Kia Sorento vs. Mazda CX-7
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-7 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 Kia Sorento and the Mazda CX-7.
In comparing the Kia Sorento's and the Mazda CX-7's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Mazda CX-7 has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-7 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sorento's and the Mazda CX-7's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento is a better car than the Mazda CX-7.
Pricing: A used 2012 Kia Sorento ranges from $4,200 to $11,989 while a used 2012 Mazda CX-7 is priced between $3,996 to $12,070.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sorento’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-7 base engine makes 161 horsepower. Both the Sorento and the CX-7 are rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 486 and 443 miles respectively. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Sorento has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Mazda CX-7 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Kia Sorento has an average safety rating of 4.51 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
21250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
27219
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
18995 - 32835
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
22190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
7632
Price Range:
4200 - 11989
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
10014
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6772 - 17705
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
102
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
149332
# Good or Great Deals:
35
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
7333
Price Range:
3996 - 12070
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
10
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
166329
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
Mazda CX-7 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-7
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.038175412204524
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.4 - 13.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.025077871280065
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 54Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 54Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Mazda CX-7 Rankings
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
Base, EX, LX, SX
Mazda CX-7 Trim Levels
i Sport, i SV, i Touring, s Grand Touring, s Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
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:
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):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
169 foot-lbs @ 3750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1650 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
161 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
161 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
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):
20 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
328 / 443 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
9.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
151.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Cargo Space:
29.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
131.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 lbs
Width:
74.2 inches
Height:
67.3 inches
Length:
183.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3496 lbs
Width:
73.7 inches
Height:
64.8 inches
Length:
184.3 inches
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Silver
Bright Silver
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black Clearcoat
Silver
Liquid Silver Metallic
Blue
Stormy Blue Mica
Red
Black Cherry Mica / Copper Red Mica
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Beige
Sand
Black
Black
