Built for New England Roads: CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride in Coastal NH

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The Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride is a question many drivers in Portsmouth, NH, ask the team at Seacoast Mazda about. Whether you love the look, feel, and performance of the CX-90 or you’re thinking about considering a Telluride, we are here to make the comparison and find you the perfect car. Of course, the CX-90 is known for its smooth ride quality and elevated features, while the Telluride is known for its affordable price tag and spacious interior. Stick around while we compare these popular SUVs and how they compete on New England roads below!

The Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride: At a Glance

If you stack a Mazda CX-90 against a Kia Telluride, you will notice that they are similar in size and have seating for up to eight passengers. With both three-row SUVs, you get great value for money, although the Mazda CX-90 feels more high-end in design, performance, and standard/available features. Kia has slightly more third-row space and slightly more cargo volume, but the Mazda is a favorite among most drivers here in New Hampshire and beyond.

Exterior Comparison Between the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride

The outside design of the Mazda CX-90 vs. the Kia Telluride is one of the first things that sets these SUVs apart. With the Mazda CX-90, you can expect a smoother, sleeker body from front to rear, with highlights being standard LED exterior lighting, aluminum roof rails, rear privacy glass, and a power liftgate to make getting into your trunk easier.

With the Kia Telluride, you have a boxier SUV with plenty of standard and optional features to impress. Like the Mazda CX-90, it features LED exterior lighting, a rear spoiler, acoustic glass, and a matte-black front grille.

Note: The Mazda CX-90 is known for its rear-biased i-Activ AWD® system, which helps on snow and icy roads and helps prevent slipping.

Interior Comparison Between the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride

The Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride interior is another category to go over. First, both cars have three rows of seating, with optional second-row Captain's Chairs. With the Mazda, you can expect a higher-end design across its trim levels. Even at the standard trim, you get premium leatherette seating, a large touchscreen display, a 60/40 split fold-down and reclining second-row bench seat, and an Easy tilt-and-slide third row.

The Kia Telluride has a more watered-down design, built for utility and everyday commuting. However, it also offers larger touchscreen displays and upscale materials and finishes in higher trims, as well as a larger "adult-friendly" third row. It's a great option for families, but it doesn't pay as close attention to details as Mazda does with the CX-90.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride: Performance

Looking at the performance differences between a Kia Telluride and a Mazda CX-90, the Mazda takes the crown for overall performance. 

With the CX-90, you have a standard mild-hybrid 3.3-liter Turbo Inline-6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Known for its smooth on-road performance, the Mazda CX-90 remains a favorite for drivers who don't want a clunky three-row SUV. The Mazda also has two other engines, with its highest performing being a 3.3-liter Turbo Inline 6 (High-Output) producing 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

The Kia Telluride comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Of course, this is perkier at a base level versus the CX-90, although it is known for being less smooth when driving and accelerating.

Note: The Mazda CX-90 offers standard AWD for you, while the Telluride does offer it at an additional charge.

Which Performs Better in Fuel Economy: the Mazda CX-90 or the Kia Telluride?

Between the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90, the CX-90 achieves better overall fuel economy and savings. Specifically, the Mazda CX-90 gets 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, while the Kia Telluride gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.

Is the Mazda CX-90 Safer than the Kia Telluride?

Both the Mazda CX-90 and the Kia Telluride are incredibly safe three-row SUVs and have been awarded by agencies such as the IIHS and NHTSA. That said, with both receiving Top Safety Pick+ awards and five-star safety ratings, the CX-90 does edge out with perks like standard AWD for winter conditions.

Standard safety features in the CX-90 include Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning & Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning.

For the Kia Telluride, you get standard driver-assistance, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping & Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and Rear Occupant Alert, to name a few.

Note: Both the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90 receive high safety ratings and awards from IIHS and NHTSA in crash testing.

Which SUV is Better for New England Drivers: Kia Telluride or Mazda CX-90?

When it comes to which SUV is better, a Mazda CX-90 or a Kia Telluride, this may differ for New England residents and drivers. First, you have to consider that we have incredibly diverse weather conditions on this coast, which makes features like standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) even more important. If you are driving and don't want to feel like you are slipping and sliding in snow, ice, and rain, the Mazda CX-90 does a better overall job.

It is also worth noting that the Mazda CX-90 is highly rated for smooth acceleration and driving quality on roads and highways, which can make for a more comfortable long- or short-distance trip.

Shop the Mazda CX-90 at Seacoast Mazda

If you are looking for the perfect three-row SUV here in Portsmouth, NH, let our sales team at Seacoast Mazda show you the CX-90. Not only is this SUV sleek, agile, and ready for New England roads, but it is also designed for everyday comfort. With five-star safety ratings and smooth, unbothered handling through every season, you never have to worry about "what if" inside the CX-90. We're available for test drives and walk-throughs here in Portsmouth, so don't wait to come see us!

View Mazda CX-90 Inventory