2024 Mazda CX

Aug 08, 2023

The 3-row SUV may be the most versatile vehicle in America – part family hauler, part furniture mover, part commuter, and part light off-roader. Yes, it’s a lot of parts. Yet they’re big enough to hold them all.

But that doesn’t mean every 3-row SUV is alike.

The Kia Sorento is a well-balanced 3-row sport utility, available in eight trim levels that let you personalize it to your needs.

The Mazda CX-90 is something entirely different. All-new for 2024, it’s an upscale model – a vehicle from an affordable automaker that almost threatens the luxury classes.

Let’s see how these two stack up. Note that this comparison uses the 2024 CX-90 and the 2023 Sorento because those are the models found in dealerships this month.

Mazda built itself a brand-new flagship for 2023, the CX-90, and it may be the most compelling new 3-row SUV on the market. While everyone else is leaning into boxy and rugged and cooing about their off-road chops, Mazda has built a refined, tailored suit of a family vehicle with outstanding on-road manners. Mazda also offers a plug-in hybrid version. Prices start at $39,595.

The foundations of a luxury SUV: The CX-90 sits on an architecture more common to BMW vehicles than to anything in this price range. It uses a turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine – a type known for smooth power delivery – mated to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Luxury car builders favor that setup because it feels great to drive. It’s rare to find it at this price range.

Exceptional style: The CX-90 simply has more panache than almost anything else in its class. On the outside, that means long-hood, reared-back proportions, and luxe details like powertrain badges on the fenders. Inside, it means light-colored wood trims with lovely straight-grain patterns and available Nappa leather.

More power or a lot more power. Most automakers build 4-cylinder engines into their family-friendly SUVs. Kia does. Theirs makes 191 horsepower. Mazda’s straight-6 engine makes 280 horsepower. Kia dealers can sell you a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 281. But, with the CX-90, an optional more potent version makes 340.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-90 models for sale near you.

The 2023 Kia Sorento is a Goldilocks vehicle for many buyers. It fits in the footprint of a 2-row SUV but offers a third row of seating. That makes it ideal for those who sometimes, but not always, need to carry more than five. It boasts good fuel economy numbers for a vehicle its size and starts at just $30,090.

Lower price: The Sorento starts at $9,505 under the CX-90. The Mazda offers a higher degree of luxury – but saving almost $10,000 may be a bigger luxury.

Big savings when fully loaded: The base models are almost $10,000 apart. An even larger gap separates the fully loaded models. The top-of-the-line Sorento SX Prestige X AWD comes loaded with genuine leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a smart power liftgate, and more – all for more than $16,000 savings over a top-of-the-line CX-90.

The longest warranty in the business: Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile comprehensive warranty match the longest available on any vehicle in 2023 and easily exceed Mazda’s offerings. Don’t underestimate the value of a decade insulated from major repair bills.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models for sale near you

Three rows of seating, similar fuel economy, and similar cargo space.

The Kia Sorento is one of the most affordable ways to get three rows of seating. Its long warranties make it a reliable investment for a long time. And it can be loaded with near-luxury levels of equipment.

But it doesn’t have the refinement of the gorgeous Mazda CX-90. Its luxury-car layout and thoughtfully designed cabin make you feel like you got a BMW for Mazda money. It will cost you significantly more than a Sorento, but the added premium feel will justify the price tag for some.

The best cars and best deals delivered to your inbox

Considering a

Price the 2024 MAZDA CX-90 on KBB.com

2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid vs. 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Comparison

2024 Honda Pilot vs. 2024 Mazda CX-90 Comparison

The Cheapest New Jeep Wranglers Get Old Look

New Range Rover SV Bespoke Service Lets You Customize Everything

Hyundai, Kia Agree to $200M Settlement Over Thefts

2024 Tacoma Offers Hybrid, Crazy Suspension Seats, and Much More

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Electric Microbus to Debut June 2

Who Makes Genesis Cars?

Who Makes Infiniti?

Bed Liner: What To Consider for Your Truck

2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid vs. 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid Comparison