Comparison · family SUVs

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5: which is more reliable?

The Mazda CX-5 does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 98 for the Kia Sportage, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 337,482 real MOT tests in 2024.

Kia Sportage

98About average
MOT tests272,202

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testKia SportageMazda CX-5
3–5 years
97Below average
102About average
6–9 years
100About average
104Above average
10–14 years
97Below average
102Above average
15+ years
89Well below average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearKia SportageMazda CX-5
202184.5%89.2%
202084.6%88.2%
201983.4%86.7%
201882.8%85.9%
201780.2%84.5%
201677.2%79.3%
201572.5%76.4%
201470.9%72.8%
201362.1%66.3%
201261.1%67.2%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaKia SportageMazda CX-5
Brakes12.75.2
Suspension5.96.0
Tyres6.94.4
Lights & electrics6.43.6
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.93.3
Steering2.22.6
Emissions & leaks2.01.9
Body & chassis0.90.2

Kia Sportage: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.5%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.2%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Kia Sportage or the Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 98 for the Kia Sportage, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 can be compared?

Both were tested for 10 registration years (2012–2021). The Kia Sportage had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the Mazda CX-5 in 10.

What fails most on each?

Kia Sportage: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.