Verdict
At RM128,800, the Kia Sportage undercuts the RM134,469 Mazda CX-5 by RM5,669 while bringing a much larger 587-litre boot against 442 litres and a 2,755-mm wheelbase against 2,700 mm. The Mazda counters with 162 hp and 213 Nm, up from 154 hp and 192 Nm, plus dual-zone climate control, navigation and auto wipers. Both are locally assembled five-seat front-drive petrol SUVs with six airbags and a six-speed automatic. For Malaysian family duties, the Sportage’s extra space and lower entry cost are hard to ignore; the CX-5 suits those who want more engine output and convenience kit.
Pick the Kia Sportage if you want to spend RM5,669 less and carry more luggage in its 587-litre boot.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if its 162 hp, 213 Nm engine and extra convenience features matter more than boot space.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage RM128,800; Mazda CX-5 RM134,469.
- Output: Kia Sportage 154 hp and 192 Nm; Mazda CX-5 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Boot space: Kia Sportage 587 litres; Mazda CX-5 442 litres.
- Wheelbase: Kia Sportage 2,755 mm; Mazda CX-5 2,700 mm.
- Infotainment display: Kia Sportage 12.3 inches; Mazda CX-5 8.0 inches.
- Front climate control: Kia Sportage single-zone automatic; Mazda CX-5 dual-zone automatic.
Sportage
- RM5,669 lower purchase price.
- 587-litre boot, 145 litres larger.
- Longer 2,755-mm wheelbase and larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.
- 154 hp and 192 Nm trail the Mazda’s 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- Single-zone climate control versus the Mazda’s dual-zone system.
- No alarm, auto wipers or navigation.
CX-5
- 162 hp and 213 Nm from its 1,998 cc direct-injection engine.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation and auto wipers.
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Costs RM5,669 more.
- 442-litre boot is 145 litres smaller.
- Shorter 2,700-mm wheelbase and 4,550-mm body.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM128,800✓ | RM134,469 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM439✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp at 6,200 rpm | 162 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 213 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 81 mm × 97 mm | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | 13 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 10.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 176 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,578 kg | 1,588 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres✓ | 442 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental CrossContact LX Sport |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Available for all seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Sportage & CX-5 for sale
Sportage vs CX-5 FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5 better?
The Sportage is the stronger family-value choice: it costs less and has a 587-litre boot. Choose the CX-5 if you prioritise its 162 hp, 213 Nm engine, dual-zone climate control, navigation and auto wipers.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage costs RM128,800 and the Mazda CX-5 costs RM134,469, so the Mazda is RM5,669 more expensive.
Which has more boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the larger boot at 587 litres, compared with 442 litres in the Mazda CX-5. That is a 145-litre advantage for the Kia.
