Compare performance (138 HP vs 141 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 30,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Mazda CX-5?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the bustling world of compact SUVs, two names frequently stand out: the Kia Niro and the Mazda CX-5. Both vehicles represent significant milestones in their respective categories and promise a fulfilling driving experience. However, what separates the two? Let’s delve deeper into the technical aspects and innovations that define these two contenders.
The 2024 Kia Niro offers an advanced powertrain choice, with Full Hybrid and Plugin Hybrid options that cater to the eco-conscious driver. The dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures a smooth ride, and its front-wheel-drive setup delivers a fuel-efficient performance. The Niro hybrid variants have power outputs ranging from 129 HP to 171 HP, facilitating a balanced acceleration experience with 0-100 km/h times of 11.3 and 10.4 seconds, respectively.
In contrast, the Mazda CX-5 offers more traditional engine choices but doesn’t shy away from delivering power. With options between petrol mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV) and diesel engines, the CX-5 covers a broad spectrum. Its power varies from 150 HP to 194 HP, harnessing a manual or automatic gearbox to hit speeds up to 204 km/h and achieving a respectable acceleration time between 9.2 to 11.1 seconds.
When it comes to fuel consumption, the Kia Niro excels with impressive figures ranging from 0.8 to 4.4 L/100 km, partly thanks to its electric-only ranges of 65 km and 59 km. The inclusion of a 1.3 kWh to 11.1 kWh battery amplifies its eco-credentials, aligning with CO2 efficiency classes B and C.
The CX-5, while not as singularly focused on hybrid energy, maintains competitive consumption rates from 5.6 to 7.6 L/100 km. This places it in CO2 efficiency classes E and F, reflecting a more conventional SUV stance on efficiency with emissions spanning 146 to 173 g/km.
In terms of spatial considerations, the Kia Niro is a well-sized compact SUV at 4420 mm in length, 1825 mm in width, and 1545 mm in height. It provides a trunk capacity of 451 to 348 liters, catering to the essential needs of the everyday traveler.
The Mazda CX-5, a slightly larger vehicle, measures at 4575 mm in length, 1845 mm in width, and 1680 mm in height. It offers a more generous cargo space of about 522 liters, ideal for those needing extra room for luggage or gear.
Both vehicles offer five-door access and seat five comfortably, but where they might diverge is in their interior offerings and innovative technologies. The Kia Niro focuses heavily on integrating hybrid power, making it a leader in innovation with its fuel-efficient features. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 prioritizes a luxurious driving experience with robust performance and durable design coming standard.
Choosing between the Kia Niro and the Mazda CX-5 depends on your priorities. If cutting-edge hybrid technology and fuel efficiency are top of your list, the Niro makes a compelling case. On the other hand, if traditional power and a more extensive cargo space are more appealing, then the CX-5 can be a gratifying option.
Ultimately, both SUVs have their unique strengths, ready to conquer different terrains and satisfy varying lifestyle needs in the ever-demanding market of modern automobiles.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Kia Niro is barely cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 857 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Niro uses 4.5 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 2.5 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Mazda CX-5 offers very slightly more power – delivering 141 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 3 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda CX-5 is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 10.5 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Niro delivers a bit more torque with 265 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 27 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Kia Niro is moderately lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 155 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries noticeably more – 601 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 135 kg.
The Kia Niro is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Kia Niro is a practical crossover that blends economy and everyday versatility without sacrificing comfort. With a roomy, well-laid-out cabin and calm, composed handling, it’s an easy-to-live-with choice for commuters and families.
details
The Mazda CX-5 blends sporty handling with a refined, premium interior, making everyday driving feel engaging and comfortable. It pairs stylish design and thoughtful cabin materials with user-friendly tech to deliver a well-rounded compact SUV that suits drivers who want more driver involvement without sacrificing practicality.
details
Costs and Consumption |
|
|---|---|
|
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
|
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
|
|
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
|
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
|
|
Consumption kWh/100km
-
|
Consumption kWh/100km
-
|
|
Electric Range
-
|
Electric Range
-
|
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
|
co2
102 - 111 g/km
|
co2
157 - 169 g/km
|
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Dimensions and Body |
|
|---|---|
|
Body Type
SUV
|
Body Type
SUV
|
|
Seats
5
|
Seats
5
|
|
Doors
-
|
Doors
-
|
|
Curb weight
1,474 kg
|
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
|
|
Trunk capacity
-
|
Trunk capacity
466 L
|
|
Length
-
|
Length
-
|
|
Width
1,825 mm
|
Width
1,860 mm
|
|
Height
-
|
Height
-
|
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
|
Payload
466 kg
|
Payload
566 - 601 kg
|
Engine and Performance |
|
|---|---|
|
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
|
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
|
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
|
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
|
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
|
|
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
|
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
|
|
Power HP
138 HP
|
Power HP
141 HP
|
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
|
|
Max Speed
-
|
Max Speed
-
|
|
Torque
265 Nm
|
Torque
238 Nm
|
|
Number of Cylinders
4
|
Number of Cylinders
4
|
|
Power kW
102 kW
|
Power kW
104 kW
|
|
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
|
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
|
General |
|
|---|---|
|
Model Year
2025
|
Model Year
2025
|
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
|
|
Brand
Kia
|
Brand
Mazda
|
Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España