Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Kia Niro or Mazda CX-5 fits your lifestyle better.
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 has a hardly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29100 £, while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30000 £. That’s a price difference of around 866 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Niro manages with 2.40 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L. The difference is about 4.60 L per 100 km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Kia Niro has a noticeable edge – offering 180 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 39 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia Niro is barely noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 9.90 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.50 s. That’s about 0.60 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Mazda CX-5 performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 195 km/h, while the Kia Niro tops out at 185 km/h. The difference is around 10 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: Kia Niro pulls somewhat stronger with 265 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 27 Nm difference.
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 curb weight, Kia Niro is slightly lighter – 1474 kg compared to 1629 kg. The difference is around 155 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers distinct more room – 583 L compared to 451 L. That’s a difference of about 132 L.
In maximum load capacity, the Mazda CX-5 performs evident better – up to 2019 L, which is about 574 L more than the Kia Niro.
The Kia Niro proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Kia Niro is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
@ Kia Corporation
The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.
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@ Kia Corporation
@ Kia Corporation
@ Kia Corporation
@ Kia Corporation
@ Kia Corporation
The Mazda CX-5 blends elegant, athletic styling with a surprisingly engaging driving character, turning routine trips into small, satisfying adventures. Inside it feels thoughtfully built and comfortable, offering sensible practicality and a premium feel that punches above its price.
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@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
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@ Kia Corporation
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@ Mazda Motor Corporation
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
29100 - 38600 £
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Price
30000 - 39500 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 4.9 L
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Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.4 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
57 - 62 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
1.3 - 11.1 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
53 - 111 g/km
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co2
157 - 168 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
37 - 42 L
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Fuel tank capacity
56 - 58 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1474 - 1594 kg
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Curb weight
1629 - 1671 kg
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Trunk capacity
348 - 451 L
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Trunk capacity
583 L
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Length
4420 mm
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Length
4690 mm
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Width
1825 mm
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Width
1860 mm
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Height
1545 mm
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Height
1695 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1342 - 1445 L
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Max trunk capacity
2019 L
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Payload
466 kg
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Payload
-
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
138 - 180 HP
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Power HP
141 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 11.4 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
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Max Speed
170 - 185 km/h
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Max Speed
195 km/h
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Torque
265 Nm
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Torque
238 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
102 - 132 kW
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Power kW
104 kW
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Engine capacity
1580 cm3
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Engine capacity
2488 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F
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Brand
Kia
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Brand
Mazda
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The Kia Niro is available as Front-Wheel Drive.
The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.
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