2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature
The Kia Sportage is completely redesigned for the 2023 model year. The Sportage is larger and more expensive than ever before. The question is, is it more competitive than ever before? How does the Sportage’s final trim match up against the final Mazda CX-5 trim? Time for 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature.
The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige brings the value
The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige starts at $36,790. It comes standard with a blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor, and a wireless phone charger. The small SUV also includes heated and ventilated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel.
The Sportage X-Pro Prestige features all-wheel drive, multi-terrain drive modes, and high-utility roof rails. It has 8.3 inches of ground clearance so that it can endure mild off-road trails. The X-Pro Prestige isn’t designed to be an extreme off-roader, but it should be able to handle mild off-road obstacles.
Kia’s small SUV is larger and more spacious than previous model years. Is its redesign enough for the Sportage to play in the big leagues against rivals like the Mazda CX-5?
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature is in a league of its own
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature is about as close as any small SUV gets to a luxury vehicle. The Turbo Signature could compete with some luxury small SUVs because of its refined cabin and classy exterior.
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature starts at $39,650. It comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, and Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats. The small SUV also includes standard all-wheel drive, radar cruise control with stop-and-go, and Sport and Off-Road driving modes.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make a massive 256 horses and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel. It’s a cut above most vehicles in its segment in terms of opulent features and performance. Car and Driver praises the small SUV’s interior and handling.
2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige vs. 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature
The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige is more affordable than the 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature. The X-Pro Prestige is slightly more fuel efficient. Both small final trim level SUVs offer great standard features.
Ultimately, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature is in a different class than the Sportage X-Pro Prestige. The Mazda CX-5 final trim level is the better small SUV because it delivers a quality that Kia’s small SUV can’t compete with. The 2.5 Turbo Signature is the pinnacle of class and performance in its vehicle segment. If you’re looking for the better small SUV for the money, the CX-5 is the better buy.
