Mazda CX-50 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered a range of models, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid, each with multiple trim levels. The top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured new white leather seats and a retractable cargo cover, bringing its price to $44,920. The CX-50's design was wide and low-slung, resembling a lifted wagon more than an SUV, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Its sporty styling, flared fenders, and appealing paint colors, including the new Cypress green, added to its visual appeal. The interior boasted a white leather option that contrasted sharply with the black dashboard, creating an upscale look. However, the gloss-black plastic on the center console was prone to dust and scratches, and the center air vent was poorly integrated.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality changed with color and trim, with body-colored vertical strakes that blended better in darker shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models featured distinctive grille blocks and amber accent lights. The side profile showcased angular fender sculpting and black plastic tabs, while the rear view resembled a Range Rover with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the silver buttons and cream-colored infotainment shortcuts were difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, provided comfort, though the cushions were somewhat firm for long drives.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 came equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid forms. The base 2.5 S produced 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined and could tow up to 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged version offered 227 hp on regular gas and 256 hp on premium, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 22.1 mpg in mixed driving. The CX-50 Hybrid, with a total output of 219 hp, provided better fuel efficiency at 38 mpg combined, though its mid-range passing power was limited. The CX-50's steering was crisp, and the suspension offered excellent body control, though the ride was firm.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid version added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed transmission. The Telluride Hybrid excelled in power delivery and quiet operation, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. The ride was luxuriously smooth, even in the off-road-capable X-Pro Prestige trim, which handled bumps and ruts with ease. The Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels, but the suspension effectively absorbed potholes. The Telluride's handling was composed and controllable, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment, but panic stops were immediate and controlled.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offered easier entry and exit compared to sedans, though it sat lower than many crossovers. Visibility was adequate, aided by large side mirrors, but not ideal for those seeking unobstructed views. The front seats were firm, with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, though the air conditioning struggled in hot weather. Rear-seat legroom was acceptable, with generous foot room and comfortable backrest angles. Storage space was decent but could have been improved with additional trays and shelves. The cargo area provided 31.4 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 89.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride also offered numerous storage options for smaller items, including a large center bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 featured clear gauge displays with a 7-inch screen for data panels. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen offered sophisticated graphics and logical menus, though touchscreen functionality was limited to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda Connect system required acclimation, operated via a control knob and buttons. Alexa built-in and a Mazda Connect voice assistant were available, though the latter struggled with basic commands. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the charger was partially hidden. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and a head-up display with blind-spot warnings. A surround-view camera system and front camera view were also available.

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 infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required hard taps and had some delays. Physical temperature control buttons were available, and the system required minimal adjustments. The Telluride offered customizable themes for the infotainment screen, including NBA teams and Disney characters. A 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system provided powerful sound, while supporting trims had an eight-speaker system.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with the i-Activesense suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like traffic-sign recognition and adaptive front lighting. The CX-50 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though it earned a Poor rating in a new whiplash prevention test.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some operational issues, and the blind-spot cameras were more distracting than helpful. The highway driving assist was effective on longer trips.