2016 Kia Sportage vs. 2016 Mazda CX-5

You will notice the difference between the new Sportage and the new CX-5 the moment you look at them. The Kia Sportage is a much larger SUV, while the CX-5 almost looks like a supersized version of a station wagon.

The Sportage is two inches wider than the CX-5, nearly an inch taller, and nearly nine inches longer. The wheelbase is also nearly three inches wider. That translates to a more impressive exterior profile, as well as more interior room for passengers, including leg and head room.

The 2016 Kia Sportage looks like a more stylish version of a traditional SUV. It has a beefy profile with aerodynamic details. A sloping line sweeps back from the start of the fascia to the roof and ending at the rear gate. The grille turns up to meet the headlines, which sweep back like they are meeting the windshield.

Under the Hood

Both the Sportage and the CX-5 provide deft handling and sporty performance. The 2016 Kia Sportage comes with a 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder engine that puts out 182 horse power and 177 pounds per feet of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For a bit more power, buyers can opt for the turbocharged engine on the SX trim that puts out 260 horse power.

The base model Sportage gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 155 horse power and 150 pounds per feet of torque, which is much lower than the Sportage.

The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, which some drivers may find hard to navigate.

For more power, the CX-5 offers a 2.5-liter engine that puts out 184 horse power and 185 pounds per feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is available with that engine.

The base model CX-5 gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The fuel efficiency on the CX-5 is better, but the trade off is that you don't get as much power under the hood. The CX-5 is also smaller overall, which improves fuel efficiency.

Safety and Convenience Features

We're still learning about all the features that will be included on the Sportage and the CX-5, but what we know so far makes both models attractive for a wide audience.

The 2016 Kia Sportage will come with interior features like adjustable seating, a split, folding rear seat, rear ventilation ducts, reclining rear seats, electric power steering and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

The premium audio system includes six speakers, auxiliary jacks for streaming audio, USB connections for streaming and charging personal devices, and satellite radio. Bluetooth connectivity is also available for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, emergency braking assist, stability and traction control, tile pressure monitoring, and more.

Optional features include leather seating, a cooled glove box, cross bars, a tow hitch, side steps, mud guards, puddle lights, a cargo net and tray, cargo cover, and remote start.

Interior features on the 2016 Mazda CX-5 include heated front seats, leather upholstery, adjustable seating, rear ventilation ducts, hands-free entry, electric power steering, air filtration, and dual-zone climate control. There is a Bose sound system with nine speakers, satellite radio, auxiliary output and USB ports.

Safety features include a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, emergency braking assist, stability and traction control, a post-collision safety system, tire pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors.

Optional features for the CX-5 include roof racks, a trailer hitch receiver, rear bumper guard, bumper protection, cargo net and tray, cargo cover, all-weather floor mats, and mobile start.