2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$36,390 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 lies in torque, where the CX-90 delivers 332 lb-ft compared to the Telluride's 262 lb-ft, a difference of 70 lb-ft. Conversely, the Telluride establishes a lower entry price at $36,390, undercutting the CX-90's $38,800 MSRP by $2,410. Power output slightly favors the Telluride with 291 hp against the CX-90's 280 hp. Fuel efficiency reveals another key separation: the CX-90 achieves a superior 25 MPG combined, whereas the Telluride is rated at 22 MPG combined. Dimensional analysis shows the CX-90 is longer at 200.8 inches versus 196.9 inches, but the Telluride offers substantially more cargo space at 21.0 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. These measurable metrics set the stage for distinct ownership experiences.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Telluride's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride is superior for families because its 21.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity significantly outpaces the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Mazda CX-90 due to its commanding 332 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride offers better entry value with an MSRP of $36,390, saving $2,410 over the CX-90's starting price.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

Cargo volume is a top priority, as the Telluride offers 21.0 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft in the CX-90.
The budget is strict, given the Telluride's base MSRP of $36,390, which is $2,410 less than the competitor.
Maximum horsepower is desired, as the Telluride outputs 291 hp, beating the CX-90's 280 hp rating.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

Fuel economy is critical, supported by the CX-90's 25 MPG combined rating (23/28 MPG City/Highway).
Traction and low-end pull are necessary, as the CX-90 delivers 332 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive.
A slightly longer footprint (200.8 inches) is preferred for exterior presence compared to the Telluride's 196.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Mazda CX-90
Length	196.9"	200.8"
Width	78.3"	78.5"
Height	68.9"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which vehicle is more powerful based on advertised specifications?

The 2025 Kia Telluride technically produces more peak horsepower at 291 hp, slightly exceeding the 2026 Mazda CX-90's 280 hp rating. However, the CX-90 compensates substantially in rotational power, producing 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Telluride's 262 lb-ft.

How do the cargo capacities compare between these two crossovers?

The Kia Telluride holds a significant advantage in storage, offering 21.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. The Mazda CX-90 trails with 14.9 cubic feet in the same configuration, suggesting the Telluride is better suited for hauling large loads.

Is the higher price of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 justified by its drivetrain?

The CX-90 starts at $38,800 versus the Telluride's $36,390, with the CX-90 including standard All-Wheel Drive and superior torque. The Telluride uses Front Wheel Drive as standard equipment, which is a key differentiator in the drivetrain technology offered at base trim levels.

Which vehicle offers better long-term fuel running costs?

Based on the EPA estimates, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 should result in lower fuel expenditures, achieving 25 MPG combined. This is a 3 MPG improvement over the 2025 Kia Telluride's combined rating of 22 MPG.

Are these vehicles very similar in size externally?

While both are large crossovers, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is dimensionally longer, measuring 200.8 inches compared to the Telluride's 196.9 inches. The Telluride is slightly taller at 68.9 inches, while the CX-90 is fractionally wider by 0.2 inches.

Do both vehicles utilize the same transmission type?

Yes, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 specifies its unit as an '8-speed shiftable automatic,' suggesting manual override capability.