How the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior Compares to the Kia Sportage

As compact SUVs continue to dominate the market, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes its entry with a completely redesigned interior. This latest generation introduces a larger cabin, upgraded technology, and luxury-style details. While many shoppers may compare it to the Kia Sportage, Mazda’s approach focuses more on clean design and a premium in-cabin experience.

Both the CX-5 and Kia Sportage compete in the same category, but Mazda brings something unique with its third-generation model. The cabin is now more spacious, offering improved materials and an upgraded dashboard layout.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior Offers Premium Feel vs. Kia Sportage

Inside the new CX-5, the most striking update is the tech upgrade. A 12.9-inch touchscreen is standard, but higher trims include a 15.6-inch display with built-in Google software. In contrast, the Kia Sportage offers a dual-screen setup that’s wide but blends fewer physical controls.

Mazda has also redesigned the seats with thinner headrests and deeper contours, providing extra comfort for long drives. Soft-touch surfaces span the dashboard and door panels, and ambient lighting adds a premium touch to the front doors. These upgrades rival the stylish but slightly more aggressive look of the Sportage interior.

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One major plus for Mazda fans is the traditional gear shifter, which remains in the new CX-5. Many drivers prefer this tactile feature over the button-based or dial setups used in other SUVs, including some Kia Sportage trims.

Mazda’s latest CX-5 keeps its interior minimalist but modern. While the Kia Sportage may have a sportier aesthetic, the CX-5 leans into comfort and simplicity, offering a refined experience without clutter.

For those comparing options in 2025 and 2026, both models bring strengths. But if you’re drawn to quiet elegance and thoughtful design, the new CX-5 could be the better pick.

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