It would be easy to pick one of the SUVs that everyone buys if you’re in the market for a midsize 3-row SUV, but there are so many options out there that it’s worth shopping around. For example, the Mazda CX-90 stands out as something a little different, with an upscale interior and engaging driving dynamics. There’s also the Kia Sorento, an affordable choice in 3-row SUVs with tons of variety in its model range.
Let’s take a closer look at the CX-90 and Sorento and see which is right for you.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is the biggest and most family-friendly SUV in the brand’s lineup. In typical Mazda fashion, it’s on the more athletic side of its class with fun driving dynamics, especially in the Turbo S trims. Meanwhile, the quality and refinement of its 3-row interior are at a higher level than you might expect, considering its price point.
Mazda CX-90 Highlights
More space: The Mazda CX-90 is the more spacious SUV in this comparison. Compared to the Sorento, the CX-90 has a little extra headroom, legroom, and hip room in the third row, plus 18 percent more cargo room behind the third row.
Premium interior: Mazda did a great job giving the CX-90 a pleasant and upscale interior with near-luxury accommodations in the upper trims. Compared to the more affordable Sorento, the CX-90 just feels like a more expensive SUV.
Superior safety ratings: The Kia Sorento is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, but the Mazda CX-90 earns the Top Safety Pick+ award. If safety is the top priority for your next family SUV, this is worth considering.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is one of America’s most affordable 3-row SUVs. It shares many of the virtues of the outstanding Kia Telluride, like a family-friendly interior, user-friendly tech, and class-leading warranty coverage, but in a slightly smaller and cheaper package.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Multiple hybrid options: Both of these SUVs have plug-in hybrid powertrains available, but the Kia Sorento also has a conventional hybrid option. No plugging in required; just fill up the gas tank and enjoy up to 36 mpg both in the city and on the highway.
Class-leading warranty: The Kia Sorento boasts class-leading warranty coverage that Mazda can’t match. The Sorento is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Budget pricing: The starting price of the Kia Sorento is quite a bit lower than the Mazda CX90’s base price. Even when comparing their respective plug-in hybrid variants, the Kia has a price advantage over the Mazda.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models for sale near you.
Similarities
These are both midsize 3-row SUVs with similar dimensions. They’re both available with plug-in hybrid powertrains and have similar safety and infotainment tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39,500 |
$38,066 |
|||
$42,600 |
$41,322 |
|||
$48,055 |
$46,637 |
|||
$51,055 |
$49,472 |
|||
$54,605 |
$53,081 |
|||
$58,105 |
$56,268 |
New 2025 Kia Sorento Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,405 |
$32,085 |
|||
$36,305 |
$34,860 |
|||
$39,505 |
$38,098 |
|||
$43,105 |
$41,406 |
|||
$43,205 |
$41,532 |
|||
$44,905 |
$43,072 |
|||
$47,805 |
$45,883 |
|||
$48,805 |
$46,613 |
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 2025 MAZDA CX-90 vehicles and New 2025 Kia Sorento 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
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 | 2025 Kia Sorento | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 3.3-liter mild-hybrid inline-6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 24 city/28 highway/25 combined | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined |
| Also Available | Turbocharged 3.3-liter mild-hybrid inline-6 (340 hp, Turbo S), PHEV | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cyl., AWD, hybrid, PHEV |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 110.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 189.4 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches | 74.8 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 66.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 29.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 59.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 53.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.9/40/74.2 cubic feet | 12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
With a lower base price, more hybrid options, and longer warranty coverage, it’s easy to make the case for the Kia Sorento as the value choice in this comparison. However, the Mazda CX-90 has plenty of appeal, with its roomier, more upscale interior and strong performance from its Turbo S trims. The right SUV for you depends on your priorities.
