How Mazda CX-90 Stack Against Best in-Class Kia Telluride

All-New 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Mazda CX-90 Better than the King of Mid-sized SUV Kia Telluride?

Exterior Design:

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a sleek and muscular three-row crossover with chrome accents and available 21-inch diamond-cut wheels. It has an elegant appearance and doesn’t have plastic panels to look more rugged, as the vehicle is not meant to be taken off-road.

On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Telluride has a bold design with a wide stance and updated styling. The Telluride SX trim has 20-inch alloys and dual sunroofs, while the X-Line version has a more adventure-ready look. In terms of aesthetics, the Mazda CX-90 is the better-looking vehicle, but personal preferences may vary.

Performance:

The Mazda CX-90 is available in two electrified powertrains, a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine delivering 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and a plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor making 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. The inline-six engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a mild-hybrid system known as M-Hybrid Boost. The plug-in hybrid can cruise in silence on electric power alone and has an estimated 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds.

The Kia Telluride has a 3.8-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine making 291 hp and 262 lb-ft and comes with front-wheel drive as standard. The Telluride has an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. The Telluride is slower than the Mazda CX-90 and doesn’t have a hybrid alternative. The Telluride X-Line may have an advantage in off-roading scenarios, but this only matters to those who regularly take their three-row SUV off the beaten path.

Interior Design:

The Mazda CX-90 has a clean and simple interior design inspired by Japanese techniques. The interior materials, including Nappa leather and hanging stitching on the dashboard, look and feel premium. The infotainment system and digital driver’s display are user-friendly, and there are clear buttons and switches for commonly used features.

The Kia Telluride’s interior is also elegant, with all three seating rows offering acceptable comfort. The third row has 31.4 inches of legroom, but the Mazda CX-90’s cargo space may be slightly smaller than the 46 cubic feet in the Telluride.

Features:

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride have advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. The CX-90 has a more comprehensive infotainment system, while the Telluride has a wireless phone charging pad and a larger 8-inch display screen.

In conclusion, both the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride are excellent three-row SUVs with different strengths and weaknesses. The Mazda CX-90 has a more stylish exterior, powerful electrified powertrains, and a simple yet premium interior. The Kia Telluride has a bold exterior, a spacious interior, and more standard features. Ultimately, the better vehicle depends on the buyer’s priorities and needs.

2023 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is considered the best three-row SUV on the market, with a smooth ride quality, luxurious interior, and third row of seats that can accommodate adult-size passengers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride features two new sub trim levels, the X-Line and X-Pro, which are option packages with improved performance and exterior styling.

The X-Line offers a slightly higher ride height and improved traction control system, while the X-Pro has all-terrain tires and a higher tow rating.

The 2023 Telluride also gets updated displays and driver assistance systems, including intelligent speed warning, front collision avoidance, and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2023 Kia Telluride is equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and has the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride are both three-row SUVs, but they have different features that set them apart from each other. In this comparison, we will evaluate both vehicles in terms of exterior design, performance, interior design, and features to determine which one is better.

Feature	Mazda CX-90	Kia Telluride
Exterior Design	Elegant and sophisticated with chrome embellishments and available 21-inch diamond-cut wheels. A more muscular and less rounded appearance compared to the CX-9.	Confident-looking with a wide stance and updated styling. The higher-spec SX trim comes with stylish 20-inch alloys and dual sunroofs. X-Line versions are more adventure-ready.
Performance	Two electrified powertrains available:   A 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor making 323 hp and 369 lb-ft.	A naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter V6 delivering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft. Standard front-wheel drive, optional all-wheel drive. X-Line may have an edge in off-roading.
Interior Design	Inspired by Japanese design techniques with a clean and simplistic layout. Three seating rows with available second-row captain’s chairs offer excellent comfort. Materials like Nappa leather and hanging stitching on the dashboard look special.	A classy affair with 31.4 inches of legroom in the third row. Cargo space may be slightly smaller than Mazda’s.