2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

$36,390 · Crossover

$30,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the spacious 2025 Kia Telluride and the efficient 2025 Mazda CX-50 boils down to prioritizing size versus savings. If you need maximum room, the Telluride offers a substantial footprint at 196.9 inches long and boasts a 291 hp V6 engine, though it only returns 22 combined MPG. Conversely, the CX-50 undercuts the Kia by a significant $5,890 starting MSRP ($30,500 vs $36,390) and is significantly thriftier, achieving 28 combined MPG. While the Telluride offers 104 more horsepower, the CX-50 compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive and a more usable 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Kia's 21 cu ft. Your choice hinges on whether that extra space and power are worth the higher initial cost and increased fuel stops.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride wins for families needing more sheer space, evidenced by its greater overall dimensions and larger cabin.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

Enthusiasts will prefer the Kia Telluride's robust 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque over the Mazda's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 provides better overall value by costing $5,890 less and delivering significantly better fuel economy.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You absolutely need the extra muscle provided by the 291 hp engine for towing or highway passing.
Your passengers require the maximum interior volume that a longer 196.9-inch body provides.
You prefer the standard front-wheel drive configuration with the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Saving money upfront is key, as the CX-50 starts at only $30,500, nearly $6,000 less than Car 1.
You value fuel efficiency, as the CX-50 gets 28 combined MPG compared to Car 1's 22 combined MPG.
You need more accessible storage, benefiting from the CX-50's superior 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Mazda CX-50
Length	196.9"	185.8"
Width	78.3"	75.6"
Height	68.9"	63.5"
Wheelbase	114.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	397.5/492.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Mazda CX-50.

How much does the price difference affect long-term ownership between these two crossovers?

The initial $5,890 MSRP gap is compounded by fuel costs; the CX-50 gets 6 MPG better efficiency (28 vs 22 combined), meaning the Kia will require more frequent and costly stops at the pump over time.

Is the power difference between the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-50 noticeable for daily driving?

Yes, the Telluride has a distinct advantage with 291 hp compared to the CX-50’s 187 hp, which translates to noticeably quicker acceleration and easier merging onto busy highways.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling luggage on a long trip?

The Mazda CX-50 offers superior utility despite its smaller size, packing 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the Kia Telluride’s 21 cubic feet.

Why does the smaller Mazda CX-50 come standard with All-Wheel Drive when the larger Telluride is FWD?

Mazda typically equips the CX-50 with standard AWD for enhanced traction in varied conditions, whereas the Telluride utilizes front-wheel drive as its base configuration.

If I drive a lot, what is the difference in the recommended fuel type?

Both vehicles recommend regular unleaded fuel, which keeps fueling costs consistent per gallon, but the Telluride will consume that fuel much faster due to lower mileage.

Are there significant size differences that affect parking ease?

The CX-50 is noticeably smaller overall, being nearly 11 inches shorter in length (185.8 in vs 196.9 in), making it easier to maneuver and park in tight city spots than the larger Telluride.