Mazda CX-90 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 presented a sophisticated exterior with its short front overhang, long hood, and a cabin set back on the platform, giving it a classic rear-wheel-drive vehicle's sporting proportions. The concave door skins added surface interest, though they couldn't completely avoid a slab-sided appearance. Inside, the quality of materials was impressive, except for the olive-colored wood trim, which detracted from the otherwise luxurious feel. The digital instrumentation was designed to resemble classic analog gauges, providing perfect clarity, while the 12.3-inch infotainment display was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. However, the wide center console was cluttered, with limited storage space and a confusing electronic shifter that required a second step to shift into Park. The climate control system's heat adjusters were counterintuitive, adding to the frustration.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid's design was bold and potentially polarizing, especially with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality changed significantly with different colors and trims, with darker shades blending more harmoniously. The side profile featured unique faceted fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view, with rounded corners and vertical taillights, resembled a Range Rover, adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, with its optional Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone palette reminiscent of Volvo. However, the silver buttons and cream-colored infotainment shortcut buttons were difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding materials were of excellent quality, with various trim surfaces available.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrains, each with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The 3.3 Turbo produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft on regular gas, increasing to 340 hp on premium fuel. The CX-90 PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft on premium fuel, with an electric-only range of 26 miles. Despite the power, the powertrains lacked smoothness, and the i-Stop feature could be unpredictable, causing delays when accelerating from a stop. The CX-90's handling was a highlight, with quick steering and a firm suspension, though it communicated every road nuance to the occupants. The brakes, however, faded significantly during spirited driving.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet 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 was quiet, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. Both Tellurides prioritized comfort, with a smooth ride and minimal wind noise. The X-Pro Prestige trim, with its off-road suspension, was surprisingly comfortable, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment, but brake response was immediate during panic stops.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90's seats were firm yet supportive, with heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs. However, storage space was limited, with only a shallow bin beneath the center armrest. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a larger center console, but rear legroom was less generous than some rivals. The third row was cramped, with limited foot space due to the second-row center console. Cargo space was 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet behind the first row.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low-mounted seat cushions. The Hybrid SX Prestige's second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, though they were slow to slide and tilt forward. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. Cargo capacity was 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the second-row seatbacks flat. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base trim. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch screen, wireless smartphone integration, and charging. The system was sometimes intuitive but often confusing, with a basic voice recognition system that lacked natural-language capability. Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, but the native system was less user-friendly.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual wireless phone chargers, were standard. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it required a firm tap and had occasional delays. The climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system on higher trims.

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 featured standard driver-assist technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added active blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, and post-collision braking. The CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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