2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. Even without the X-Line package, the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on the dashboard, and a rock-solid cabin construction that extended to all trim levels.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained an excellent choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. The CX-5 looked and felt more like a small luxury SUV, thanks to its high-quality materials and stylish design. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Our test vehicle, the 2.5 Turbo Signature, featured extra-cost Rhodium White metallic paint, Caturra Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, and an accessory rear bumper guard, bringing the MSRP to $41,655, including a $1,275 destination charge. The CX-5's quality, refinement, and sophistication were evident across all trim levels, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium feel in a compact SUV.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took almost 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. This sluggish performance made the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, a more appealing option. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the turbo engine powered the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring AWD system, achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's raised suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels provided a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. However, the X-Line package's increased ground clearance was more for show than serious off-roading. The Sorento SX Prestige X-Line's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world testing averaged around 20.7 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine, delivering 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, provided a rewarding driving experience. The CX-5's structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise made it feel like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The turbocharged engine's torque arrived at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-5's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world testing returned 21.4 mpg. The CX-5 excelled on twisting, turning roads, offering a firm, connected, and communicative ride quality, with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Rust-colored leather upholstery and a 14-way power driver's seat with thigh support extension. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults, making it more suitable for children. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The "smart" power tailgate made loading easier when your arms were full.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were modified for improved comfort and support, with power adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were less impressive. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The infotainment system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls were awkward to use, making it less user-friendly.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the base LX trim had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, while the larger screen required a cable. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, the lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls made it frustrating to use. The system required a series of twists and pushes to execute commands, making it more distracting than a touchscreen. The CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system on upper trims. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, a suite of driver assistance technologies. Our test vehicle included features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in most assessments except for the headlights on lower trims and rollover resistance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's i-Activsense driver assistance tech included most features as standard, with additional features like a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist on the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status and alerts. The CX-5 earned five-star ratings in every NHTSA assessment and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.