Kia Sorento vs. Mazda CX-9
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-9 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-9.
When comparing the Kia Sorento's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and fuel efficiency. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sorento's and the Mazda CX-9's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-9 is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Sorento ranges from $33,353 to $48,742 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $29,370 to $39,992. For a new model, the Kia Sorento's price is between $33,955 and $48,990, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $40,092 and $46,756.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 47 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-9 retains 0.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sorento.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sorento is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sorento being ranked 15 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 5 out of 39. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento is ranked 17 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 4. The Kia Sorento is also ranked 23 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 7 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sorento is 8.2 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 8.6 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 Kia Sorento’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 549 miles. The CX-9 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 507 miles. This gives the Kia Sorento the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda CX-9. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Mazda CX-9 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more cargo space. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-9 are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Mazda CX-9 has higher safety ratings than the 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:
$33,955 - $48,990
Starting MSRP:
$31,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$40,092 - $46,756
Starting MSRP:
$38,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$36,046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$28,750 - $41,535
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,678
Price Range:
$33,353 - $48,742
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
809
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
11,767
# Good or Great Deals:
121
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,770
Price Range:
$29,370 - $39,992
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,669
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,626 - $57,848
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
659
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37,772
# Good or Great Deals:
103
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,421
Depreciation %:
48.2%
Resale Value $:
$16,569
Residual Value %:
51.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,539
Depreciation %:
47.8%
Resale Value $:
$20,211
Residual Value %:
52.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.8% - 47.8%
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.5
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6 - 12.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
64.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 21.6
Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
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 / 7Ranking
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5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
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23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
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26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 59Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 67Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 59Ranking
57 out of / 67Summary 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.
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.
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
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, X-Line EX, X-Line SX, X-Line SX Prestige, X-Pro SX-Prestige
Mazda CX-9 Trim Levels
Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, Signature, Touring, Touring Plus
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):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
320 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
23 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
407 / 549 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 507 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 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:
14.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
71.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3814 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4409 lbs
Width:
86.9 inches
Height:
69 inches
Length:
199.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Dawning Red
Silver
Everlasting Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Gray
Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Sand
