2024 Kia Sorento vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with significant design changes that set it apart. It was lower, wider, and longer than its sibling, with a stretched wheelbase that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. The square wheel arches and fake air vents added to its robust appearance. The Meridian Edition, in particular, enhanced the active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior was pleasing, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, the CX-50 didn't fully meet Mazda's upscale aspirations, as some features like the manually adjustable passenger seat reminded buyers of its traditional market position.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning it more closely with its siblings like the Telluride. The new front end, with a big grille and vertically stacked LED headlights, made it look larger and more intimidating. The interior was modernized with a cleaner dashboard and combined gauge and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The Sorento's cabin felt more upscale, with improved materials and quality stitching. The faux open-pore wood grain and optional leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury. The Sorento's design changes made it feel more cohesive with Kia's SUV lineup, offering a solidly assembled and upscale experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-50 provided a good daily driving experience but lacked the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, making it less ideal for on-road handling.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with a base 2.5-litre engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged version offered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada, with varying ground clearance depending on the trim. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, offering improved engine cooling and a higher towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms. The Sorento's performance was lively, with adequate passing power and a smooth ride.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While it trailed competitors in cargo space, the power liftgate improved access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage space and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, with a tighter third row. It offered more legroom than most two-row SUVs, with 1,052 millimetres in the front and 1,060 mm in the second row. The third row had 752 mm of legroom, suitable for occasional use. The Sorento's cargo space varied, with 357 litres when the third row was in use and up to 2,139 litres with all seats down. The interior layout was ergonomic, with ample small-item storage and a power liftgate on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without distraction. The infotainment system felt dated, but it suited buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software prioritized popular features and offered a clean, legible dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with over-the-air updates available. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all rows and a Bose 12-speaker audio system on top trims. The Digital Key 2.0 feature allowed keyless access and driving.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It offered standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and traffic-jam assist. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 received a five-star frontal crash-test rating.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered an extensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control and forward automatic emergency braking. Highway Driving Assist 2 was available on top trims, providing semi-autonomous capabilities. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behaviour, though sensors could be blocked in adverse weather. The IIHS had not fully evaluated the 2024 model, but previous models received "Good" ratings in crash tests.