2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium vs 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige
On paper, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium wins on $2,790 less, 4 MPG better. The 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $2,790 price gap, 187 vs 187 hp, 28 vs 24 MPG.
The CX-5 2.5 S Premium leads on $2,790 less, 4 MPG better. The spec table compares 4 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 4 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium | 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $36,900 | $39,690 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.3 gal | 14.3 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,856 lbs | 3,827 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 108.5" |
| Length | 184.6" | 184.4" |
| Width | 73.2" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium and 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium starts at $36,900, $2,790 less than the 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige at $39,690. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $49/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,790 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $250/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige?
The 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige is the stronger pick when you prefer the Kia approach to the compact SUV segment.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium or 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium rates 28 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium or 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige?
Both produce 187 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium also leads in torque at 186 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium bigger than the 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium is 0.2″ longer at 184.6″ vs 184.4″. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium has a 2.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Mazda CX-5 comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Kia Sportage offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-5 trims, Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims
The CX-5–Sportage Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the CX-5 and Sportage compare. The $2,790 gap is about $49/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
Both run the same 2.5L I4 engine. Both produce 187 hp. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium saves roughly $250/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,250. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium when you want to keep $2,790 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige when you prefer the Kia approach to the compact SUV segment. At $49/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mazda or Kia or any dealership.