VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
121 kW
Torque
320 Nm
213 Nm
Fuel
5.0 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Towing
1650 Kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.4 s
—
Engine
1598 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Mazda CX-30 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sportage delivers 100 kW while the Mazda CX-30 produces 121 kW. On fuel, the Sportage returns 5.0 l/100km while the CX-30 uses 6.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R662 995 for the Sportage and R651 500 for the CX-30. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
KIA Sportage1.6 CRDI LX A/T 2023 - From R662 995
Mazda CX-302.0 Individual A/T 2025 - From R651 500
Performance
Power Output
100 kW
121 kW
Torque
320 Nm
213 Nm
0-100 kph
11.4 s
—
Top Speed
180 Km/h
196 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
129 g/km
150 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4515 mm
4395 mm
Width
1865 mm
1795-2040 mm
Height
1650 mm
1540 mm
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2655 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1493 Kg
1340 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
571-1760 l
295-1200 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1650 Kg
1200 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
5yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
unlimitedkm
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-30
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
CX-30
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1650 Kg)
Less power than rival (100 kW vs 121 kW)
Higher starting price
Mazda CX-30
More powerful engine (121 kW)
Lower starting price (R651 500)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or CX-30?
The Sportage uses 5.0 l/100km and the CX-30 uses 6.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sportage or CX-30?
The Sportage produces 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the CX-30 delivers 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The CX-30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and CX-30?
The Sportage starts from R662 995 and the CX-30 from R651 500. The CX-30 is cheaper by R11 495 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or CX-30?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1650 Kg and the CX-30 can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage or the CX-30?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.