2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured several updates that aimed to keep it fresh and appealing. The exterior received new LED headlights and taillights, which provided more distinctive illumination. This was part of Mazda's ongoing effort to improve visibility, though whether it solved the issue of owners neglecting to turn on their regular lights remained uncertain. The CX-5 also sported redesigned bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheels, albeit these were regarded as relatively uninspired. The top-of-the-line Signature trim took a step further in emphasizing a premium feel with body-color lower exterior trims.

Inside the cabin, Mazda maintained the premium look with no significant changes compared to previous models. The Signature trim exuded luxury with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, which increased comfort levels significantly. However, Mazda introduced a somewhat confusing trim level lineup, dividing the CX-5 into 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo categories. The 2.5 S came in six trims (Base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus), with prices ranging from $25,900 to $33,950, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The 2.5 Turbo, offering a turbocharged engine, came in Base ($36,400) and Signature ($38,650) trims.

Our test vehicle was a 2.5 Turbo with optional Soul Red paint, navigation system, rear bumper guard, and a package including roof rails and crossbars, totalling $39,445.

The 2023 Kia Telluride also underwent a stylistic facelift, featuring fresh front and rear updates, revised headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New color options like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to its appeal. The X-Line, replacing the Nightfall Edition, received a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and 20-inch black wheels. The X-Pro took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, complementing the bumper design changes for a mildly aggressive off-road look.

Interior updates in the Telluride were less obvious but included new colors, minor trim changes, a fresh steering-wheel design, and a more functional center console. The X-Line and X-Pro also had their trim names embossed on the front seatbacks. Kia offered the Telluride in five trims (LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige) with X-Line available in EX, SX, and SX Prestige and X-Pro in SX or SX Prestige trims. Prices started at $35,690 for the LX with front-wheel drive (FWD), rising to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with all-wheel drive (AWD), excluding a $1,335 destination charge.

Our test vehicles included an SX Prestige X-Line model in Wolf Gray priced at $54,120 and another with X-Pro trim in Midnight Lake Blue at $55,120.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It had a six-speed automatic transmission revised for more responsive performance, and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Its fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined by the EPA.

For those desiring more power, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo was the go-to choice. Running on premium gas, it boasted 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque; with regular gas, it produced 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5 Turbo also had AWD and the revised six-speed automatic. EPA ratings were 24 mpg combined, though we observed 21.1 mpg during testing in Southern California.

Mazda also integrated its new Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings in the Turbo trims. Enhanced structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning made the CX-5 quieter and smoother compared to earlier versions, with significantly improved driving dynamics. These updates made the CX-5 feel solid and luxurious, aligning with Mazda's efforts to position itself as a premium brand.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with AWD featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution.

The V6 ensured the Telluride was well-motivated, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line during testing, which included both traffic and twisty roads. The X-Pro managed 20.4 mpg, including off-roading. EPA fuel economy ratings indicated 21 mpg combined with AWD.

Kia raised the suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and upgraded traction control for better off-road performance on both X-Line and X-Pro models. The X-Pro included additional off-road enhancements like improved cooling and a higher towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds standard. Kia showcased these capabilities with off-roading tests, demonstrating the Telluride's adeptness in challenging conditions.

On highways, the Telluride delivered a smooth ride, minimal noise, and good road connectivity. Slightly squishy handling due to the all-terrain tires and overly firm steering in Sport mode were minor downsides. Overall, the Telluride maintained a pleasant driving experience.

Earlier criticisms of the CX-5's ride quality and seating comfort were addressed in the 2022 model through new seat designs. The revised seats offered better support while enhancing the driving position for a sportier feel. The 2.5 Turbo came with height-adjustable front passenger seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Although the rear seat was still snug, features like heated cushions and air vents improved passenger comfort.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system's lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition required adaptation to center console controls, which might frustrate some users. Storage space included wireless smartphone charging and door armrest trays but remained modest.

Cargo space in the CX-5 was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with seats folded. This was adequate compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but fell short against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2023 Telluride, available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, featured premium materials, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs, plus a heated steering wheel in SX Prestige trim. A new power lumbar system enhanced comfort on long trips.

The second row offered comfort with manual sunshades, USB ports, adjustable armrests, and climate controls. Easy access to the third row allowed larger adults to enter and sit comfortably, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas.

Ample storage space and a smart power tailgate with automatic closing function added convenience. Cargo capacity stood at 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down, making it generous compared to the CX-5.

Mazda retained its 10.25-inch display infotainment system in the CX-5, which wasn't touch-sensitive and lacked natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on controls on the center console and steering wheel. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 emergency notification, and a complimentary three-year trial of connected services were included, except WiFi, which was free for three months. A 10-speaker Bose sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard from the 2.5 S Premium trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Telluride's standard 12.3-inch touchscreen included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a navigation system, and Kia Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system worked well, though climate functions required manual adjustments. Kia Access app functionality offered remote control features, OTA updates, and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Six USB charging ports and features like Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and a digital key system were included.

Upgrades comprised a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Full Display Mirror for unobstructed rear views. The Telluride’s head-up display (HUD) provided comprehensive driving information.

Mazda's 2022 CX-5 offered extensive standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and driver monitoring. The HUD also showed blind-spot warnings. The CX-5 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.

The 2023 Telluride came packed with safety systems, including forward-collision warning, junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Advanced features like Smart Cruise Control utilizing navigation data, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with Lane Change Assist were available on higher trims. Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and ultrasonic sensors added to its comprehensive safety suite. Highway Drive Assist 2.0 was particularly effective, offering semi-autonomous driving on highways. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.