Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5
Verdict
The Kia Sportage is the cheaper, larger buy here at RM129,639 against RM134,469, and that RM4,830 saving comes with a longer 2,755 mm wheelbase and a much bigger 587-litre boot. The Mazda CX-5 counters with the stronger 1,998 cc petrol engine: 162 hp and 213 Nm versus the Kia’s 154 hp and 192 Nm. Both are CKD, front-wheel-drive C-segment SUVs with six airbags and five-year warranties, so this is space versus output more than a clear knockout.
Pick the Kia Sportage if you want more cabin and luggage space for less money.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you value the stronger engine and do not need the bigger boot.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage RM129,639; Mazda CX-5 RM134,469
- Power: Kia Sportage 154 hp; Mazda CX-5 162 hp
- Torque: Kia Sportage 192 Nm; Mazda CX-5 213 Nm
- Wheelbase: Kia Sportage 2,755 mm; Mazda CX-5 2,700 mm
- Boot space: Kia Sportage 587 L; Mazda CX-5 442 L
- Size: Kia Sportage 4,660 mm long and 1,865 mm wide; Mazda CX-5 4,550 mm long and 1,840 mm wide
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 129,639✓ | RM 134,469 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,999 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 154 hp | 162 hp✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 213 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 10.4 s |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 587 L✓ | 442 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 56 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 440 | RM 439✓ |
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.
Sportage
- Bigger 587-litre boot
- Longer 2,755 mm wheelbase
- Lower asking price
- Less power at 154 hp
- Less torque at 192 Nm
- No 0-100 km/h figure stated
CX-5
- Stronger 162 hp output
- Higher 213 Nm torque
- 10.4-second 0-100 km/h time stated
- Smaller 442-litre boot
- Shorter 2,700 mm wheelbase
- Older second-generation model
Sportage vs CX-5 FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5 better?
The Kia Sportage is better for space and price, with a 587-litre boot and longer wheelbase. The Mazda CX-5 is better if you want the stronger engine, with 162 hp and 213 Nm.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM4,830 more than the Kia Sportage. On paper, that extra money buys more power and torque, not more space.
Which has the bigger boot?
The Kia Sportage has the bigger boot by a clear margin: 587 litres versus 442 litres in the Mazda CX-5. That is a 145-litre advantage for luggage, prams or balik kampung loads.