Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was a striking crossover that managed to blend sporty aesthetics with a touch of ruggedness, although some critics felt the charcoal-colored plastic cladding was excessive. Its design featured short overhangs, a long hood, and a sleek roofline, giving it a dynamic appearance. Inside, the CX-30 impressed with a luxurious feel, offering a refined interior that rivaled entry-level luxury SUVs. The dashboard was well-organized, with clear gauges and an infotainment screen that integrated seamlessly into the design. The dual-zone climate controls were particularly noteworthy for their artistic design.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold and somewhat polarizing exterior design, especially with its wide, flat grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with different color and trim options, with darker shades offering a more cohesive look. The interior was less controversial, featuring a simple, modern dashboard layout. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim added a touch of luxury with a lighter two-tone palette, although some found the button labeling challenging to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were comfortable but could become firm on longer drives. The Telluride's interior materials were of high quality, with various trim options available.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, creating a deceptive sense of sluggishness. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensured power was distributed effectively. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was a downside, with an observed 21.3 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30 excelled in driving dynamics, offering a nimble and connected ride, although it felt slightly soft on winding roads.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system provided a seamless transition between electric and gas power, with the engine remaining quiet even under stress. The Telluride Hybrid offered a comfortable ride, with the X-Pro Prestige trim handling off-road conditions with ease. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels, but overall, the Telluride delivered a smooth and quiet driving experience. The vehicle's braking system required some adjustment, but it performed well in emergency situations.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a well-designed interior with quality materials and logical controls. The cabin was stylish, with gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching. However, the interior space was limited, particularly in the back seat. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-30's high seating position made entry and exit easy, and the power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort for long drives.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, although the rear seats were better suited for smaller passengers. The second-row seats, especially with the Executive package, provided comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The Telluride's cargo capacity was impressive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The vehicle also featured convenient storage solutions for smaller items, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged models came with a new 10.25-inch infotainment display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda's infotainment system relied on a combination of controls, but the lack of natural voice recognition was a limitation. The CX-30 included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and offered features like USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, along with a 5-inch climate control screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone chargers, and a native navigation system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it occasionally required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customizable themes for the infotainment screen and featured a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in higher trims, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid came with standard advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The Telluride's highway driving assist was particularly effective, although the driver attention monitor had some operational issues. At the time of writing, crash test scores from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available.