The Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride title match for the most reliable, affordable, value-driven three-row SUV is a
close one, but one handily conquered by the expressive features in the Mazda option. With an improved model lineup
for 2025, the Mazda CX-90 dominates the battle with an excellent engine, an engaging interior, and an evolutionary
suite of standard and available safety features. See some of the key highlights for this head-to-head comparison in
the list below, then explore the following in-depth guide crafted by the Greenway Mazda team.
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 Kia 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-inch LCD meter display. The Kia Telluride LX takes both hits. It has a standard six-speaker sound system and a 4.2-inch instrument display.
The Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride fight continues, with the Mazda CX-90 offering standard leatherette upholstery and easy-tilt-and-slide second-row seats, making accessing the third row a breeze. The Kia Telluride defends with standard SynTex (leatherette) upholstery but falters with its lack of easily mobile 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 2025 Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride matchup is a precise and devastating blow by 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 Kia 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 3.3-liter turbo powertrain receives higher tuning in the top three models, generating 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, making the matter of who has more power a crushing defeat for the Kia SUV.
The Mazda CX-90 continues to unleash a furious volley with standard rear-biased i-Activ AWD®, standard Off-Road Mode, and up to an EPA-estimated 24/28/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 The Kia Telluride tries to block the punches, but with its standard front-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 18/23/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 when it is equipped with all-wheel drive, it finds itself overwhelmed. Even when comparing its standard FWD ratings, at 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 the Kia Telluride can’t overcome the Mazda CX-90.
The last part of the specs bout is a hotly competitive matchup. The Kia Telluride 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
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|---|---|---|
| 2025 MAZDA CX-90 |
2025 Kia Telluride |
|
| Engine | 3.3L turbo I-6 | 3.8L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 280-340 | 291 |
| Torque | 332-369 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Standard Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) w/ AWD | 24 / 28 / 251 | 18 / 23 / 202 |
| Length | 201.6 in | 196.9 in |
| Body Width | 77.6 in | 78.3 in |
| Height | 68.2-68.7 in | 68.9-70.5 in |
| Max. Seating Capacity | 8 | 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 Kia 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 bulkier, 78.3-inch wide Kia Telluride. The Kia Telluride gets in one blow. It’s 69.3 inches tall in most trims, while the Mazda CX-90 is 68.7 inches tall in a majority of its configurations. But for adventure, these SUVs trade blow for blow with 8.0 inches of standard ride height.
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 sibling vehicle, then visit our Mazda showroom if you happen to be in the Houston, TX, area to discover all the other powerful benefits of a Mazda CX-90.
Yes, the 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 18/23 MPG (City/Highway)2 in its available AWD configuration.
The 2025 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, this year’s 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.
2Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
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 may have an effect on 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.
