2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, a long hood, a rakish windshield, and a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels. This styling lent the vehicle a subtle seductiveness synonymous with Mazda cars and SUVs for the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a newfound ruggedness with blistered and boxed fender swells, pronounced lower body and wheel arch cladding, and the typical fake front and rear skidplates seen on many crossovers pretending to be SUVs. Its oversized air intake and vent designs imbued it with a performance vibe that was visually appealing without being offensive.

When Mazda combined these exterior elements with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and available 20-inch wheels, the CX-50's design was compelling. Later in the model year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition promised even more, with exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform for a rooftop tent.

Two versions of the CX-50 were available: the 2.5 S with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the 2.5 Turbo, which featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, offering up to 256 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane gas. Price ranged from $26,800 to $41,550, excluding the $1,225 destination charge. The top-of-the-line CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus in optional Zircon Sand Metallic paint came in at $43,170, destination included.

The interior of the CX-50 exuded Mazda's traditional driver-focused design, with black leather and caramel-colored accent stitching. The combination of analog and digital gauges, quality materials, and strategic metallic trim enhanced the cabin's appeal. Vertical air vents flanked the dashboard, although the somewhat misplaced middle vent was a minor drawback. Overall, the CX-50 was an aesthetically pleasing compact crossover inside and out.

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, reviewed in Texas, offered fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors were introduced, such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, alongside interior colors like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

Replacing the Nightfall Edition, the X-Line added a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro further enhanced this with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, aligning both models with a mildly aggressive off-roader aesthetic.

Kia's interior updates included a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system placed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, signaling a modernized look. Other changes included new interior colors, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional center console. The X-Line and X-Pro embossed their trim names on the front seatbacks.

Kia's Telluride came in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with the X-Line available on EX, SX, and SX Prestige and the X-Pro on SX or SX Prestige trims. Prices started at $35,690 for the LX FWD and reached $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro AWD, excluding the $1,335 destination charge. Test vehicles included an SX Prestige X-Line at $54,120 and an SX Prestige X-Pro at $55,120.

For performance, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered most buyers the 2.5 S model, boasting a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to all four wheels. Mazda aimed for a combined 27 mpg fuel efficiency. However, for buyers interested in stronger acceleration and increased towing capacity—from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds—the CX-50 2.5 Turbo was the choice, featuring a turbocharged engine producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium gas.

During our tests, the CX-50 2.5 Turbo averaged around 23.4 mpg, slightly below the predicted 25 mpg. The turbocharged engine provided smooth and continuous acceleration, devoid of turbo lag, ensuring a pleasant driving experience. The SUV's G-Vectoring Control (GVC) along with Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes maintained consistent vehicle behavior across varied settings. The ride quality was firm but comfortable, with an occasional and slight torque steer noticed during tight turns.

The CX-50 excelled on pavement and moderately off-road with its 8.6 inches of ground clearance, similar to that of a Subaru Forester or Outback. Though the CX-50 handled most off-road situations well, it lacked a downhill assist control feature. The towing test with a loaded dual-axle trailer showed the CX-50 Turbo managed flat highways and mild grades efficiently, with Mazda's promise of improved powertrain cooling enhancing towing reliability.

Mechanically unchanged, the 2023 Kia Telluride featured a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available drive modes included Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with AWD models featuring a low-speed Lock setting for equal power distribution.

The Telluride's V6 facilitated a seamless drive, averaging 24.1 mpg in the X-Line model and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro, the latter incorporating off-road use. EPA ratings suggested a 21 mpg combined fuel efficiency for AWD models.

Kia's X-Line and X-Pro trims offered a raised suspension, improved ground clearance (now 8.4 inches), and an enhanced traction control system for off-road performance, complemented by a Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro trim further included exclusive 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded cooling system, raising towing capacity to 5,500 pounds.

Off-roading in the Telluride was effective, with features such as AWD Lock mode, Downhill Brake Control, and a forward camera view system proving useful. Though not designed to match the off-road prowess of a Jeep or Land Rover, the Telluride X-Pro exceeded typical expectations for occasional off-road adventures.

On regular roads, the Telluride presented a smooth, soft ride, maintaining a connection with the road. The quiet cabin was disrupted only by slight wind noise at highway speeds and a minor squishiness in turns due to the off-road tires. The vehicle remained a joy to drive, with the steering firming up a bit too much in Sport mode.

Interior-wise, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 aimed to please with comprehensive heating options—power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and more—though these weren't needed on a warm California day. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control were beneficial.

Front seats provided long-term comfort, albeit with room for added side bolstering. The back seat was adult-friendly, featuring rear air vents and charging ports. The nearly 90-degree rear door opening enhanced entry and exit.

Storage in the CX-50 was practical but restricted, with missed opportunities for additional bins. Existing storage solutions, however, were quickly filled by essentials. The available power rear liftgate revealed a cargo space of 31.4 cubic feet, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a versatile interior accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. The SX Prestige models tested featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Both front seats were comfortable for long journeys, with a power lumbar stabilization system enhancing driver comfort. The second row, with manual sunshades and convenient USB ports, was spacious, and the one-touch sliding captain’s chairs eased access to the third row. Larger adults found the third row comfortable, though not as spacious as a Volkswagen Atlas.

The Telluride provided ample storage across all rows and smart power tailgate functionality. Cargo space was generous, measuring 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down, outperforming many midsize SUVs.

Mazda’s 2023 CX-50 came equipped with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. Base models had an 8.8-inch display, with higher trims offering a 10.25-inch display. Historically, Mazda Connect's lack of touchscreen functionality necessitated reliance on center console controls or voice recognition, often leading to user frustration. With the CX-50, however, Mazda allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the display remained distant from the driver.

The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delighted non-audiophiles, while the Active Driving Display, or head-up display (HUD), provided critical information within the driver’s line of sight, enhancing safety with detailed blind-spot warnings.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride upgraded to a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all models, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more through Kia Connect, with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition was responsive, although it didn’t control climate settings.

The Kia Access app allowed remote vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with over-the-air updates ensuring system currency. Simultaneous Bluetooth device pairing and six USB ports ensured connectivity for all passengers.

Unique features included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode for cabin communication and entertainment control. The 10-speaker Harman Kardon system, wireless charging, digital-key technology, and a Full Display Mirror enhanced the tech offering. The HUD provided a 10-inch full-color display, showing critical driving info, and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system ensured attention at stoplights.

Mazda typically scored high in safety, and while official IIHS crash-test ratings for the CX-50 were pending, it was expected to excel. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driving assistance systems, with high-end trims adding Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and more. A minor issue noted was the adaptive cruise control’s occasional failure to detect vehicles cutting in.

Kia extended the 2023 Telluride's impressive safety feature list. Standard safety systems included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and more. An adaptive cruise control system, now standard, automatically adjusted speed based on navigation data, with Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0 offering advanced driving assistance, including lane change assist.

Higher trims received additional collision avoidance features, parking sensors, surround-view cameras, and Blind-Spot View Monitors. Standard features like automatic high-beam headlights, rear occupant alert systems, and driver attention warnings added to the Telluride’s robust safety profile. Real-world tests showed effective operation of these systems, enhancing driver confidence.