Verdict
At RM129,639, the Kia Sportage costs RM4,830 less than the RM134,469 Mazda CX-5. It is the more practical proposition: its 2,755-mm wheelbase is 55 mm longer and its 587-litre boot beats 442 litres. The CX-5 answers with a 162-hp, 213-Nm 2.0-litre against 154 hp and 192 Nm, plus dual-zone climate control and navigation. Both are Malaysian-assembled, front-wheel-drive petrol SUVs on 17-inch wheels, with five-year/100,000-km cover. For a Malaysian buyer carrying luggage regularly, the Kia’s space and lower entry price carry more weight.
Pick the Kia Sportage if you want the 587-litre boot, a 2,755-mm wheelbase and RM4,830 left in your pocket.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if its 162 hp, 213 Nm, dual-zone climate control and built-in navigation matter more than cargo capacity.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage RM129,639; Mazda CX-5 RM134,469.
- Power and torque: Kia Sportage 154 hp and 192 Nm; Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Wheelbase: Kia Sportage 2,755 mm; Mazda CX-5 2,700 mm.
- Boot space: Kia Sportage 587 litres; Mazda CX-5 442 litres.
- Climate control: Kia Sportage single-zone automatic; Mazda CX-5 dual-zone automatic.
- Infotainment display: Kia Sportage 12.3 inches; Mazda CX-5 8.0 inches.
Sportage
- RM4,830 lower purchase price.
- 587-litre boot, 145 litres larger.
- Longer 2,755-mm wheelbase and 12.3-inch touchscreen.
- 154 hp and 192 Nm trail the Mazda’s 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Single-zone climate control versus the Mazda’s dual-zone system.
- No navigation or auto wipers, both fitted to the Mazda.
CX-5
- 162 hp and 213 Nm from its 2.0-litre petrol engine.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control and navigation.
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat and auto wipers.
- RM4,830 more expensive than the Kia.
- 442-litre boot is 145 litres smaller.
- 2,700-mm wheelbase is 55 mm shorter.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM129,639✓ | RM134,469 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM439✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | 162 hp✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 213 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | 13 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 10.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 176 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,578 kg | 1,588 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres✓ | 442 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental CrossContact LX Sport |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Available for all seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Sportage & CX-5 for sale
Sportage vs CX-5 FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5 better?
The Kia Sportage is the better buy for space and entry cost, with a 587-litre boot and a RM4,830 advantage. Choose the Mazda CX-5 instead if its extra 8 hp, 21 Nm, dual-zone climate control and navigation are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM4,830 more than the Kia Sportage.
Which SUV has the bigger boot?
The Kia Sportage has the bigger boot at 587 litres, compared with 442 litres in the Mazda CX-5. That is a 145-litre advantage for the Kia.