For the Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride showdown, standard base-trim interior features begin the fight. Which SUV offers more without requiring you to spend more?
The bell rings. The Mazda CX-90 Turbo Select jabs first: an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support. Can the base-trim Kia Telluride LX defend? No. You’ll need to upgrade to higher Telluride trims to get the same adjustability; the entry-level model has a six-way, manually adjustable front seat.
Two swings from the Mazda CX-90 Turbo Select come next: a standard eight-speaker sound system and a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster display. The Telluride LX takes both hits. It has a standard six-speaker sound system and a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster display.
The Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride fight continues, with the Mazda CX-90 offering standard leatherette upholstery and reclining second-row seats. The Kia Telluride defends with standard SynTex (leatherette) upholstery but falters with its lack of standard reclining second-row seats.
The Kia Telluride regains its footing with standard Smart Cruise Control, Auto Up/Down power windows, and dual-zone auto climate control; the Mazda CX-90 equals it with Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Auto Up/Down power windows but gets in a solid hit with standard three-zone auto climate control with a pollen filter.
Round one of the Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride matchup goes handily to the Mazda CX-90, which you can find at Greenway Mazda.
Up next, we’re seeing how these SUVs perform on the road.
The new Mazda CX-90 for sale strikes with up to 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque from its standard 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. The Telluride hits back with the 291-horsepower output of its 3.8-liter V-6 engine but immediately takes a bigger blow. It only has 262 pound-feet of torque.
However, the Mazda model brings even more energy to this fight. Its three upper-level trims have powertrains tuned to 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, making the matter of who has more power a knockout.
The Mazda CX-90 continues to unleash a furious volley with standard rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD®, standard Off-Road Mode, and an EPA-estimated 24/28 MPG (City/Highway).1 The Telluride tries to block the punches, but with its standard front-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 18/24 MPG (City/Highway)2 when it is equipped with all-wheel drive, it finds itself overwhelmed.
The last part of this bout tips slightly in the Kia model’s direction. It can tow up to 5,500 pounds compared to the 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity of the Mazda model.3, 4 However, comparing the Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride towing capacity of their individual trim levels shows a tie in several cases, as only two Kia trims out of nine have this extra 500-pound capacity.
The judges make a unanimous decision: The Mazda CX-90 pulls ahead with much more torque, more competitive gas mileage ratings, standard all-wheel drive, and adventure-ready Off-Road Mode.
Compare the Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride
|
||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 MAZDA CX-90 | 2024 Kia Telluride | |
| Engine | 3.3L Turbo Inline-C-Cyl | 3.8L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 280-340 | 291 |
| Torque | 332-369 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty/Hwy) w/AWD | 24/281 | 18/242 |
| Length | 201.6 in | 196.6 in |
| Width (w/out mirrors or wheel arch mountings) | 77.6 in | 78.3 in |
| Height | 68.2 in | 69.3-70.5 in |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
Three-row crossover SUVs are middleweight fighters. They have to be big, strong, and agile at the same time. The third and final round begins by comparing the Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride exterior dimensions.
The Mazda CX-90 sends out the first jab by being longer: 201.6 inches long vs. the Telluride’s 196.9-inch length. However, width matters a lot for comfort and city agility; the Mazda CX-90 is a balanced 77.6 inches wide without wheel arch moldings, sending an uppercut to the 78.3-inch wide Telluride. The Telluride gets in one blow. It’s 69.3 inches tall in most trims, while the Mazda CX-90 is 68.2 inches tall. But for adventure, these SUVs trade blow-for-blow with 8.0 inches of standard ground clearance.
The Mazda CX-90 arrived in our new Mazda inventory with an awesomely spacious, superbly configurable cabin. The Mazda CX-90 attacks with the option of having six, seven, or eight seats and measurements like 41.7 inches of front legroom; the Kia Telluride has seven or eight seats and 41.4 inches of front legroom.
With advantages when it comes to standard features, gas mileage, interior configurations, and more, the Mazda CX-90 stands proud as the winner of the Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride showdown. However, its legacy has only just begun. Compare the Mazda CX-90 vs. Mazda CX-9 to see how the new model performs against its discontinued brother vehicle, then visit our Mazda showroom in Houston, TX, to discover all the other powerful benefits of a Mazda CX-90.
Yes, the all-new Mazda CX-90 gets significantly better gas mileage than the Kia Telluride when comparing apples to apples. Specifically, Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride MPG ratings reveal that the Mazda CX-90 delivers an EPA-estimated 24/28 MPG (City/Highway)1 with its standard AWD system, while the Kia Telluride delivers an EPA-estimated 18/24 MPG (City/Highway)2 in its available AWD configuration.
The all-new Mazda CX-90 is a three-row SUV with seating for up to eight. However, it can be configured in a variety of ways, offering six-, seven-, and eight-seat configurations to fit your family’s needs. With spacious dimensions like 30.4 inches of third-row legroom and up to 75.2 cubic feet of cargo room, the first-ever Mazda CX-90 is here to please.
When comparing Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride power, you’ll find that the Mazda CX-90 is the winner. In addition to its standard 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, its 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six engine can be tuned to deliver 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride has 291 horsepower and only 262 pound-feet of torque.
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition. Learn more about Kia fuel economy at kiampginfo.com.
3Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity and additional information and warnings. For information on proper towing procedures, please speak to a Kia representative. The Owner’s Manual also features detailed towing instructions and is available for download at https://www.kiatechinfo.com; subscription required for site access.
4Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer will have an effect on the vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
