Kia Sportage 81·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $3,483 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,483 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Kia Sportage counters with more cargo room (39.6 vs 31.4 cu ft).
Go with the Mazda CX-50 for the better long-term value; consider the Kia Sportage if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Kia Sportage vs. Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Kia Sportage versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
81
86
Cost of Ownership
78
90
Powertrain
64
67
Driver Assistance
38
32
Livability
57
60
Safety
97
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$46,170
$42,687
Depreciation (5-yr)
$14,712
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$12,027
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,565
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,332
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$870
$895
Starting Price
$28,790
$29,900
Horsepower
187 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
28 mpg
27 mpg
Cargo volume
39.6 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
—
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$28,790
MSRP
$28,790
Mo · 5yr
$770
$46,170 / 5 years
Best for driver assistance
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-50 scores higher overall.
Kia Sportage
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Sportage
78
CX-50
90
Winner: CX-50
$3,483 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Sportage
64
CX-50
67
Winner: CX-50
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Sportage
38
CX-50
32
Winner: Sportage
+6 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Sportage
57
CX-50
60
Winner: CX-50
+3 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,483 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia Sportage still wins if your priority is best for driver assistance.
Daily commuter
Kia Sportage
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Sportage
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Kia Sportage
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-50
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Kia Sportage
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$770
$46,170 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$770/mo
Mazda CX-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $3,483 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
