2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Riding on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel from the buttons to the doors. It boasted one of the best interior designs among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen rose organically from the smooth dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside. The trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury elements.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping, making the CX-30 lively and more active in downshifting when braking.

The CX-30 had a sporty, refined ride with well-weighted steering and quick, precise turn-in. It exhibited little-to-no body roll in cornering but had a rough ride over potholes and bumpy roads. The suspension performed decently on dirt and gravel roads but struggled on craggy paved roads.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 easily motivated the Telluride, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro, which included off-roading.

Kia raised the suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and improved approach and departure angles for better off-road performance. The Telluride X-Pro, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, was ideal for off-roading, offering a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. The Telluride performed well on highways, providing a soft, smooth ride with minimal wind noise, though the all-terrain tires made it feel squishier in turns.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use, which was average for the subcompact SUV segment. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the rear-seat headroom of the larger CX-5.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles had premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were comfortable, with a new power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers fresh on long trips. The second row was also comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was more comfortable than in some midsize SUVs, though it couldn't match the Volkswagen Atlas for leg support.

Cargo space in the Telluride was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 46 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The SUV featured a “smart” power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems like BMW’s iDrive, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating between presets and getting out of CarPlay was a hassle, even after spending time learning the system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn't adjust the climate control system. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions, and OTA updates kept the system up to date. The Telluride also featured six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, digital-key technology, a Full Display Mirror, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5. The SX trim added Highway Drive Assist 2.0, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, Blind-Spot View Monitor, automatic high-beam headlights, driver attention warning, and Rear Occupant Alert. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.