2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride's exterior was available in new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered fresh hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the SUV a modern edge.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, presented a striking design with a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, though its excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall appeal. The 2.5 Turbo model's black wheels were nearly invisible against the dark lower body. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents. While the driver's seat was comfortable with an eight-way power adjustment, the front passenger seat was limited to four-way manual adjustment. The interior featured gloss black trim and polished metal accents, contributing to its entry-level luxury feel.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for enhanced traction. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, with official EPA ratings suggesting 21 mpg in combined driving. The X-Pro model excelled off-road with its raised suspension, improved ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, while the Telluride's on-road performance was smooth and quiet, with a soft ride quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower, totaling 191, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2.5 Turbo model offered up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode, and AWD was standard. The CX-30's ground clearance was eight inches, and it featured an Off-Road traction assist function. The 2.5 Turbo provided robust acceleration, though the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in traffic. The CX-30 averaged 23.6 mpg, with a small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limiting its range. The suspension offered compliance, and the G-Vectoring Control Plus system made it enjoyable on twisty roads, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity, including 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats, with Turbos adding a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat was limited in adjustability. Rear passengers had limited legroom, though the seatbacks were padded. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The CX-30's cargo space was 20.2 cubic feet, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though it lacked additional storage features.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with OTA updates and dual Bluetooth device pairing. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, digital-key technology, and a Full Display Mirror. An optional head-up display provided additional driving information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws, including the absence of a touchscreen, requiring reliance on center console controls and voice recognition. The system lacked conversational voice recognition, and the absence of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with Turbos adding SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Wireless charging was an optional accessory.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The SX trim added advanced collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CX-30 also featured a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and an E911 emergency notification system. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, an adaptive front lighting system, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The driving assistance systems worked well, though a forward-collision warning event was overly sensitive.