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, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Mazda CX-9 has the advantage in the areas of 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 2023 Kia Sorento ranges from $22,499 to $36,990 while a used 2023 Mazda CX-9 is priced between $24,480 to $34,299. For a new model, the Kia Sorento's price is between $33,287 and $45,841, with the Mazda CX-9 priced between $38,027 and $46,161.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Sorento loses 52.3 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-9 loses 50.7 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-9 retains 1.5 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 7.8 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-9's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sorento being ranked 11 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Mazda CX-9 being ranked 8 out of 34. Out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento is ranked 12 and the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 10. The Kia Sorento is also ranked 22 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Mazda CX-9 is ranked 16 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sorento is 7.3 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-9 the reliability rating is 7.9 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 513 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 4.51 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33287 - 45841
Starting MSRP:
30390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
38027 - 46161
Starting MSRP:
38750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29614
Price Range:
22499 - 36990
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
831
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34826
# Good or Great Deals:
302
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
29384
Price Range:
24480 - 34299
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
528
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40845
# Good or Great Deals:
170
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
Mazda CX-9 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.087
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-9
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.16
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.466096621997741
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7552022033699368
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
11 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Mazda CX-9 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
53 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, SX Prestige, X-Line EX, X-Line S, X-Line 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):
4.51 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
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):
0.051 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):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
425 / 513 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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
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
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
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:
3715 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189 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
Passion Red Tintcoat
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
