When I shopped for my '18 Sportage I tested the Mazda CX-5 too. All the paid shills said the Mazda was fun to drive and the Kia was mediocre. I drove the Mazda and thought Dubya Tee Eph? This is supposed to be sporty and fun? The Sportage is way more zippy and engaging, to me. But I guess I'm not one of the special people who like certain cars because the so-called experts tell them to.