2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the CX-5 had its drawbacks, such as a small back seat, limited cargo space, and a frustrating infotainment system. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60. Despite these changes, the CX-5 remained a vehicle that exuded quality, refinement, and sophistication across its lineup.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 redesign, aligning it more closely with its siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's new design featured a bold front end, updated taillights, and a more upscale cockpit. The exterior updates included a large grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and new wheel designs. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a combined gauge cluster and infotainment display under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats. The Sorento's interior felt more upscale than some of its competitors, offering a solid and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The more enticing option was the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produced 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive handling and a firm, connected ride quality. However, its fuel economy fell short during testing, achieving 21.4 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered improved performance, with zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided enhanced off-road capabilities, with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's fuel economy was average for its class, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined, while turbo models managed 23 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured updated front seats for improved comfort and support. It offered a range of features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior had limitations, such as small storage areas, cramped rear seats, and limited cargo space. It provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample legroom in the first two rows. It offered 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row, with 29.6 inches of legroom, was tight but comparable to larger vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. The Sorento's interior was well-appointed, with optional heated and ventilated front seats and noise-insulating acoustic glass. The third row limited cargo space to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding it down expanded capacity to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on trim. With all seats down, it offered up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics. However, it lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and its physical controls were awkward to use. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting. Despite these issues, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Navigation was standard on most trims, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. The system supported over-the-air updates and featured USB-C outlets in all rows. SX-Prestige models offered a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering a range of driver assistance features. Standard equipment included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite included a comprehensive set of standard and optional safety features. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's safety systems performed well, though some sensors were affected by weather conditions. The IIHS rated the Sorento "Good" in several tests, while the NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.