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Kia Stonic vs Mazda CX-5

What's the difference?

VS
Kia Stonic
Kia Stonic

$16,888 - $29,999

2021 price

Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5

$36,590 - $55,000

2024 price

Summary

2021 Kia Stonic
2024 Mazda CX-5
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.0L

Turbo 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type
-

-
Fuel Efficiency
5.4L/100km (combined)

8.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Front seats uncomfortable on long trips
  • Hesitant transmission
  • Grim rear seat accommodation - no armrest

  • Feels compact inside
  • Individual storage on the thin side
  • Thirsty engine
2021 Kia Stonic Summary

As surely as night follows day, when there's a new Kia in a new segment, we're told we probably won't be getting it. Those lucky Europeans and then some months (this time years, as it turns out) later, we find out that actually we are getting it.

Not because Kia's Australian arm doesn't want the peculiarly named Stonic - we're still waiting for the reportedly excellent e-Niro. But when that new car is an SUV, even a tiny one, Kia can't make them fast enough. 

However, as m'colleague Tom White reported in December,  COVID stepped in. We're now in the strange position where due to a global pandemic and resulting economic calamity, a car Kia Australia thought it had to forego in return for the excellent Seltos, has in fact arrived to complete the range.

Fresh from the factory, my family scored a top-of-the-range GT-Line for a week to see what it's like in the urban rumble.

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2024 Mazda CX-5 Summary

This week I’m family testing the new Mazda CX-5 Akera G35 and the top-grade model is well-equipped. But it faces stiff competition in the mid-sized SUV market with rivals like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and the ever-popular Toyota RAV4.

How do you remain competitive in one of the most popular SUV classes? My family of three is finding out for you!

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Kia Stonic 2024 Mazda CX-5

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