2020 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2020 Kia Telluride marked a significant departure from Kia's previous reputation for producing merely adequate vehicles. It exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that belied its price tag, although the prominent Kia badge on its grille seemed to detract from its upscale appearance. The Telluride's design was a harmonious blend of boxy and fluid elements, reminiscent of high-end SUVs like the Chevy and Volvo. Its clean, minimalistic design, with special details like amber LED running lights and hockey stick-shaped taillights, ensured it would age gracefully. Inside, the Telluride's interior was surprisingly luxurious, with features like Nappa leather seats and a soft headliner in the SX-trim test vehicle. The fit and finish were impressive, and the cabin felt solid and inviting, making it easy to mistake the Telluride for a much more expensive vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo embraced a bold, black-themed exterior with shiny black wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, giving it a distinctive and agile appearance. The CX-30's design set it apart from its Mazda3 hatchback sibling, with a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance. Inside, the CX-30 Turbo offered a driver-focused interior with quality materials and a sense of spaciousness, despite its compact size. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, though the rear seats were a bit cramped for adults. The cabin's minimalistic design and high-quality materials contributed to an upscale vibe, making the CX-30 Turbo feel like a larger SUV from the driver's seat.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter being a $2,000 upgrade. While the Telluride's power was sufficient to move its substantial weight, the transmission's response was sometimes delayed and inconsistent. The steering was slow, and there was noticeable body lean, but the ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to double-paned glass and acoustic insulation. The Telluride's towing capacity matched the Honda Pilot's at 5,000 pounds, and its fuel economy was EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. It boasted impressive torque figures of 310 to 320 pound-feet, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with a driving range of just over 305 miles. Mazda's focus on driving satisfaction was evident, with the CX-30 Turbo offering a refined and sophisticated driving experience. The i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its dynamic performance, though the added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its ground clearance and Off-Road mode, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2020 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim level. The second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with heating and cooling options in the SX trim. The third row was surprisingly accommodating for adults, and the Telluride's cargo capacity was impressive, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior featured analog controls and a user-friendly infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. While the front seats were heated, ventilated seats were not available. The cabin's design emphasized spaciousness and quality materials, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. The CX-30 Turbo offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback. The optional wireless smartphone charger was located in the center console, limiting storage options.

The 2020 Kia Telluride came equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia's UVO link, allowing remote access to the vehicle. Upper trims featured a navigation system with voice inputs and live traffic updates. The SX trim offered a live blind-spot feed, Highway Driving Assist, and an intercom system for communicating with rear passengers. The Harman Kardon surround stereo provided excellent sound quality, while the standard 6-speaker system was less impressive.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Premium trims included SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality. The Active Driving Display projected useful information onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Kia Telluride was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active driver assists, including forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Safe Exit Assist prevented passengers from opening doors into oncoming traffic. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, top scores were anticipated.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It featured a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 system provided automatic emergency notification in the event of a collision.