The Mazda CX-70 PHEV and Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid are both midsize SUVs with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. That means they can run on electricity alone, a gas engine, or a hybrid combination of the two. The result is some of the benefits of an electric vehicle (EV), like great efficiency and swift acceleration, but without the range anxiety.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences and similarities between the Mazda CX-70 PHEV and Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid to see which SUV is right for you.
2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV
The Mazda CX-70 PHEV is an SUV that punches above its weight. Its interior quality is such that it competes with pricier luxury SUVs, and it has the rewarding driving experience we’ve come to expect from Mazda. The CX-70 is also available with a non-hybrid, turbocharged gas engine, but today, we’re focusing on the PHEV.
Mazda CX-70 PHEV Highlights
Lively performance: The Mazda CX-70 PHEV is decidedly sportier than the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. The Mazda’s hybrid system has a total output of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, making for an entertaining drive.
Quicker charging: Because it has a bigger onboard charger, the Mazda’s charging speed is about double that of the Kia’s. With Level 2 charging (the kind you can get installed in your garage), the CX-70’s battery gets a full charge in as little as 90 minutes, while the Sorento’s takes over three hours.
Premium interior: The interior of the Mazda CX-70 PHEV just looks and feels a little nicer than the cabin in the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. Mazda has done an excellent job offering premium interior quality at a more affordable price point than a luxury brand, and the upscale CX-70 is a prime example of that.
Read our Mazda CX-70 PHEV Expert Review or see Mazda CX-70 PHEV models for sale near you.
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Sorento is available with two gas engines, a conventional hybrid powertrain, and a PHEV setup that we’re focusing on in this comparison. A few virtues shared by all Sorento SUVs are 3-row practicality, reasonable pricing, user-friendly technology, and the best warranty coverage in the business. It adds up to a versatile SUV that gives buyers a wide range of choices for what’s under the hood.
Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Highlights
Lower fuel costs: Although these are both plug-in hybrids with similar all-electric range ratings, the Kia uses gas and electrons more efficiently. Additionally, the Mazda requires premium gas, and the Kia doesn’t. The result is lower fuel costs for the Kia, to the tune of about $54/month, according to EPA estimates.
3-row seating: The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid comes standard with 3-row seating, while the Mazda CX-70 PHEV is a 2-row 5-seater. Even if you don’t need those extra seats often, this adds to the versatility of the Sorento. Mazda does have a 3-row PHEV option in the form of the CX-90 PHEV.
Better warranty: The Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is backed by class-leading warranty coverage that Mazda can’t match. It has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving the driver extra peace of mind.
Read our Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Expert Review or see Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid models for sale near you.
Similarities
These are both midsize SUVs with plug-in hybrid powertrains. They’re also pretty similarly equipped with safety and infotainment tech features.
Pricing
New 2026 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$45,780 |
TBD |
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$48,780 |
TBD |
New 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV vehicles and New 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 MAZDA CX-70 PHEV | 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | N/A |
| Drive Wheels | AWD | N/A |
| All-Electric Range | N/A | N/A |
| Total Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 inches | N/A |
| Horsepower | 323 hp @ 6,000 rpm | N/A |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | N/A |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed e-skyactiv-drive w/manual mode | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 0 years/0 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | N/A |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/100,000 miles | years/0 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | N/A |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | N/A |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | N/A |
| Width With Mirrors | 84.9 inches | N/A |
| Width Without Mirrors | 78.5 inches | N/A |
| Height | 68.7 inches | N/A |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 39.6 feet | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.3 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The winner in this comparison depends on what you’re looking for. The Mazda CX-70 PHEV is the sportier and more luxurious choice, while the Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid is arguably more practical with its 3-row seating, lower fuel costs, and better warranty coverage. You can’t go wrong with either, so pick the one that best suits your wants, needs, and budget.
