2018 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2018 Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Mazda CX-9 and 2018 Kia Sorento contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Mazda CX-9 and the 2018 Kia Sorento.
When we compare the 2018 Mazda CX-9's and the 2018 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2018 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 and 2018 Kia Sorento have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Mazda CX-9's and the 2018 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the 2018 Kia Sorento.
Pricing: A used 2018 Mazda CX-9 ranges from $15,992 to $26,890 while a used 2018 Kia Sorento is priced between $12,721 to $22,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value and the 2018 Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Mazda CX-9 retains 0.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Kia Sorento.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.7 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 4 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs and the Kia Sorento being ranked 17 out of 31. Out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 5 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 15. The Mazda CX-9 is also ranked 7 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 23 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 8.6 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-9 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Mazda CX-9’s base engine makes 250 horsepower, and the 2018 Kia Sorento base engine makes 185 horsepower. Both the CX-9 and the Sorento are rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 532 and 526 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2018 Kia Sorento has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the area of rear shoulder room. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 and 2018 Kia Sorento are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,130
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,303
Price Range:
$15,992 - $26,890
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
112
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
80,884
# Good or Great Deals:
42
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,479
Price Range:
$12,721 - $22,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
272
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
86,211
# Good or Great Deals:
118
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
64.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
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15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
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24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
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27 out of / 39Ranking
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30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 67Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
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4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
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4 out of / 6Ranking
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5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
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29 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 59Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 67Summary Review
Mazda’s CX-9 is a three-row crossover SUV that’s slightly smaller but more engaging to drive than most of its direct competitors.
Summary Review
Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.
Pros and Cons
- Outstanding standard features make CX-9 a near-premium vehicle
- The Turbocharged engine is a reviewer’s favorite
- Aging infotainment setup
- Smaller than most of its segment peers
Pros and Cons
- Available in past years with two or three rows of seats
- High safety scores
- 2020 and older models showing their age
- Smaller than many midsize vehicles in this segment
- Past models had low reliability scores
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Signature, Sport, Touring
2018 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, EX V6, L, LX, LX V6, SX Limited V6, SX V6
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
418 / 532 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
395 / 526 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
149.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Cargo Space:
38.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
185.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4166 lbs
Width:
77.5 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3704 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
187.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Brown
Titanium Flash Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Silver
Sparkling Silver / Titanium Silver
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Sand
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Satin Black
