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Kia Sportage. / Kia

The Kia Sportage outperformed the Mazda CX-5 in a compact SUV comparison test conducted by a German automotive magazine. Earning high marks in acceleration, braking performance, spatial utility, and warranty terms, it gained the upper hand in five out of seven evaluation categories.

Kia announced on the 1st that the Sportage scored a total of 569 points in a gasoline compact SUV comparison test conducted in September by the German automotive publication AUTO BILD, topping the Mazda CX-5 (552 points) by a 17-point margin.

AUTO BILD is regarded as one of Germany's leading automotive publications alongside Auto Motor und Sport and Auto Zeitung.

The evaluation was conducted across seven categories: body, comfort, powertrain, driving dynamics, connected car, environment, and cost. The Sportage scored higher than the CX-5 in five of these areas: body, comfort, powertrain, driving dynamics, and cost.

In the body category, the Sportage scored 95 points, edging out the CX-5's 93 points. Factors reflected in the score included a maximum payload of up to 593 kg, rear seatback release functionality, and an adjustable cargo floor.

In the comfort category, the Sportage received 114 points compared to 108 points for the CX-5, securing an advantage in seat comfort, ease of operation, ride quality, and cabin quietness.

In the powertrain category, the Sportage scored 91 points, outperforming the CX-5's 85 points by 6 points. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h took 9.2 seconds for the Sportage and 10.6 seconds for the CX-5. Passing acceleration from 80 km/h to 120 km/h clocked in at 6.4 seconds and 8.4 seconds, respectively.

The Sportage also led in driving dynamics, scoring 75 points against the CX-5's 69 points. Maneuverability, steering, and braking performance were assessed. Braking distance from 100 km/h to a full stop was measured at 34.6 meters cold and 34.4 meters warm for the Sportage, compared to 36.1 meters and 35.6 meters for the CX-5.

In the cost category, the Sportage scored 88 points, beating the CX-5's 81 points by 7 points. In this category—which comprehensively evaluates vehicle purchase price, resale value, taxes and insurance, maintenance, and warranty terms—the Sportage's 7-year or 150,000 km warranty received favorable reviews.

AUTO BILD assessed the Sportage as a "compact SUV offering a long warranty that is convenient for everyday use." In comparing the two vehicles, the publication concluded that "overall, the Kia feels slightly more modern."

This is not the first time the Sportage has bested the CX-5 in a German auto magazine comparison test. In a compact SUV comparison test conducted last July by Auto Motor und Sport, the Sportage also took first place overall among four vehicles, including the Mazda CX-5, Ford Kuga, and Citroën C5 Aircross.

The vehicle has also continued its winning track record in evaluations by other overseas automotive outlets. The UK's What Car? named the Sportage "Best Family SUV" in 2025 and "Family SUV of the Year" in 2026. This year, it also won awards in the best hybrid model categories selected by U.S. News & World Report and Cars.com in the U.S.

A Kia official said, "The results of this evaluation are meaningful in that the Sportage was recognized in areas directly tied to real-world ownership, including driving performance, comfort, and economics." The official added, "We will strive to deliver product competitiveness and reliability that customers can truly feel in actual driving."

                                                                                                            Nam Hyun-soo