Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5: Which Should You Buy in Bahrain?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Kia Sportage⁩ VS ⁦Mazda CX-5⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Bahrain.

⁦Kia Sportage⁩ VS ⁦Mazda CX-5⁩: the verdict

The Kia Sportage is the overall winner for buyers seeking a powerful and spacious SUV with a more accessible starting price. However, the Mazda CX-5 makes a strong case for those prioritizing superior fuel efficiency and significantly larger cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for long trips or larger families.
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Price Comparison
Starting at9,890 – 13,150 BHD10,950 – 13,800 BHD
Engine & Power
Engine1,500 – 2,400 cc · 4 cyl1,900 – 2,488 cc · 4 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)155 – 263 hp152 – 187 hp
Torque (Nm)192 – 353 Nm200 – 250 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)8.8 – 11.1 s9.2 – 9.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)181 – 201 km/h190 – 192 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)7.5 – 8.6 L/100km6.8 – 6.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity54 – 62 L56 – 58 L
Gears6 – 86
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Front Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.5 / 4.5 / 4.7 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.6 / 1.7 / 1.7 m4.5 / 4.6 m × 1.8 m × 1.7 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.7 / 2.7 / 2.8 / 2.8 m2.7 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,538 – 1,690 kg1,455 – 1,657 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)538 – 591 L875 – 965 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 / 5 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAuto Door LockAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody KItBumper Side StepCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDisc BrakesDoor Edge ProtectorDoor ReflectorsDVD PlayerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFront BrakesFront CameraGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHill AssistImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyKnee AirbagLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomManual ACManual Windows - Front and RearMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off Road KItOff-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower WindowsRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRemote StartRemote Windows DownSeatbeltsSecurity SystemSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTyre Repair KitVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Adaptive HeadlightsAirbagsAnti theft alarmAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto HeadlampsAUXBluetoothBody Colored Bumper - Front and RearBody Colored MirrorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCruise ControlDaytime Running LightsDigital ClockDoor Handles - Body ColoredDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFabric SeatsFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsHalogen HeadlampsHigh Mount Stop LampImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelMap Reading LampsMP3Multi-Information DisplayNumber of SpeakersOverhead Console Sunglass HolderParking SensorsPower SteeringPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear CameraRear WiperSeat MemorySpare WheelSteering Tilt AdjustmentTonneau CoverTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterUSB PortVanity MirrorWheel SizeWheels - Alloy

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Kia Sportage takes the lead with its higher available horsepower (up to 263 hp) and quicker acceleration (as low as 8.8 seconds), offering a more dynamic driving experience.

2

Best for Fuel Economy

The Mazda CX-5 is the clear winner for efficiency-conscious drivers, boasting a significantly better fuel economy of 6.8 L/100km compared to the Sportage's 7.5 L/100km.

3

Best for Cargo Space

For those needing ample storage, the Mazda CX-5 offers a much larger trunk capacity of up to 965 liters, comfortably surpassing the Kia Sportage's maximum of 591 liters.

4

Best Value for Money

The Kia Sportage offers a more attractive entry point with a starting price of 9,890 BHD, providing excellent features and performance for its cost, making it the better value choice.

Pros & cons

Kia Sportage

Pros

  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 263 hp)
  • Quicker acceleration (as low as 8.8 seconds)
  • More accessible starting price (from 9,890 BHD)
  • Wider body for potentially more cabin space
  • Broader range of engine options

Cons

  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Smaller trunk capacity
  • Higher maximum price point
  • Can be less agile in tight spaces due to wider body

Mazda CX-5

Pros

  • Superior fuel economy (as low as 6.8 L/100km)
  • Significantly larger trunk capacity (up to 965 liters)
  • Potentially more agile due to narrower width
  • Higher minimum torque (200 Nm vs Sportage's 192 Nm)

Cons

  • Higher starting price
  • Lower maximum horsepower and torque
  • Slower maximum acceleration
  • Narrower body might feel less spacious for passengers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV is more powerful, the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5?

The Kia Sportage offers a more powerful engine option, with its top trim delivering up to 263 hp, significantly more than the Mazda CX-5's maximum of 187 hp. If raw power and quicker acceleration are priorities, the Sportage is the better choice.

Is the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5 better for fuel economy?

The Mazda CX-5 is notably more fuel-efficient, achieving as low as 6.8 L/100km, while the Kia Sportage's best is 7.5 L/100km. For drivers prioritizing lower running costs and fewer fuel stops, the CX-5 is the superior option.

Which car has more cargo space, the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 offers substantially more cargo space, with a trunk capacity of up to 965 liters. The Kia Sportage, while respectable, provides up to 591 liters. For families or individuals needing maximum luggage room, the CX-5 is the clear winner.

Which is more affordable, the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5 in Bahrain?

The Kia Sportage has a lower entry price in Bahrain, starting from 9,890 BHD, making it the more affordable option. The Mazda CX-5 starts at 10,950 BHD. If budget is a primary concern, the Sportage offers better value at its base level.

Does the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5 offer better acceleration?

The Kia Sportage offers quicker acceleration, with its fastest variant reaching 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. The Mazda CX-5's quickest acceleration is 9.2 seconds. For those who value a more responsive drive, the Sportage has the edge.