2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and redesigned wheels. The SUV offered new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior color options 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 glass piece, giving the interior a modern touch. Other interior updates included new colors, minor trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with the X-Line and X-Pro trims embossed on the front seatbacks.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, despite its excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding, presented an appealing design with short overhangs, a long hood, sculpted flanks, and a rakish roofline. The interior exuded a sense of luxury, with style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed. The CX-30 offered eight versions, with the 2.5 S models featuring a 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo models boasting up to 250 hp. Prices ranged from $24,995 to $36,800, with a destination charge of $1,420. The test model, a 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim, featured a unique Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior, with an MSRP of $34,210, including destination.

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 power distribution. 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-Line and X-Pro models had a raised suspension, increased ground clearance, and improved approach and departure angles, enhancing off-road capabilities. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the all-terrain tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth power delivery. The traditional six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system distributed power to all four wheels. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an observed 21.3 mpg compared to the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30's small fuel tank limited its range to about 270 miles. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering a nimble and connected ride. It provided excellent visibility and standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-30 handled highways smoothly and tackled back roads with enthusiasm, though it felt slightly soft on winding roads. With standard AWD and an Off-Road traction assist setting, it could handle more challenging trails than some competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for 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 for long trips. The second-row seats were comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third-row seating area was accessible and more comfortable than some competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo space. It offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a well-designed interior with quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a highlight, and the cabin included gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching. The Terracotta leather seats with simulated Black suede inserts added color. The interior was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the driver and front passenger enjoyed comfort and ease of access. The power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats added to the comfort. Storage space was adequate, with a flexible cargo hold offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. It included Kia Connect services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions, and OTA updates kept the system current. The Telluride offered six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. A Full Display Mirror and a head-up display with a 10-inch viewing area were also available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models received a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. The screen's placement was less convenient, but it marked an improvement over static displays. The system lacked natural voice recognition, relying on on-screen prompts. All CX-30s included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and a trial for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. New USB-C ports and a wireless smartphone charger were available, along with a Bose premium audio system in higher trims.

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 automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist were standard, along with a Safe Exit Assist system. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were included. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride SX trim added collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 emphasized safety with new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat alert system. These joined forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Cruising and Traffic Support system. The CX-30's safety features performed well, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist standing out. The NHTSA awarded the CX-30 five-star ratings in most assessments, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.