Mazda CX-5 vs Kia EV6

Mazda's compact SUV gets its first full redesign in nearly a decade, and the results are a mixed bag.

The 2026 CX-5 is longer, wider, more spacious, and more technologically advanced than its predecessor, with a striking new exterior, standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across the lineup, and Google built-in as standard. But the carried-over 187-horsepower engine and six-speed automatic transmission feel like relics from a different era, especially when every key competitor now offers a hybrid option with significantly more power and better fuel economy.

Verdict: The 2026 CX-5 is one of the best-looking and best-equipped compact crossovers you can buy, but its sluggish and thirsty powertrain and odd interior quibbles hold it back from greatness. Buyers who prioritize style, interior quality, and value will love it; those who want efficiency or performance should wait for the hybrid in 2027.

The EV6 has an appealing design, a stylish and practical interior, and one of the most sophisticated EV platforms available at its price point. Additional hallmarks of the 2025 EV6 include commendable power, plenty of driving range, and quick recharging times. For this model year, Kia improves this electric crossover SUV with an exterior facelift, a revised interior, increased battery capacity, a new charging port, modified steering, frame enhancements to ensure safety, and next-generation infotainment technology.

Verdict: Can the Kia EV6 survive the paused federal iZEV rebate? It deserves to because it’s one of the most appealing EV models available today. Aside from a few quirks associated with its onboard technology, there isn’t much wrong with the EV6 and plenty that’s right with it.