Mazda CX-5 vs Kia Niro EV

The 2023 Kia Niro EV was designed to blend seamlessly with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid siblings, yet it managed to stand out among entry-level electric vehicles. Its distinctive styling included split headlights and a reimagined "Tiger Nose" grille, complemented by standard LED daytime running lights. The Niro EV featured 17-inch alloy wheels, setting it apart from the hybrid models. A notable design change was the centrally located charge port, making it convenient for charging without the hassle of maneuvering the vehicle. At the rear, the Niro EV sported vertical boomerang-like taillights and "Air Blades," which, despite not achieving the lowest drag coefficient, offered a unique aesthetic compared to other small EVs.

Inside, the Niro EV showcased a creative design with a crescent-shaped dashboard that integrated screens seamlessly. Sustainable materials were used throughout the interior, including recycled wallpaper and eucalyptus leaves, although the presence of piano black plastic was a downside. The Niro EV was built on the K3 platform, accommodating various powertrains, unlike the dedicated E-GMP platform used by other Kia models. This design choice allowed the Niro EV to maintain a more upright shape, offering a distinct contrast to the pod-like silhouettes of other small EVs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its classic design, which had aged gracefully since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S. market, featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda made subtle improvements, such as enhancing fuel economy for the base engine and adding wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to select trims. The CX-5 lineup included models with a base 187-horsepower engine and a turbocharged 256-horsepower engine, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Mazda's attention to detail extended to the interior, where the CX-5 offered a comfortable and upscale experience. The seats were redesigned for comfort, and the cabin featured premium materials, including leather upholstery on most trims. Despite being smaller in terms of interior space compared to some competitors, the CX-5 provided a snug yet comfortable environment for four adults. The rear seat offered good support, and thoughtful touches like rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders enhanced passenger satisfaction. The CX-5's design and quality elevated it above many mass-market rivals, creating an impression of luxury.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV was powered by a 64.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a single electric motor, delivering 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Niro EV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, offering a smoother and more refined driving experience compared to its hybrid counterparts. While it lacked the nimble feel of some competitors, the Niro EV provided a pleasant driving experience with its smooth power delivery and planted handling.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. On regular gas, it still offered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The CX-5 Turbo's powertrain was more rewarding when driven with a steady acceleration, allowing the revs to build and take advantage of the torque. However, it wasn't the most fuel-efficient option, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and its handling was enhanced with Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, providing a sophisticated driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV offered a spacious interior with more headroom and legroom than the Chevy Bolt EV/EUV and Nissan Leaf. It also provided slightly more legroom than the VW ID.4, although the VW had more headroom. The Niro EV's cargo space was generous, with 645 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres with the seats folded down. However, in-cabin storage was limited, with shallow door pockets and a small centre console storage bin.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats for added comfort. The interior was well-appointed, with leather upholstery on most trims and premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. While the CX-5 was smaller in terms of interior room, it provided a comfortable environment for four adults. The rear seat offered good support, and thoughtful features like rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders enhanced passenger satisfaction. The CX-5's cargo space was ample, with 871 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV came equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive and featured appealing graphics, although it lacked wireless connectivity. The Niro EV also included a reconfigurable touch control panel for various functions and Digital Key 2.0 functionality, allowing drivers to use their devices as a key fob.

Mazda's approach to technology in the 2024 CX-5 focused on minimizing driver distraction. The CX-5 featured traditional switchgear for various controls, with a 10.25-inch display for infotainment. While Mazda's system wasn't as intuitive as some competitors, it offered a setting for touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-5 also included Mazda Connected Services, providing remote engine starting and other features. Several trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2023 Kia Niro EV offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The Limited model added front and rear parking sensors. All trims featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and navigation-based curve prediction, along with Highway Driving Assist. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a traffic sign recognition system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although it hadn't received that accolade in 2024. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.