Last updated: 2026-03-04

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5: Reliability Compared

Kia Sportage reliability comparison

Kia Sportage

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableMazda CX-5 reliability comparison

Mazda CX-5

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

Choosing between the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mazda CX-5 currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 74/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 Generations Compare?

The Kia Sportage is currently in its fifth generation (NQ5), introduced in 2023. Being early in its generation cycle, the Sportage might experience some first-year issues typical of new platforms. However, Kia's track record suggests reliability often improves as the model matures. The previous fourth generation (QL) received a significant facelift in 2020, indicating a well-sorted, mature platform by the end of its cycle. The Mazda CX-5 is in its second generation (KF), launched in 2017 and refreshed in 2022. This mature platform benefits from several years of refinement, likely resulting in fewer reliability issues. Mid-cycle refreshes often address earlier problems, making the CX-5 a potentially more reliable choice compared to a newly redesigned model.

Verdict

The Mazda CX-5 is more reliable than the Kia Sportage, scoring 81/100 vs 74/100.

The Mazda CX-5 demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 93/100 compared to the Kia Sportage's 84/100. Despite a slightly higher owner complaint rate of 5.6 per 10,000 units sold, the CX-5 has a significantly lower recall count of 11 over nine years versus the Sportage's 28. Both models have similar common issues, but the CX-5 benefits from a marginally lower estimated annual repair cost of $447 compared to the Sportage's $462. Overall, the CX-5 stands out as the more reliable compact SUV option.

Key Differences

  1. 1Mazda CX-5 has 17 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Mazda CX-5 costs $15 less per year to repair
  3. 3Mazda CX-5 scores 7 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Kia Sportage
—
4Mazda CX-5
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5: Which Is More Reliable?

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricKia SportageMazda CX-5
Reliability Score74/10081/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls2811
Complaints per 10k Sold5.35.6
Annual Repair Cost$462/yr$447/yr
Repair Frequency0.2/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk11%8%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins0 (1 tied)7 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5?

The Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Kia Sportage showing a higher concentration of issues related to the electrical system and unknown or other categories, both with notable crash-linked complaints. In contrast, the Mazda CX-5 faces a greater number of engine complaints, though it has fewer crash-linked incidents than the Sportage. The CX-5 also presents a unique concern with airbags, having a significant number of crash-linked complaints in this area, which is absent in the Sportage's profile. Both models experience substantial issues with vehicle speed control and service brakes, but the Mazda CX-5 slightly surpasses the Sportage in crash-linked complaints for vehicle speed control.

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5 common problem areas comparison
ComponentKia SportageMazda CX-5
ENGINE1Very Low1.5Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.9Very Low0.7Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.8Very Low0.6Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low0.6Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.3Very Low0.3Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.3Very Low0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
STEERING0.2Very Low0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
TRAILER HITCHES0.1Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None
VISIBILITY—None—None
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
SEATS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5?

The Kia Sportage has an annual repair cost of $462, which is $15 more than the Mazda CX-5's $447. Over five years, this translates to a $75 difference in favor of the CX-5. However, the Sportage visits the repair shop less frequently at 0.2 times per year compared to the CX-5's 0.3 visits. Despite the Sportage's higher major repair risk at 11%, the CX-5 also poses a risk at 8%. For cost-conscious buyers, the CX-5 offers slightly lower annual costs, but the Sportage may offer convenience with fewer repair visits. Ultimately, the CX-5 edges out as a better value with its lower overall repair costs.

How Does Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compare by Year?

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5 year-by-year reliability scores
YearKia SportageMazda CX-5Edge
202582/1002R / 44C82/1003R / 25CTie
202478/1004R / 83C84/1001R / 53CMazda CX-5
202367/1009R / 257C81/1002R / 96CMazda CX-5
202279/1001R / 39C87/1000R / 50CMazda CX-5
202176/1002R / 34C83/1000R / 129CMazda CX-5
202069/1002R / 139C86/1000R / 94CMazda CX-5
201974/1002R / 63C75/1002R / 229CMazda CX-5
201868/1003R / 147C71/1003R / 310CMazda CX-5
2026(predicted)76/100(predicted)73/100(predicted)Kia Sportage

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Kia Sportage scored 82/100 and the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scored 87/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Kia Sportage vs the Mazda CX-5?

If you prioritize reliability and want peace of mind on the road, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice. With a higher reliability score of 93/100 and fewer total recalls (11), it offers a more dependable driving experience. The lower major repair risk of 8% and a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $447 make it appealing for those seeking long-term savings and reduced hassle. However, if you are budget-conscious and prefer a vehicle with lower repair frequency, the Kia Sportage might be more suitable. It has a lower repair frequency of 0.2 times per year and an estimated annual repair cost of $462. While it has more total recalls (28), the owner complaints per 10,000 sold are slightly lower at 5.3, suggesting a potentially smoother ownership experience in terms of day-to-day issues.

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5: Common Questions

Is the Kia Sportage more reliable than the Mazda CX-5?
Based on our data, the Mazda CX-5 is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 74/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Kia Sportage or the Mazda CX-5?
The Kia Sportage has more recalls (28) compared to the Mazda CX-5 (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Kia Sportage or the Mazda CX-5?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Kia Sportage has a lower complaint rate at 5.3 per 10,000 sold versus 5.6 for the Mazda CX-5. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Kia Sportage or the Mazda CX-5?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Mazda CX-5 is cheaper to maintain at $447/year versus $462/year for the Kia Sportage.
Is the Kia Sportage or Mazda CX-5 safer?
Both the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue