Kia Sorento vs Mazda CX-5

The Kia Sorento starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Kia Sorento the more affordable entry point by $3,500.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $40,139 and $43,989 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Kia Sorento and 95% for the Mazda CX-5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sorento packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mazda CX-5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sorento and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia Sorento stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Kia Sorento uses a Petrol producing 200kW and 332Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.

The Mazda CX-5 responds with a Petrol making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sorento is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Kia Sorento measures 4,815mm long on a 2,815mm wheelbase, 240mm longer than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 179L in the Kia Sorento and 522L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 343L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Kia Sorento and $2,109/year for the Mazda CX-5. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sorento.

Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Kia Sorento) vs $2,109 (Mazda CX-5). The Kia Sorento saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-5). The Kia Sorento has longer coverage.