2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a striking and rugged appearance. This midsize SUV was enhanced with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, giving it a commanding presence. The test vehicle, in U.S. specification, showcased the X-Line package on the top trim, which was not available in the same configuration in Canada. Canadian models came with standard all-wheel drive, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pricing starting from $34,595 to $48,085 for gas-only models, and from $36,695 for hybrids. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and the cabin reflected solid construction and attention to design detail, even in the most affordable models.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It looked and felt more like a small luxury SUV, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model was redesigned and renamed as the CX-50, but the CX-5 continued to offer quality and refinement across its versions. The engine options included a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant, with pricing ranging from $31,250 to $44,250. The CX-5's interior featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a range of comfort features, though it fell short in terms of technology and storage space.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which was considered unremarkable in terms of performance. It took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, making it less appealing compared to the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which generated 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a more energetic driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, offering excellent body motion control and communication. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, offered a standard 187-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, when run on premium fuel, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a rewarding driving experience. The CX-5's structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise contributed to a more refined driving experience. The turbo engine's torque arrived at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, offering quick acceleration. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, averaging 11.0 L/100 km during testing. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, providing a firm, connected, and communicative ride quality.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with Burgundy leather and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down expanded the capacity to 1,274 litres, and further to 2,139 litres with the second row folded. The Sorento featured a "smart" power tailgate for convenient loading.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's interior featured improved front seats for comfort and support, with power adjustment, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control available in higher trims. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, and rear-seat room were lacking. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the cargo area offered 871 litres of space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The CX-5's interior materials were top-notch, but the overall space was limited compared to competitors.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The system offered an intuitive user interface, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was reserved for the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The physical controls on the centre console were awkward, requiring memorization and focus. The system's control knob required multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it distracting. The user experience was often confusing, and the system lacked a helpful voice recognition system. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety features, with i-Activsense technology offering a range of driver assistance systems. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included exclusive features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings in every NHTSA assessment and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, the lack of a warning message for driving without headlights on was a concern.