2024 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 redefined elegance, shattering the customary boundaries of luxury in its segment. Mazda sought to elevate its game, going toe-to-toe with luxury brands like Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. By modeling the sophistication of its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, and expanding it to an impressive 200 inches, Mazda created an SUV that commanded attention. Its prominent grille, imposing front end, and sizeable wheels (ranging from 19 to 21 inches) combined with tasteful chrome trim, granted it a majestic presence.

Stepping inside the CX-90, the interior echoed the opulence seen only in high-end luxury vehicles. Top-tier models featured brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents, creating a sophisticated ambiance. Even though the 11 different trim levels offered disparities in material quality, the delicate and stylish design language remained a common thread across all models.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered a different take on luxury, through five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The distinctive X-Line and X-Pro packages added rugged appeal and functional enhancements, like increased ground clearance and specially designed wheels. Our test version, an SX Prestige with the X-Line package, paired the rugged Wolf Gray paint with blacked-out trim, making an aesthetic statement.

The interior of the Telluride SX Prestige was swathed in black, featuring premium Nappa leather seats. Although the black interior wasn't its most enticing option, Kia did provide alternative colors like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black or dark blue, and an unusual Sage Green, all matched with simulated open-pore wood trim to jazz up the ensemble. Despite the presence of some shiny plastic, the Telluride managed to brush close to luxury standards with its meticulous details like a 24-inch dual-screen digital display and a classically styled metallic accent-driven dashboard.

Under the hood, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced exciting new powertrains that set it apart from its predecessor, the CX-9. The first of these was a plug-in hybrid option aimed at elevating both performance and fuel efficiency. Mazda also offered an innovative turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine in two versions. The base iteration delivered a robust 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, but it was the upgraded version in the Turbo S trims that stole the show. This variant harnessed an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when running on premium fuel, producing a unique and thrilling exhaust note.

All CX-90 models came equipped with AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Three driving modes–Normal, Sport, and Off-Road–catered to different driving needs, with Sport mode particularly engaging the driver in spirited driving with its dynamic and sometimes unpredictable gear shifts. The CX-90's handling, bolstered by a double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout, made it feel surprisingly agile for a three-row SUV, especially on Northern California’s winding roads.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This power was relayed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or an AWD system, which included a locking center differential for enhanced traction in challenging driving conditions. The Telluride boasted a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds in configurations equipped with the X-Pro package.

While the Telluride was quick on acceleration and refined in its power delivery, it fell short in fuel efficiency, achieving only 20 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA. Our own tests yielded 19 mpg in mountainous terrain and a mere 17.5 mpg in city driving. Despite its thirst for fuel, the Telluride’s ride quality and handling were commendable, offering athleticism around curves and a balanced ride on undulating surfaces, thanks to its thoughtful engineering, including brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control and self-leveling rear suspension.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 delivered versatility in seating configurations across its various trims. Lower-level trims accommodated up to eight passengers, with three seats in both the second and third rows. Mid-level trims replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs, commonly seating seven passengers. The Turbo S variant offered a six-seat setup in higher trims, featuring a 2-2-2 layout.

When it came to cargo space, the CX-90 didn’t lead its segment but provided reasonable capacity. Models with a two-seat third row offered 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.1 cubic feet behind the second, and 75.2 cubic feet in total, with all seats down. The common three-seat third-row models offered 14.9, 40.0, and 74.2 cubic feet, respectively.

Conversely, the 2024 Kia Telluride was exemplary in its interior comfort and storage. Our SX Prestige X-Line test model featured premium Nappa leather, multi-function heated and ventilated seats for both front and second rows, and a dual sunroof for an airy feel. The horizontal orientation of the controls and a blend of digital and physical interfaces made it user-friendly, though metallic buttons could be challenging to read under direct sunlight.

The Telluride also excelled in cargo space, offering 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded down, and up to 87 cubic feet of total cargo capacity. Additionally, the hands-free power liftgate, roof rails, and a wealth of thoughtful storage solutions inside enhanced its practicality.

In terms of technology, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on minimizing driving distractions. Its Mazda Connect system eschewed touchscreens in favor of a rotary control knob and hard buttons, designed to keep drivers' eyes on the road. However, the interface could be confusing and necessitated multiple clicks for simple tasks, making it somewhat counterintuitive.

Facial recognition for seating and setting adjustments, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims, and a HUD were significant tech highlights. While the intentions behind Mazda's technology were admirable, it sometimes resulted in more distraction rather than less during normal use.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a wired connection. The Kia Connect system offered various subscription levels that provided enhanced functionalities like voice recognition, remote start, and climate pre-conditioning.

Additional tech features included satellite radio, a wireless charging pad, a superior 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and safety-oriented additions like a centralized digital key function and a clear, camera-based rearview mirror. The Telluride also came with an impressive HUD and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 was equipped with the i-Activsense suite, which came standard on all trims and included features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like cruising and traffic support, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities, were available on higher trims. Although crash test results were pending, expectations were high based on its predecessor's solid safety performance.

The 2024 Kia Telluride also featured an extensive suite of safety features with its Kia Drive Wise system. Standard features included collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims offered advanced technologies like highway driving assist with lane-changing capabilities, evasive steering assist, and a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor.

With a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, the Telluride established itself as a top contender in terms of safety.