Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 was offered in eight trim levels, all featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The trims ranged from the base S to the Turbo Premium Plus, with prices spanning from $27,870 to $39,395, including destination charges. The S Aire Edition, priced at $33,130, stood out with its Aero Gray paint, illuminated door sill plates, navigation system, and cargo cover. This edition boasted a premium aesthetic with blacked-out exterior trim, white artificial leather upholstery, and suede-like dashboard trim, giving it an upscale feel that belied its price. The control layout was intuitive, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its wide, flat grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with color and trim, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinctive grille designs and amber accent lights. The side profile featured angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs, while the rear resembled a Range Rover with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a simple, modern dashboard with a two-tone palette, though the silver button labeling was hard to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were firm, but the surrounding materials were of high quality, with various trim options available.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in its standard form. Turbocharged versions offered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. The standard engine achieved 27 mpg combined, while the turbo version managed 25 mpg. In testing, the naturally aspirated engine averaged 28.5 mpg on a mixed driving loop. The CX-30 was praised for its engaging driving dynamics, aided by G-Vectoring Control Plus and a brake-based limited-slip differential, making it enjoyable to drive in various conditions.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, delivering 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It used a six-speed transmission and was available in the X-Line trim. The Hybrid was quiet, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Telluride offered a smooth ride, with the X-Pro Prestige trim providing comfort despite its off-road suspension. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed, though not sporty, with a soft brake pedal feel. The Hybrid's power and quietness were highlights, making it suitable for various driving scenarios.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 had some practicality issues, with small door openings and a tight back seat. The cargo area was limited, offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were comfortable but snug, with only the driver's seat offering height adjustment. The air conditioning struggled in hot weather, and rear passengers lacked USB charging ports. Storage was decent, with a roomy center bin and practical door pockets, though small-item storage could be improved.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation in the Hybrid SX Prestige trim. The Telluride offered 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid models lost about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid. Storage options included a large center bin, deployable cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with two screen sizes. The base S trim had an 8.8-inch display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch screen with touchscreen functionality for these features. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was available in the top trims. The system's native interface was only accessible via a console knob, which took time to get used to. Voice recognition was subpar, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better alternatives.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. The infotainment was user-friendly, though it required firm taps and had some delays. The climate control screen was hard to see while driving, but physical temperature buttons were available. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system in higher trims.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 boasted impressive safety features and favorable crash-test ratings. Standard systems included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and Mazda’s Cruising and Traffic Support technology. The CX-30 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera, blind-spot camera, and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some issues, but the highway driving assist was effective on long trips.