VS
At a Glance
Power
139hp @ 5700
187hp @ 6000
Torque
195lb-ft
185lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
54 mpg est.
—
Towing
—
1500lbs
Engine
1.6 L/96ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Niro and the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Niro delivers 139hp @ 5700 while the Mazda CX-5 produces 187hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $33,090 for the Niro and $29,990 for the CX-5. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
139hp @ 5700
187hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft
185lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/96ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
54 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
53 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
54 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.1gal
15.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
174in
184.6in
Width (in)
71.9in
73.2in
Height (in)
60.8in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3071lbs
3856lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-5
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CX-5
Practicality
CX-5
Pros & Cons
KIA Niro
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Mazda CX-5
Lower starting price ($29,990)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Niro or CX-5?
The Niro produces 139hp @ 5700 and 195lb-ft of torque while the CX-5 delivers 187hp @ 6000 and 185lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The CX-5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Niro and CX-5?
The Niro starts from $33,090 and the CX-5 from $29,990. The CX-5 is cheaper by $3,100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Niro or CX-5?
The Niro has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CX-5 can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Niro or the CX-5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.