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Shoppers comparing three-row SUVs will find a compelling matchup in the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. the 2026 Kia Sorento, two distinctive takes on family flexibility and modern performance that our team proudly offers. At Russ Darrow Automotive Group, we focus on helping drivers choose the right fit for everyday errands and weekend escapes near Milwaukee, WI, and this comparison highlights clear strengths for both. Mazda’s newest flagship emphasizes craftsmanship and poise, with standard i-ACTIV AWD®, an available panoramic moonroof, and an upscale cabin that earned the CX-90 a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation. Kia’s latest Sorento brings a rugged streak and tech-forward cabin to the table, with available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode, the adventure-ready X-Pro package rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds, and available Dual Panoramic Displays measuring approximately 24 inches combined. Families who split time between city streets and lakeshore trails will appreciate the balanced footprints, advanced safety suites, and smart cargo solutions on both models. As you read on, keep in mind that our goal at Russ Darrow Automotive Group is to match your priorities—space, capability, comfort, or tech—with the trim and features that suit your life best near Milwaukee, WI.
| Feature | 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2026 Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) | Yes | No |
| 3-row seating | Yes | Yes |
| Available 2nd-row captain’s chairs | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic moonroof/sunroof available | Yes | Yes |
| 360° Surround View Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | Yes | Yes |
| Bose® premium audio system available | Yes | Yes |
| Towing capacity 4,500 lb or more | Yes | Yes |
| Inline 6-cylinder engine available | Yes | No |
| Seats up to 8 passengers | Yes | No |
Outside, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Kia Sorento is an exercise in contrasting design philosophies—elegant motion versus purposeful ruggedness—both with strong curb appeal for neighborhoods near Milwaukee, WI. Mazda’s KODO design goal of “motion at a glance” shines through the CX-90’s sculpted flanks, long hood, and refined detailing. Available dark chrome molding and the sporty 3.3 Turbo S Premium Sport with Black Metallic 21-inch wheels show confidence without ostentation, while colors like Rhodium White Premium, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Jet Black Mica underscore the CX-90’s tailored look. Kia takes a different, equally compelling path: the Sorento X-Pro pairs a bold grille and blackout exterior cues with matte-finish wheels and all-terrain tires that announce weekend readiness. Roof rails are ready for bike racks or cargo boxes, and the available panoramic sunroof brightens long drives. Both SUVs feature available LED lighting for visibility, as well as hands-free liftgate solutions that make sense when juggling strollers, coolers, or groceries. Maneuverability matters in dense parking ramps, and both vehicles offer helpful tech like available 360° surround views to ease tight spots. Whether you gravitate to the CX-90’s sophisticated proportions or the Sorento’s confident, outdoorsy posture, Russ Darrow Automotive Group has trims and accessories to tailor your driveway presence.
Step inside, and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Kia Sorento comparison becomes about ambiance and thoughtful details as much as seating and storage. The CX-90 presents a serene, premium environment with elegant textures, available Nappa leather, Piano Black accents, and a quiet cabin tuned to reduce road noise—an approach that feels relaxing on I-94 commutes near Milwaukee, WI. The available Bose® audio system, generous USB-C ports reaching the third row, and an available 360° View Monitor with See-through View add everyday ease. Seating is flexible for up to eight with a standard 3-person third row and an available second-row captain’s chair configuration for easier access. The 2026 Kia Sorento counters with an inviting, functional cabin that leans into versatility: available captain’s chairs, up to 75.5 cu. ft. of cargo space with rows folded, and an available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close that simplifies load-ins when hands are full. The available Dual Panoramic Display with Navigation delivers approximately 24 inches of combined screen real estate, complemented by a Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are easy wins for both vehicles, while the Sorento offers available premium suede headliner and heated second-row seats for a cozy touch in colder months. Whether you favor the artisanal finish of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the adventure-leaning utility of the 2026 Kia Sorento, Russ Darrow Automotive Group can help personalize the ergonomics and seating layout that match your daily routine near Milwaukee, WI.
