Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Bigger does not always mean roomier, and this pairing proves it. Mazda's CX-90 plays the upscale flagship and Kia's Sorento the value all-rounder, yet when the tailgate opens, the two finish closer than their size gap suggests. On size alone, the CX-90 towers over the Sorento, and passenger volume reflects that. Cargo, though, is a tighter contest. The Mazda takes a clear win behind the third row and then finishes in a virtual dead heat at maximum, which makes the choice more about priorities than pure volume.2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEVMazdaCargo space at a glanceHere is how the two three-row SUVs compare on the cargo numbers that matter most.Cargo measureMazda CX-90Kia SorentoBehind the third row15.9 cu ft12.6 cu ftBehind the second rowAbout 40 cu ftAbout 38 cu ftMaximum cargoAbout 75.2 cu ftAbout 75.5 cu ftSeating capacityUp to 8Up to 7Behind the third rowWith all three rows up, the CX-90 has the edge. It offers 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, compared with the Sorento's 12.6, a meaningful difference in the space families use most when everyone is aboard. That extra room is enough for a few more grocery bags or a bigger stroller without folding a seat, and it reflects the Mazda's larger footprint.2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEVMazdaThe Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet is still usable for daily errands, but with the third row occupied it fills up faster than the Mazda. For buyers who often ride with all seven seats in play, the CX-90 is the more accommodating of the two.2026 Kia SorentoKiaWith the seats foldedFold everything, and the two essentially even out. The CX-90 tops out around 75.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, while the Sorento is right there at about 75.5, a difference so small it disappears in practice. Behind the second row, the CX-90 holds a modest lead at roughly 40 cubic feet, but at full capacity, these two are as close as it gets.2026 Mazda CX-90MazdaAdvertisementAdvertisementThat is a mild surprise given the Mazda's larger exterior, and it speaks to clever packaging on the Kia's part. Whichever you choose, maximum haul-it-all space is a wash, so the tiebreaker moves to the seats-up measurement and to the rest of the ownership picture.2026 Kia SorentoKiaBeyond the numbersThe two diverge more in character than in raw volume. The CX-90 leans premium, with an upscale cabin, more standard power, higher towing capacity, and that extra passenger room, positioning it against pricier rivals. Its larger body makes it feel more substantial inside.2026 Mazda CX-90MazdaThe Sorento offers a lower price, strong standard features, a long warranty, and efficient powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. It packages a genuinely competitive amount of cargo into a smaller, easier-to-park footprint. For value-focused buyers, space efficiency is a real selling point, even though the Mazda falls short behind the third row.2026 Kia SorentoKiaSo which one has more cargo space?The Mazda CX-90 has slightly more cargo space, but the answer comes with a caveat. It clearly leads behind the third row at 15.9 cubic feet to 12.6, which is the configuration families use most, so it earns the win. Maximum volume, however, is effectively tied to about 75 cubic feet, so the Mazda's advantage lies in everyday usability rather than outright capacity. The Kia Sorento impressively holds its own, matching the larger Mazda at maximum and undercutting it on price, making it the smarter value for many shoppers. But on the specific question of cargo room, the CX-90's edge behind the seats gives it the narrow nod.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.