A compact SUV is the answer to many drivers’ new vehicle needs. They offer as much passenger and cargo space as many midsize cars while offering modern technology like all-wheel drive (AWD) and advanced driver assistance technologies.
The 2025 Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-30 are prime examples of well-equipped, reasonably priced sport-utility vehicles. Let’s compare these two popular SUVs.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is little changed from 2023 when it was completely redesigned, with a sharp aesthetic and an interior that has won praise from most critics. Kia did spruce up the 2025 X-Line and X-Pro with black exterior elements. In conjunction with an industry-leading warranty, the Sportage’s modern looks have raised Kia’s profile with the buying public. Pricing starts at $28,785.
Kia Sportage Highlights
Three powertrain options: Kia offers the most complete lineup at the compact SUV level, with gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Not only are there three options, but they’re all reasonably priced.
Roomy cabin: The cabin of the Sportage is roomier than that of the CX-30, and it’s nicer than you might expect for a Kia in this price range. Optional interior features include dual panoramic displays, heated and ventilated seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Outstanding warranty: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties are industry leaders. It’s peace of mind knowing you can keep the Sportage for a decade, and if something falters, there will be some assistance.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models for sale near you.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a standout machine in the small ute group. It’s stylish, offers excellent performance and capability while featuring a tech-laden interior where all of the buttons and knobs are seemingly in just the right spot.
Our test driver echoes these sentiments about the CX-30. It’s powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder that already provides ample power, while standard all-wheel drive (AWD) ensures you can get anywhere you want to go and have some fun doing it. There aren’t many complaints about the CX-30. Pricing starts at $26,415.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Performance: The CX-30’s base powerplant is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, putting out 191 horsepower, but the turbocharged version pushes the ponies to 250. The impact is noticeable, bringing improved performance to the CX-30 that rivals are hard-pressed to match.
Many choices: The CX-30 offers several trim levels, giving its model range some welcome variety. The significant upgrade is the aforementioned turbo for the engine, but it also adds varying levels of safety and comfort technologies, as well as appearance packages, allowing you to get the vehicle you want.
Safety first: In this SUV, you will be one of the smaller guys on the road, and that 5-Star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers some peace of mind. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarding the CX-30 its coveted TSP+ rating doesn’t hurt either.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Sportage and CX-30 both have standard 4-cylinder engines and similar offerings of standard safety and infotainment tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Sportage Prices
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 Kia Sportage vehicles and 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 Kia Sportage | 2025 Mazda CX-30 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm | 191 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, AWD | 250-hp turbo 4-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 104.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 173.0 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 61.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.6 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 41.3 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.5 inches | 55.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 53.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.6/74.1 cubic feet | 20.2/45.2 cubic feet |
Conclusion
With more interior space, a longer warranty, and multiple hybrid options, the Kia Sportage is the more practical choice between these two SUVs. However, the smaller Mazda CX-30 impresses with sporty driving dynamics (especially with the optional turbo engine), standard all-wheel drive, and an up-market interior. Which is right for you depends on your wants and needs.