Kia Telluride vs Mazda CX-90

When your SUV is powered by a ravenous beast, you should expect nothing short of an exciting experience.

Under the hood of the CX-90 is a 3.3L turbocharged engine that’s capable of delivering up to 280 horsepower with ease. On the flip side, the Telluride is equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine. When requested, this configuration churns out up to 291 horsepower with ease.

You can choose how your vehicle performs thanks to the standard selectable drive modes of these SUVs. However, those who drive the Telluride will have more ways to customize the driving style of their vehicle since it comes standard with four selectable modes. The CX-90 only comes standard with two modes.

Whether inclement weather blows in or you want to take the roads less traveled, the Kia Telluride and the Mazda CX-90 are up for all types of adventures. All-wheel drive capabilities are found with each model, optionally on the Telluride. This will help provide the necessary extra grip needed on low-friction surfaces.

While there are some similarities in all-terrain features, there are several optional amenities that set the Telluride apart, including:

• Maximum ground clearance of 8.4 inches
• All-terrain tires
• Maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, when properly equipped
• High-utility roof rails

Sadly for CX-90 users, this SUV can only tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a maximum ground clearance of 8.1 inches.

Being larger SUVs, these models offer seating for up to eight passengers. This ensures no one gets left behind when you embark on one of the many memorable trips inside your SUV.

While the seating capacity is the same for these models, CX-90 passengers may find their wiggle room to be more compact due to its smaller interior dimensions:

Especially for second- and third-row passengers, the Kia Telluride offers more spacious dimensions, allowing everyone more room to stretch out—something everyone will love on long road trips!

Some days, doesn’t it feel like you spend more time inside the cabin of your SUV than you do relaxing at home on the couch? Thankfully, with the Telluride and the CX-90 offering a slew of mood-boosting features, you’ll find your trips around town are just as enjoyable as movie nights spent at home.

Multi-zone climate control systems make it easy for you and your passengers to independently set and adjust your temperature as you travel. The addition of optional heated front seats can help you and your copilot stay relaxed since this feature is great for releasing tension in your back.

Other climate-controlled amenities found with each model include optional heated rear seats and ventilated front seats.

During the day, natural light floods the cabin thanks to an optional panoramic sunroof. At night, the fun continues only with the Telluride since it comes optionally with interior mood lighting. Choose one of 64 different color options to match the lighting to your mood!

It’s never been easier to bring your favorite tunes along for the ride. The addition of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ means you can sync your smartphone to your SUV within seconds. Once it’s connected, simply touch, tap, and swipe your way through the display screen to access your favorite podcast or playlist.

While smartphone integration is standard with both models, Telluride drivers may find they have an easier time thanks to its larger 12.3-inch display screen. A screen of this size is offered with the CX-90; however, you’ll only get this if you upgrade to a higher trim level.

Similarly, the Telluride comes with the available Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System with 10 speakers. With two more speakers than offered with the CX-90, you’ll feel more immersed in the audio experience when you drive the Telluride.

Knowing your SUV is equipped with advanced driver-assist technology can make all the difference in the world. Cameras and sensors constantly scan a range around your SUV to check for potential hazards you may have missed. If any are detected, you’ll receive an alert so you can make the necessary adjustments. In certain circumstances, mild autonomous capabilities may step in to provide braking and/or steering support.

Both the Telluride and the CX-90 excel in the area of safety, but you may feel more confident and protected in the Telluride since it comes standard with 17 advanced collision avoidance features, including:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Highway Driving Assist 1.5
• And more

Several of these features are also found with the CX-90; however, the Telluride comes standard with many features that are only offered optionally with the CX-90, such as rear parking sensors and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.