2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

$36,390 · Crossover

$38,045 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Telluride bursts onto the scene with a robust 291 hp engine and a lower entry price of $36,390, emphasizing straightforward power and spaciousness. In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 commands attention with its premium presence and impressive low-end grunt, boasting 332 lb-ft of torque from its inline-six, despite having slightly less peak horsepower at 280 hp. While the Telluride offers superior utility with 21 cu ft of cargo space versus the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft, Mazda fights back with efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG compared to the Kia's 22 combined MPG, all while featuring standard All-Wheel Drive. The Telluride's larger overall dimensions (196.9 inches long) give it a commanding road presence, positioning it as the utilitarian choice, whereas the CX-90 leans into driving refinement and better fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, netting 25 combined MPG versus the Telluride's 22 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride offers significantly more practical space for families, providing 21 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will favor the CX-90 for its substantial 332 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive for enhanced dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride offers more horsepower (291 hp vs. 280 hp) at a lower starting MSRP of $36,390.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo utility, benefiting from 21 cu ft of storage space.
You want the highest advertised horsepower figure at 291 hp.
Budget is a primary concern, as the Telluride starts at a lower MSRP of $36,390.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You desire superior torque output for immediate response, boasting 332 lb-ft.
Better fuel economy is essential, as the CX-90 delivers 25 combined MPG.
You require the stability and grip of All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Mazda CX-90
Length	196.9"	200.8"
Width	78.3"	78.5"
Height	68.9"	68.2"
Wheelbase	114.2"	122.8"

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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	—
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Mazda CX-90 (car2) clearly leads in efficiency, achieving 25 combined MPG, which surpasses the Kia Telluride's (car1) 22 combined MPG rating.

Is the power difference between the 291 hp Telluride and 280 hp CX-90 noticeable?

While the Telluride has 11 more horsepower, the CX-90 compensates with significantly higher torque at 332 lb-ft compared to the Telluride's 262 lb-ft, suggesting better low-speed pull.

How significant is the cargo space difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the Kia Telluride offers 21 cu ft of cargo capacity, giving families considerably more room than the Mazda CX-90, which is rated at 14.9 cu ft.

Does the drivetrain choice affect the comparison significantly?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Telluride comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2025 Mazda CX-90 includes All-Wheel Drive, impacting capability in varied conditions.

Which vehicle is generally the more affordable option?

The 2025 Kia Telluride has a lower starting MSRP at $36,390 compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-90's price of $38,045, making it the better choice for strict budget adherence.