2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The rugged X-Line treatment was available for all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. The X-Line package added standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package further enhanced the vehicle with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, featuring Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, had an MSRP of $54,270, including the destination charge.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions, despite mixed reactions to recent styling updates. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other color options like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black, dark blue, and Sage Green were available, each complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim. The SX Prestige nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel, metallic accents, and thoughtful details, though the shiny plastic in the lower interior was a drawback.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was considered one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with graceful curves that set it apart without being flashy. Its design, unchanged since 2017, demonstrated timeless appeal, often mistaken for an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior featured nicer-than-average materials and a layout that balanced traditional analog controls with modern digital trends. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen and customizable instrument panel, the physical buttons, knobs, and gauges were appreciated for their usability.

The CX-5's interior was covered in soft-touch materials, with high-quality plastic elements strategically placed. It was comparable to last-generation interiors from Acura or Lexus, offering a more special feel than similarly priced crossovers from Honda or Toyota. The design and refinement were commendable, though it fell short in practicality and space compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage. The CX-5 offered 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded flat. A power liftgate was standard on all but the bottom two trims, and the interior featured moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, increased to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package. The AWD version included a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode, alongside Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. Ground clearance was 8.0 inches, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages, and the SUV featured a self-leveling rear suspension. The Telluride accelerated easily to freeway speeds and provided good passing power, though it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving and 17.5 mpg in city conditions.

The Telluride's driving experience was quick and refined, with standard brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and responsive steering. The ride was firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. Off-road, the Telluride was more capable than expected, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a Turbo model with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard. The base engine accelerated to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the Turbo model was quicker by two seconds. The Turbo engine provided more confident and effortless acceleration.

The CX-5 excelled in sporty driving dynamics, with AWD and a suspension that minimized body roll. It was considered sporty for the class, offering confidence in evasive maneuvers. The ride was slightly firmer, noticeable on rough surfaces but acceptable for most passengers. The cabin was quiet, effectively filtering out wind and road noise.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat suitable for adults. A dual sunroof panel added light to the interior. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. However, metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight.

The Telluride included thoughtful details, such as a digital instrumentation panel with scenic landscape views, generous storage space, and a hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space was 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with all seats down. The X-Line and X-Pro offered useful roof rails for additional storage.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was praised for design and refinement but lacked practicality and space compared to rivals. It provided adequate headroom and rear legroom, though competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage offered more space. The CX-5 had 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded. A power liftgate was standard on most trims, and the interior featured moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An active Kia Connect subscription was needed for voice recognition. The test vehicle's Kia Connect subscription was inactive, but Bluetooth pairing was easy. Kia Connect offered various plans, with features like remote engine starting, climate pre-conditioning, and over-the-air updates. The Telluride also had satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional features included a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, digital key functionality, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a dial on the center console. The dial allowed easy operation while driving, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial. Wireless phone integration was available in midrange trims, along with a wireless charging pad. The CX-5 had analog gauges, but a head-up display was standard in higher trims. The base trim had a four-speaker audio system, while the Signature model featured a 10-speaker Bose system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, with upgrades available depending on the trim. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The 2024 model received a "Good" rating from the IIHS and a Top Safety Pick rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and a driver attention monitor.