The 2021 Kia Sportage and the 2021 Mazda CX-5 are both wildly successful compact SUV options. U.S. News and World Report ranks the CX-5 No. 2. The Sportage settles into third place in the small crossover class.

If you are looking for a small crossover, both of these compact SUVs make great family haulers. However, the 2021 Kia Sportage is cheaper and more reliable than its Mazda competition. According to U.S. News, each appeals to different families for different reasons. Let’s check it out.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a good SUV?

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great compact SUV. It’s a small crossover with a large list of features that appeal to a spectrum of buyers. Ranked No. 2 by U.S. News, the 2021 just below the 2021 Honda CR-V and right above the 2021 Kia Sportage.

The CX-5 offers what most people want in a small crossover. It’s an agile companion for city driving with more cargo space and higher ground clearance than a sedan. According to U.S. News, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasts “more engaging” road manners. Plus, the CX-5 has “slightly better gas mileage.” Still, it’s punchy in addition to being a fun-to-drive compact SUV.

The 2021 Kia Sportage is a cheaper and more reliable alternative

While the Mazda CX-5 and the Kia Sportage are both ranked up in the top three, they each have their strengths and weaknesses. Each one accommodates buyers with hefty feature lists including plenty of standard tech and safety. In addition, they both offer two engine options and nice interior choices with premium quality in top trims.

If you are on the fence and wondering if the Kia Sportage is a good SUV, yes. It is a great small crossover. It’s one of the top choices in its class. Plus, it has a few key edges over the CX-5.

The 2021 Kia Sportage is cheaper and more reliable. In fact, J.D. Power gives the Sportage a 4 out of 5 reliability rating. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV on the other hand received a 3 out of 5 rating for reliability.

Compact crossover SUV pricing can make all the difference

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has a price ranging between $25,270 – $37,405. Conversely, the Sportage starts between $23,990 – $35,150. For shoppers that are conscientious of their budget, the Kia Sportage will likely be their choice. For those that don’t mind spending a few extra thousand bucks for increased performance expectations, the CX-5 is definitely going to pique their interest.

Overall, you have two great compact SUVs. Each one of these small crossovers has plenty to offer. The choice will ultimately come down to the buyers’ preferences. In addition, each household in the market for a new SUV has differing priorities.

Both the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Kia Sportage tick most boxes. for a cheaper and more reliable SUV, go with the Sportage. For a performance-driven crossover with dynamic road manners, check out the CX-5. Either way, you should probably test them both out before buying one or the other.