2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual transformation, aligning more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. This update included a robust new front end, enhanced taillights, and a more sophisticated interior. The exterior featured a prominent grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving the Sorento a larger and more commanding presence. The rear received subtle updates, with higher trims boasting elegant LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's trims in Canada included LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and the new X-Pro, each offering distinct visual elements, such as blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint colours. Inside, the Sorento showcased a redesigned dashboard with a horizontal layout, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching enhancing the overall luxurious feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created an interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear, reflecting its upscale price. However, the ergonomics left room for improvement, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these design-related complaints, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, struggled with the Sorento's weight. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. Turbocharged Sorentos achieved zero-to-100 times in the mid-seven-second range, offering lively performance and ample passing power. All Sorentos in Canada came with all-wheel drive, with varying ground clearance depending on the trim. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and offered improved towing capacity.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output version delivered 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. While the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, its drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. The vehicle also suffered from noise and impact harshness, affecting overall refinement. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension offered a firm and communicative driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row remained tight. It offered advantages over smaller models like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan, with more legroom in the front and second rows. The third row, with 752 millimetres of legroom, was suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with up to 2,139 litres available with all seats folded. The optional captain's chairs in the second row allowed for easy access to the third row, and the controls and layout were ergonomic.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort, but limited seat-track travel could pose challenges with rear-facing child seats. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, and the vehicle's long rear doors facilitated access. Storage space was limited, with a focus on style over practicality. The CX-90 offered 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with a maximum of 2,129 litres with all seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned infotainment system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Sorento also included USB-C outlets in all three rows and a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system on higher trims. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro models offered Digital Key 2.0, allowing certain smartphones to lock, unlock, and drive the vehicle without a key.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons for operation. The CX-90's voice recognition system was inconsistent, and a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered an extensive suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, but its LATCH system earned an "Acceptable" rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though some features, like speed reduction, could be irritating.