Hybrid compact SUVs could be the most sensible vehicles you can buy. They marry all the things drivers love about a compact SUV — practicality, a high seating position, and good value — with the eye-popping fuel economy that comes with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Even better, they’re often more powerful than their gas-only siblings and don’t cost much more. It’s the automotive equivalent of having your cake and eating it, too.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid are two of the most alluring examples of a hybrid compact SUV. Here’s how they compare to each other.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is the newest version of what is already one of the newest compact SUVs. The Mazda CX-50 debuted only two years ago, as the rugged and outdoorsy sibling to the CX-5. As with its Kia rival here, the CX-50 Hybrid only improves upon its gas-only twin with more horsepower, 219 hp vs. 187 hp, and better fuel economy. In this case, the CX-50 Hybrid earns 38 mpg combined, vs. 28 mpg for the gas-only CX-50.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive (AWD): All Mazda SUVs now have all-wheel drive as standard, an asset when roads become slick or for venturing off pavement. The Kia offers it, but at a cost.
Athletic manners: Here’s another thing inherent to Mazdas: They are fun to drive. Mazda vehicles — even Mazda SUVs — have an athletic feel, and that extends to the hybrid CX-50.
Head-up display: This helpful feature displays information directly onto the windshield, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. It’s in the Premium Plus trim of the CX-50 Hybrid — and not anywhere on the Kia Sportage Hybrid.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-50 models for sale near you.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a sweet spot in the already-sweet Sportage lineup, which includes a variety of gasoline and plug-in hybrid models. Incredibly, the Sportage Hybrid starts only $100 more than the standard Sportage, but attains up to 43 mpg combined vs. 28 mpg for the gas-only model. The winning equation doesn’t stop there. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is also more powerful than the standard Sportage, rustling up 227 hp, vs. 187 for the gas model. Win-win!
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid Highlights
Value: The Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at just over $30,000, which is about $5,000 less than the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. That’s a heck of a value.
Blind-Spot View Monitor: We love this option in Kia models, including the Sportage Hybrid. It presents a live camera view in the digital instrument cluster of the sides of the vehicle when you engage the turn signal. You won’t find anything like it in the Mazda.
Cargo capacity: The Kia Sportage Hybrid boasts 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 73.7 with them folded. That handily beats the 31.4/56.3 numbers of the Mazda, allowing you to easily carry more gear.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kia Sportage models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid have room for five, great power and efficiency, and the latest tech and safety features.
Pricing
New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 Hybrid Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$35,390
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$34,427
|
|||
|
$38,820
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$37,764
|
|||
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$41,470
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$40,342
|
New 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$30,185
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$29,185
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|||
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$33,985
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$32,809
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$39,185
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$37,633
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 Hybrid vehicles and New 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 MAZDA CX-50 Hybrid | 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | AWD | FWD |
| All-Electric Range | N/A | N/A |
| Total Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds | 2,000 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 7.8 inches | 7.1 inches |
| Horsepower | 176 hp @ 5,700 rpm | 227 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 195 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, eCVT | automatic, 6-speed |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | N/A | N/A |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 108.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 186.1 inches | 183.5 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 80.8 inches | 73.4 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | 75.6 inches | N/A |
| Height | 64.9 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 19.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.8 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.8 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.6 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 29.2 feet | 39.5 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 56.3 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Here’s another squeaker of a comparison, with two excellent options. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid has all-wheel drive standard, a more rugged image, and is arguably more fun to drive. The Kia Sportage Hybrid, meanwhile, has a much lower entry price, far longer warranty, a bit more power, and can attain higher fuel economy if you go with front-wheel drive (FWD). Which of these traits appeals most to you? Our suggestion is to examine your budget, test-drive both, and see which feels right for you.