Kia Sorento PHEV vs Mazda CX-90 PHEV: Which 3-Row Plug-In Fits the Tri-Cities?
Last updated Oct 29, 2026
Specs note: I checked every figure on kia.com and mazdausa.com on Oct 29, 2026. kia.com lists the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, and mazdausa.com lists the 2026 CX-90 PHEV, so this is 2026 vs 2026. Specs vary by trim. Confirm on the window sticker.
Quick answer: The 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid goes farther on electricity (31 vs 26 miles, EPA-est.), gets better mileage once the battery is used up (33 vs 26 mpg combined), runs on regular gas and has the lower starting MSRP. The 2026 CX-90 PHEV is bigger, has more power (323 vs 261 hp) and tows more (3,500 vs 2,000 lb).
Sources: kia.com 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid specs and mazdausa.com 2026 CX-90 PHEV specs, checked Oct 29, 2026.
Both of these are 3-row SUVs with a plug, standard AWD and an electric range that covers a lot of daily driving around Pasco, Kennewick and Richland. They solve the same problem in different ways. The Kia leans toward efficiency and a smaller footprint. The Mazda leans toward size and power.
Hey, I’m Rick G. at Overturf KIA in Pasco. I sell Kias, so I’ll be straight about where the Mazda wins too. Every number below comes from kia.com or mazdausa.com, with the date I checked. Compare on paper here, then come drive the Sorento PHEV.
Quick facts: Sorento PHEV or CX-90 PHEV?
- Electric range. 31 miles EPA-est. for the Sorento PHEV vs 26 for the CX-90 PHEV.
- Mileage on gas. 33 mpg combined for the Sorento PHEV vs 26 for the CX-90 PHEV. With the battery charged, 74 MPGe vs 56.
- Fuel. The Sorento PHEV takes regular 87. Mazda recommends premium 91 for the CX-90 PHEV (it lists 323 hp on premium, 319 on regular).
- Power. 261 hp and 270 lb-ft for the Kia vs 323 hp and 369 lb-ft for the Mazda.
- Towing. 2,000 lb for the Sorento PHEV vs 3,500 lb for the CX-90 PHEV.
- Size. The Sorento PHEV is 189.6 inches long. The CX-90 PHEV is 200.8 to 201.6. If your garage is tight, that’s about a foot.
- Starting MSRP. The Sorento PHEV starts lower. See the trim table below.
Book a Sorento PHEV test drive · Bring your trade
Tell me you want the Plug-In Hybrid when you book. I’ll check what’s on the lot and email you to confirm a time.
Range and efficiency
| 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | 2026 CX-90 PHEV | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA-est. electric range | 31 miles | 26 miles |
| EPA combined, battery charged | 74 MPGe | 56 MPGe |
| EPA combined, gas engine only | 33 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Battery | 14 kWh lithium-ion polymer | 17.8 kWh lithium-ion |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Recommended fuel | Regular, 87 octane or higher | Premium unleaded (regular OK, less power) |
| Total driving range | Not listed on kia.com | Up to 500 miles (Mazda estimate) |
Sources: kia.com 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid specs; mazdausa.com 2026 CX-90 PHEV specs and FAQ. Checked Oct 29, 2026.
The Kia gets more out of a smaller battery. The Mazda’s bigger tank gives it the longer total range Mazda quotes. For a Kennewick to Pasco commute with a plug at home, a short round trip can run on electricity in good weather in either one.
Winter electric range in the Tri-Cities
Cold mornings cut electric range on every plug-in, including both of these. Neither kia.com nor mazdausa.com publishes a cold-weather range figure, so I won’t guess one. What I’d tell a neighbor: treat 31 and 26 miles as summer numbers, and expect fewer on a January morning on Hwy 240. Charging in the garage overnight helps, and the gas engine is always there as backup in both.
Charging at home: Level 1 and Level 2
- Sorento PHEV, Level 2 (240V): kia.com lists about 4 hours.
- Sorento PHEV, Level 1 (120V): kia.com doesn’t list a time, so I’m leaving it out until I can confirm it.
- CX-90 PHEV: comes with a Level 1 cable. Mazda’s spec table lists 6 hours 40 minutes on Level 1 and 1 hour 30 minutes on Level 2. Mazda’s FAQ on the same site says about 11 hours and about 2.5 hours. Ask Mazda which applies.
- Public charging: Mazda says the CX-90 PHEV works with most Level 2 public chargers but not DC fast charging.
If you have a 240V circuit in the garage, either one refills overnight with time to spare. If you only have a regular outlet, talk to an electrician about Level 2 before you buy.
Dimensions and interior
| 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | 2026 CX-90 PHEV | |
|---|---|---|
| Length / wheelbase | 189.6 / 110.8 in. | 200.8 to 201.6 / 122.8 in. |
| Width | 74.8 in. | 77.6 in. (84.9 with mirrors) |
| Height | 66.9 in. | 68.3 to 68.7 in. |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in. | 8.0 to 8.1 in. |
| Seats | 7 (6 with the Premium Package) | 7 |
| Legroom, 1st / 2nd / 3rd row | 41.4 / 40.3 / 29.6 in. | 41.7 / 39.4 / 30.4 in. |
| Headroom, 1st / 2nd / 3rd row | 40.3 / 39.1 / 36.8 in. | 39.7 / 39.3 / 36.9 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st row | 12.6 / 38.5 to 45.0 / 75.5 cu ft | 15.9 / 40.1 / 75.2 cu ft (2-seat 3rd row) |
| Curb weight | 4,550 to 4,652 lb | 5,243 lb |
| Towing | 2,000 lb | 3,500 lb, properly equipped |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
Sources: kia.com 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid specs; mazdausa.com 2026 CX-90 PHEV specs. Checked Oct 29, 2026.
