2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Kia Telluride was modernized with fresh front and rear styling, new headlights, taillights, and updated wheel designs. New color options like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green were added, enhancing its visual appeal. For the interior, colors like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green were introduced. The Telluride X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model further sophisticated this with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, which emphasized its off-road flair.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 sported a more rugged design compared to its sibling, the CX-5. Being 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer with a wheelbase stretch of 4.6 inches, the CX-50 had emphasized square wheel arches and faux air vents below the lights. For 2024, the CX-50 came in eight trim levels, with 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher grades. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, akin to the Telluride X-Pro, featured all-terrain tires, an earthy color palette, Terracotta leather upholstery, and a black hood graphic.

The CX-50’s interior was plush with quality materials and a surprisingly upscale feel for a non-luxury brand. An infotainment screen perched on the dash, plus limited use of piano black plastic, promised longevity in terms of style. However, the CX-50's half-leatherette seats and manually adjustable front seats on base models hinted at Mazda’s struggle to fully transition into a more premium market segment.

Mechanically unchanged, the 2023 Kia Telluride boasted a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Users could select from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for power distribution. Performance-wise, the V6 engine was commendable, averaging 24.1 mpg in daily drives, although it dropped to 20.4 mpg for the X-Pro due to off-roading. EPA ratings stood at 21 mpg in combined driving for AWD models. Towing capacity on the X-Pro increased to 5,500 pounds, thanks to an advanced cooling system and self-leveling rear air suspension. On-road experiences between San Antonio and Austin showcased the Telluride's comfort and smooth ride quality, despite the slight trade-off in sharp turns due to its off-road tires.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, naturally aspirated for lower trims producing 187 horsepower, and turbocharged for higher trims offering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission came standard along with AWD across all models, offering Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, with an added Towing mode for turbo variants. The turbocharged models could tow up to 3,500 pounds, which was lower than the Telluride’s but notable for a vehicle of its size. Although sharing the same engine with the CX-5, the CX-50 provided a different driving experience, lacking the old "Zoom Zoom" thrill. Its all-terrain tires, while practical for off-road scenarios, resulted in less grip and added noise on highways, making the CX-50 a reasonable daily driver but not one that invites spirited driving.

Inside, the 2023 Kia Telluride provided seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The cabin featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row, equipped with manual sunshades, USB ports, and climate controls, was spacious and comfortable. The third row, although not as spacious as the VW Atlas, was still more accommodating than many competitors. Storage was ample with a smart power tailgate, and cargo space was generous at 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 87 cubic feet with both rear seats down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5 but had slightly less headroom. Rear seat legroom was up by two inches compared to the Toyota RAV4, making it competitive yet not class-leading. Cargo space was 31.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them down, falling short of the Telluride's capacity. Access to the cargo area was facilitated by an optional power liftgate, although the area itself was not particularly suited for dirty or bulky items. Interior storage was adequate but did not stand out, while the layout remained functional even with prominent shifter and infotainment controller occupying console space.

The 2023 Kia Telluride stepped up its game with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was standard across trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition worked effectively, although climate control commands were manual. Kia Access app integration, OTA updates, dual Bluetooth device pairing, and USB charging ports throughout were also included. The Telluride boasted Driver Talk and Quiet Mode for seamless communication and a quieter cabin, respectively. Upgraded tech included a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, a digital key, and a Full Display Mirror displaying a rear-view camera feed. The head-up display (HUD) improved with a larger 10-inch full-color viewing area, showing navigation, driving assistance status, and blind-spot alerts.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen operated via a rotary controller and buttons, rather than a touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims added wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Although the rotary controller provided physical feedback and ease of use without diverting the driver’s gaze, the CX-50's infotainment system felt outdated with basic functions and plain graphics, making it less attractive to tech-savvy consumers. It was appropriate, however, for those who prefer simplicity and minimal distraction in a vehicle.

The 2023 Kia Telluride was packed with comprehensive safety features and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, new junction turning systems, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and various sensors to assist with lane keeping, centering, and safe exits. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard, enhanced by Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Drive Assist with semi-autonomous driving features and lane change assist. Additional SX trim safety features included front parking sensors, surround-view cameras, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Rear Occupant Alert system, crucial for child safety, used ultrasonic sensors to notify of any remaining passengers. Although crash-test ratings were not available at the time, the extensive safety suite was evident during driving tests, handling various situations confidently.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned acclaim as a 2023Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, scoring well in crash tests but receiving mixed ratings for its standard and optional headlights. It offered standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The safety toolkit was on par with other vehicles in the segment, but the CX-50's technology did not surpass that found in the Telluride.