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 comparing 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 $12,989 to $23,799 while a used 2018 Kia Sorento is priced between $9,265 to $20,898.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value and the 2018 Kia Sorento loses 52.3 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Mazda CX-9 retains 1.5 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 7.9 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 9 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Kia Sorento being ranked 12 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 12 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 15. The Mazda CX-9 is also ranked 21 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 28 out of 66.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda CX-9 is 7.9 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 7.3 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 4.51 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2018 Mazda CX-9
2018 Kia Sorento

2018 Mazda CX-9
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2018 Mazda CX-9 for Sale

2018 Kia Sorento
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2018 Kia Sorento for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

32130

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

30126

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

22995 - 34810

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

25900

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

30126

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

22995 - 34810

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

18158

Price Range:

12989 - 23799

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

19664

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

12459 - 31292

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

159

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

105910

# Good or Great Deals:

69

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

14672

Price Range:

9265 - 20898

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

19664

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

12459 - 31292

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

293

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

99779

# Good or Great Deals:

124

Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.9 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10

Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.8 / 10

Reliability:

7.3 / 10

Retained Value:

7.7 / 10

Safety:

8.5 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Mazda CX-9

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

5.0

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 9.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.16

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Kia Sorento

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

1.9

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.1 - 9.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.087



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.63794493769737

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.0 - 15.2

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.831337945081637

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.0 - 15.2

Mazda CX-9 Rankings

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 8

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 14

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

4 / 66

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

4 / 13

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

4 / 8

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

5 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

5 / 14

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

6 / 13

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 33

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

10 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs

12 / 31

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

14 / 31

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 33

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

17 / 66

Safest Midsize SUVs

19 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

20 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

20 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs

21 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

22 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

23 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

26 / 66

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

27 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

27 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

27 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

28 / 66

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

29 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

29 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

30 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

30 / 31

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

31 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

31 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

32 / 33

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

33 / 66

Safest Crossover SUVs

34 / 66

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

44 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

53 / 66

Kia Sorento Rankings

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

1 / 31

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

1 / 26

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

1 / 3

Best Midsize SUVs Under $35k

2 / 4

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $35k

2 / 4

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $35k

2 / 3

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 33

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 29

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 66

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs Under $35k

5 / 10

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $35k

6 / 10

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

7 / 29

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

9 / 26

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

12 / 33

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

15 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs

15 / 31

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

16 / 31

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

18 / 31

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

18 / 31

Safest Midsize SUVs

18 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 66

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

19 / 31

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

19 / 31

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

20 / 66

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

20 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

21 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

22 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

22 / 33

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

22 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

23 / 66

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

24 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

24 / 33

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

24 / 33

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

25 / 33

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

25 / 31

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

27 / 54

Best Crossover SUVs

28 / 66

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

28 / 66

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

28 / 66

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

28 / 66

Safest Crossover SUVs

28 / 66

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

29 / 33

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

30 / 33

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

31 / 54

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

37 / 66

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

51 / 66

Summary 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.

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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.

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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

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.51 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 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

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