The third rows are close on paper: 29.6 vs 30.4 inches of legroom. The CX-90 PHEV has a bit more cargo with every seat up and a lot more length. The Sorento PHEV is the easier one to fit in an older Richland garage. Measure yours before you shop.
Power and towing
The Sorento PHEV pairs a 1.6L turbo four with an electric motor for 261 hp and 270 lb-ft, through a 6-speed automatic. The CX-90 PHEV pairs a 2.5L four with an electric motor for 323 hp and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel, through an 8-speed automatic. If you pull a small boat to the Columbia, the Mazda’s 3,500 lb rating gives more room than the Kia’s 2,000. Check the owner’s manual for the hitch and trailer setup.
Book a Sorento PHEV test drive
Bring your charging questions. I’ll walk you through the plug and the drive modes on the lot.
Trims and starting MSRP
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid EX AWD | $48,290 |
| 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid X-Line SX Prestige AWD | $53,490 |
| 2026 CX-90 PHEV Preferred | $50,695 |
| 2026 CX-90 PHEV Premium Sport | $55,500 |
| 2026 CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus | $58,700 |
Sources: kia.com 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid specs compare page and mazdausa.com 2026 CX-90 PHEV trims page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license and options. Mazda lists a $1,645 destination charge. See kia.com Build and Price for Kia’s.
That’s the whole price story I’ll put on a page. When you come in, I’ll write it up fresh on the lot: MSRP plus that day’s published incentives.
Which one is right for you?
Lean Sorento PHEV if you want the most electric miles per charge, better mileage on road trips, regular gas, a smaller footprint for parking, and a lower starting MSRP.
Lean CX-90 PHEV if you tow up to 3,500 lb, want more power, or need the extra length and cargo with all three rows up.
Warranty
The Sorento PHEV carries Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the original owner, plus 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery coverage. Shopping used? A Kia Certified Pre-Owned buyer gets the remainder of the original factory warranty, not a fresh 10 years. My Kia CPO guide has the details.
How to compare: on paper first, then drive the Sorento PHEV
- Your daily miles. If your round trip is under about 30 miles, most of it can be electric in good weather.
- Your outlet. Check whether you have, or can add, a 240V circuit in the garage.
- Your garage. Measure it. The Sorento PHEV is about a foot shorter.
- Your trailer. Know its loaded weight before you choose.
- The third row. Bring the car seats and have someone sit back there.
Weighing the rest of the Sorento lineup? See my Sorento gas vs Hybrid vs PHEV guide and Sorento vs Telluride.
Ready to compare?
Compare on paper, then come drive the Sorento PHEV at Overturf KIA in Pasco.
Book a Sorento PHEV test drive · Bring your trade
Bringing a trade? Bring the title, or your lender’s name and loan account number, plus your license, registration, insurance card, and every key and fob. Here’s my trade-in checklist.
FAQs
Which has more electric range, the Sorento PHEV or the CX-90 PHEV?
The Sorento PHEV. kia.com lists an EPA-estimated 31 miles of electric range for the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, and mazdausa.com lists 26 miles for the 2026 CX-90 PHEV. Both lose range in cold weather, and neither brand publishes a winter figure, so expect less on a January morning.
Which gets better gas mileage once the battery runs down?
The Sorento PHEV. The EPA rates it at 33 mpg combined on the gas engine, vs 26 mpg for the CX-90 PHEV. With a charged battery the ratings are 74 MPGe vs 56. The Sorento PHEV also takes regular 87, while Mazda recommends premium for the CX-90 PHEV.
How long does it take to charge at home?
kia.com lists about 4 hours on a 240V Level 2 charger for the Sorento PHEV. It doesn’t list a 120V Level 1 time. Mazda’s spec table lists 1 hour 30 minutes on Level 2 and 6 hours 40 minutes on Level 1 for the CX-90 PHEV, while its FAQ says about 2.5 and 11 hours.
Which is bigger, the Sorento PHEV or the CX-90 PHEV?
The CX-90 PHEV. Mazda lists it at 200.8 to 201.6 inches long on a 122.8-inch wheelbase, vs 189.6 and 110.8 for the Sorento PHEV. Third-row legroom is close: 30.4 vs 29.6 inches. Cargo behind the third row is 15.9 vs 12.6 cubic feet.
Which tows more?
The CX-90 PHEV. Mazda lists 3,500 lb when properly equipped. kia.com lists 2,000 lb for the 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. Check the owner’s manual for the right hitch and trailer setup.
Is the Sorento PHEV AWD?
Yes. kia.com lists both 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid trims, the EX and the X-Line SX Prestige, with AWD. Mazda lists i-Activ AWD as standard on the CX-90 PHEV. For Columbia Basin ice, good winter tires matter as much as AWD.
Checked Oct 29, 2026 (PT): kia.com 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid specs; kia.com Sorento Plug-In Hybrid; mazdausa.com 2026 CX-90 PHEV specs and FAQ; mazdausa.com 2026 CX-90 PHEV trims; Kia warranty. Always confirm the window sticker for the VIN you drive.