Choosing a midsize 3-row SUV is no easy task because there are plenty of great options out there. In the case of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and the 2024 Kia Sorento, you have two distinct approaches.
Despite its mainstream Mazda label, the CX-90 looks and feels luxurious. It has a commanding stance thanks to its blunt front end and upright profile. This upscale trend continues inside. The cabin is richly finished in quality materials. Upper trims come with niceties like Nappa leather upholstery, individual seats in the second and third rows, along with heated and ventilated seats first- and second-row seats.
The Kia Sorento also impresses with its standard features and attractive design. Compared to the CX-90, the Sorento is a bargain. Its starting price is several thousand less than its Mazda rival. Like the CX-90, the Sorento is easy to drive, has relaxed highway manners, and is chock full of active driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning.
Let’s see how the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Sorento compare.
2024 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is completely new for the 2024 model year and serves as the replacement for the outgoing CX-9. In total there are eight available trims: Turbo Select, Turbo Preferred, Turbo Preferred Plus, Turbo Premium, Turbo Premium Plus, Turbo S, Turbo S Premium, Turbo S Premium Plus. The CX-90 can also be had as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), in which three trims are offered.
Pricing ranges from $39,595 for the entry-level Turbo Select, upward to $59,950 for the Turbo S Premium Plus. This pits the CX-90 not only against mainstream rivals like the Sorento, but also luxury vehicles like the Acura MDX, Lexus TX, and Genesis GV80. That’s a tall order but based on our test drives in Mazda’s largest and most expensive SUV, it performs admirably.
Mazda CX-90 Highlights
Road presence: Mazda has given the CX-90 an elegant and understated design. The result is a midsize SUV with the look and feel worthy of a Jaguar, Audi, or Genesis badge. Wheels range in size from 19 to 21 inches in diameter, and eye-catching color choices such as Deep Crystal Blue Mica and Artisan Red Premium make a good thing even better.
Refined engine: The five lower CX-90 models are fitted with a 280-horsepower 3.3-liter mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-6 coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain is strong and capable, not to mention extremely refined. For added thrust, the upper three Turbo S variants use a higher performance version of the same engine that produces 340 hp.
Agility: Sharp steering response is not something you expect when shopping for a roomy 3-row SUV. The CX-90’s handling is highly accurate, inspiring confidence.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you.
2024 Kia Sorento
This generation of Sorento debuted for the 2021 model year. Changes to the 2024 Sorento include updated front and rear lighting, a redesigned grille, along with a freshened dashboard. There are nine available trims. We expect pricing to start at $31,990 for the base front-wheel-drive LX model. All-wheel drive is optional or standard on select upper trims.
The 2024 Kia Sorento also has a choice of two powertrains. A 191-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder returns reasonable fuel economy and helps keep the price down. However, a 281-hp turbocharged version of this engine gives the Sorento better acceleration and passing power without too much of a penalty to fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Sorento is available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
Kia Sorento Highlights
A great 3-row value: Bargain-hunting SUV shoppers who need extra seating flexibility or added cargo space should keep the Sorento in mind. Its base price is thousands less than the entry-level CX-90 and other direct competitors like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer.
Warranty coverage: Not only is the Sorento a good value, it comes with outstanding warranty coverage. A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty is complemented by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is much more than what competing models, including the CX-90, have to offer.
X-Line package: Adding a little off-road toughness to the Sorento is the X-Line option package. This trim consists of a one-inch increase in ride height, a rugged appearance package, and standard all-wheel drive.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-90 and Kia Sorento are both nicely styled 3-row SUVs with some flair. Each comes with a convenient third row of seating, though neither is particularly spacious. They also provide a choice of powertrains and plug-in hybrid variants.
Conclusion
We think the CX-90 and Sorento are equally good at what they do. With the swanky CX-90, you’re truly getting a luxury SUV minus the luxury badge. The ride is sporty yet supple, cabin quality is exemplary, passenger space and cargo volume are ample, and the drivetrain is powerful but never noisy or obtrusive. There is some room for improvement, particularly in third-row legroom. Also, the infotainment screen serves as a touchscreen only when operated via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The rest of the time, all controls and menus are navigated via a rotary knob and buttons on the center console.
Granted, the Sorento doesn’t have the same overall poise and polish as the CX-90. On the other hand, when comparing base trims, the Sorento’s starting price is many thousands less. The standard engine is okay for routine drives, but we prefer the optional turbo 4-cylinder, especially if all three rows are occupied.
The CX-90 will appeal to buyers seeking a premium SUV with the kind of powertrain found in a luxury SUV, while the Sorento will appeal to SUV shoppers looking for the best value and an amazing warranty.
| 2024 Mazda CX-90 | 2024 Kia Sorento | |
| Starting Price | $39,595 | $31,990 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 3.3-liter mild-hybrid inline-6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 24 city/28 highway/ 25 combined | 24 city/29 highway/ 26 combined |
| Also Available | Turbocharged 3.3-liter mild-hybrid inline-6 (340 hp, Turbo S); PHEV | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cyl., AWD; hybrid; PHEV |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | NA | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 110.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 189.4 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches | 74.8 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 66.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 29.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 59.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 53.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.9 cubic feet | 12.6 cubic feet |
