2021 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2021 Kia Sorento: Choose a Better Driving Experience

January 26 2021,

2021 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2021 Kia Sorento: Choose a Better Driving Experience

The sophisticated CX-9 is an SUV that offers an acclaimed combination of performance, styling, technology, functionality, and more. With a seven-passenger seating capacity and flexible room to boot, the CX-9 is designed for families who need an SUV that grows with them. Drivers also love the response of the AWD system in dry and other conditions. 

The CX-9 is part of a segment with many other competing SUVs. However, Mazda designed it to stand out among the competition. Here, we compare it to the 2021 Kia Sorento. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 offers more accessible power

The CX-9 offers one powertrain that does it all. A turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder outputs up to 250 horsepower and a lane-leading 320 lb-ft of torque. 

The Kia Sorento offers two engines. The first is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is standard in two lower-grade trims. The Sorento's most powerful engine, a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, generates more horsepower but less torque than the CX-9's turbo. However, the CX-9's turbo is available throughout the entire lineup and doesn't require an upgrade.

The CX-9 also includes a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode and a drive selection switch. The GS-L and GT also feature paddle shifters that add a layer of fun and enjoyment as you make each driving experience your own. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 offers more performance technology

The CX-9 goes even deeper in providing an assertive driving experience.  The G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology manages engine torque in response to steering inputs to integrate acceleration forces and optimize wheel loads. 

The advanced Plus function initiates light brake applications on the outside wheels as the vehicle completes a turn and the steering wheel returns to a neutral position. This adds more stability while turning, which offers a better chance of recovery when making emergency manoeuvres and tight turns. This adds another dimension of safety for your family. 

The CX-9 also delivers more cargo capacities when all the seats are occupied, with 407 litres compared to 357 litres with the Sorento.

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 offers more performance technology than the 2021 Kia Sorento, making it more attractive to drivers who want to pair driving dynamics with versatility in a stylish package that doesn’t compromise. You can shop for your car online with us. Our representatives are waiting for your call and can answer all your questions.

 


Other Articles That May Interest You

Can the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Cover Your Daily Commute on Battery Alone?

June 11 2026

Can the 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Cover Your Daily Commute on Battery Alone?

A plug-in hybrid makes the most sense when you understand what it's actually doing. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a three-row SUV that runs on battery power for daily urban distances — up to 43 km per charge — and switches to a gasoline engine when the battery runs out. For drivers whose commutes stay within that range and who can charge overnight, the math on fuel costs shifts significantly...
Which 2026 Mazda Is the Most Engaging to Drive? Three Vehicles Worth a Closer Look

June 11 2026

Which 2026 Mazda Is the Most Engaging to Drive? Three Vehicles Worth a Closer Look

Not every car buyer is optimizing for cargo volume or towing capacity. Some buyers want a vehicle that pays back attention — one that rewards a driver who actually cares about how a car feels on a good stretch of road. Mazda builds several vehicles for exactly that buyer. The three below stand out in the 2026 lineup as the ones that deliver the most engaging experience across three different...
Logo Access 360