale. The vehicle photo displayed may be an example only. Vehicle Photos may not match exact vehicles. Please confirm vehicle price with Dealership. See Dealership for details.