2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$36,390 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Telluride erupts onto the scene offering robust V6 power at an accessible starting price of $36,390. It delivers a solid 291 hp from its 3.8L engine and achieves a respectable 22 combined MPG. Facing this formidable opponent is the anticipated 2026 Mazda CX-70, starting at a premium of $42,250, but rewarding drivers with superior torque—a massive 332 lb-ft—despite having slightly less horsepower at 280 hp. Mazda emphasizes efficiency and grip, boasting a 25 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While the Telluride leans into sheer presence with its bold dimensions, the CX-70 prioritizes refined driving dynamics and significantly more utility, offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kia's 21 cu ft. This comparison pits Kia's value-oriented power against Mazda's torquey, efficient sophistication.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the better commuter due to its superior 25 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

Families will benefit significantly from the CX-70's substantially larger 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity, dwarfing the Telluride's 21 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The CX-70 offers more engaging driving through its higher 332 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride wins on pure value, starting $5,860 cheaper while still offering 291 hp.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

Budget is the primary concern, as the Telluride starts $5,860 less at $36,390.
You prioritize immediate, robust horsepower, as the Telluride packs 291 hp compared to the CX-70's 280 hp.
You prefer standard Front Wheel Drive over the mandatory All-Wheel Drive setup found in the CX-70.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum hauling and passenger gear capacity is essential, given the CX-70's massive 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You crave superior pulling force for highway merging or steep inclines, thanks to the CX-70's high 332 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy matters for daily driving, as the CX-70 achieves 25 combined MPG versus the Telluride's 22.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Mazda CX-70
Length	196.9"	200.8"
Width	78.3"	-
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	—	✓
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 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)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

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	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

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	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	21 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	275/45R21
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	✓	✓

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 2026 Mazda CX-70.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Mazda CX-70 compared to the 2025 Kia Telluride?

The Mazda CX-70 carries a significantly higher starting MSRP of $42,250, creating a $5,860 price gap compared to the Kia Telluride's entry price of $36,390.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for the daily drive?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the more efficient choice, achieving 25 combined MPG (24 City/28 Highway), slightly outpacing the 2025 Kia Telluride's 22 combined MPG (20 City/26 Highway).

Is the driving experience markedly different between the two crossovers?

Yes, the CX-70 emphasizes torque with 332 lb-ft and standard AWD, suggesting a more agile feel, while the Telluride offers more peak horsepower at 291 hp with a standard FWD layout.

How does cargo capacity stack up for road trips?

The CX-70 holds a massive advantage here, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, which nearly doubles the 21 cu ft offered behind the third row of the Telluride.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 are specified to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.

Are the overall exterior dimensions similar between these two models?

The CX-70 is longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Telluride's 196.9 inches, but the Telluride is slightly taller at 68.9 inches versus the CX-70's 68.2 inches.