The chassis and control technologies in the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. the 2026 Kia Sorento address the realities of daily driving—quick lane changes, uneven pavement, and occasional gravel—especially for families crisscrossing between city and suburbs. Mazda equips every CX-90 with i-ACTIV AWD®, a predictive all-wheel-drive system that actively monitors traction demands to send torque where it helps most, complemented by Kinematic Posture Control for flatter cornering. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offers Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and available Towing modes, making it simple to fine-tune the drive character. The Sorento answers with available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode, and the X-Pro’s 8.2-inch ground clearance gives extra confidence for trailheads or gravel boat launches. Both SUVs utilize independent suspensions engineered to balance ride comfort and agility on imperfect surfaces, while robust braking and stability systems contribute to calm, predictable responses in traffic. For longer hauls from Madison to family gatherings, the CX-90’s planted highway composure and the Sorento’s light-on-its-feet feel both shine. Towing preparedness is another point of strength: the CX-90 can be configured to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and the Sorento X-Pro delivers up to 4,500 pounds, giving small-boat or camper owners flexibility near Milwaukee, WI. Guidance from Russ Darrow Automotive Group helps ensure the right tow package, tires, and drive mode strategy align with your cargo and routes.
Under the hood is where many shoppers ultimately decide, and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. the 2026 Kia Sorento reflects two philosophies that meet in real-world capability. The CX-90 features the e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo, paired with a SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-speed automatic. Output ranges up to 280 hp in 3.3 Turbo models, or up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in 3.3 Turbo S models when using recommended premium fuel—power you can feel when merging onto I-43 with a full load. The available Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid EV powertrain adds daily flexibility with an estimated 27-mile all-electric range and smooth hybrid operation for longer trips. The 2026 Kia Sorento offers an available 281 hp turbocharged engine that pairs strong midrange thrust with an 8-speed transmission, and available all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode makes good use of that power on varying surfaces. The Sorento also offers hybrid powertrain configurations, giving efficiency-minded drivers an appealing alternative for frequent school runs and downtown loops near Milwaukee, WI. Both SUVs integrate their drivetrains with intuitive drive modes and transmission logic that prioritize response without harshness. If you’re drawn to the refined surge and standard AWD confidence of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 or the Sorento’s energetic turbo and available hybrid choices, Russ Darrow Automotive Group is ready to arrange back-to-back drives, so the right throttle feel, shift character, and highway quiet win your vote. For shoppers who tow on summer weekends near Milwaukee, WI, remember that the CX-90 offers up to 5,000 pounds of capacity while the Sorento X-Pro rates up to 4,500 pounds, each with the right equipment and trailer setup.
Peace of mind is central to both SUVs, which is why shoppers evaluating family-haulers near Milwaukee, WI consistently rank active safety and visibility tools among must-haves. Mazda’s i-Activsense® suite brings features such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and available Front Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, supported by a 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View for low-speed precision. The brand is proud that the 2026 Mazda CX-90 earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and that the 2025 CX-90 lineup also received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. The Sorento counters with a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features as well: standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, Car, and Junction Turning Detection; standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist; available Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist; and available Highway Driving Assist 2, which can assist with steering and help maintain distance on the highway. Parking is simplified by standard front and rear sensors with available side sensors, and the available 360° Surround View Monitor helps with parallel spots along busy corridors. The Sorento’s available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror is especially handy when cargo or third-row passengers block the rear window. From child-seat days to teen-driver years, our advisors at Russ Darrow Automotive Group can help you tailor alerts, camera views, and driver profiles so the safety tech works intuitively for everyone.
Choosing between these two standouts is less about finding a “winner” and more about narrowing which personality aligns with your life. Drivers who value a serene, premium ambiance, standard i-ACTIV AWD®, and the strong, refined character of an inline-six will gravitate toward the 2026 Mazda CX-90. Shoppers who want bold styling, adventurous hardware like the X-Pro package, and the brilliant Dual Panoramic Display experience will feel right at home in the 2026 Kia Sorento. Both deliver roomy three-row seating, advanced camera views, wireless smartphone integration, and confidence-inspiring driver-assistance features for busy weeks near Milwaukee, WI. If your routine blends downtown commutes with weekend sports, school events, and shoreline drives, our team at Russ Darrow Automotive Group is ready to help configure the cabin, accessories, and towing setup that fit. Visit us for an easy comparison drive, bring along your family’s car seats and gear to check real-space usability, and lean on our product specialists for side-by-side feature demos. From our showroom to neighborhoods across Green Bay, we look forward to making ownership straightforward and satisfying—supported by the service, parts, and friendly guidance you expect from Russ Darrow Automotive Group—where finding the right three-row SUV is simple, enjoyable, and tailored to you near Milwaukee, WI.
