Head-to-head
2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mazda CX-90
The Kia Telluride edges it, 94 to 92, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, fuel & range. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety.
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2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Telluride FWD, is EPA-rated at 22…
vs
B2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid and hybrid large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CX-90 4WD PHE…
Verdict · default weights
2025 Kia Telluride
Slight edgeThe Kia Telluride edges it, 94 to 92, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, fuel & range. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety.
Tech & comfort 2025 Kia Telluride leads by 13.4
Safety 2025 Mazda CX-90 leads by 7.9
Space & cargo 2025 Kia Telluride leads by 7.3
| Category · weight | 2025 Kia Tellurideoverall 94 | 2025 Mazda CX-90overall 92 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 96 | 94.9 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 84.6 | 92.5 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 92.7 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 94.7 | 94.1 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 86.6 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 94 | 92 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Kia Telluride: base trim LX FWD · Mazda CX-90: base trim 3.3 Turbo Select Package AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Kia Telluride wins
- It lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 27.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (48.5 points against 42 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It carries 141 hp per ton against 118.
Where the 2025 Mazda CX-90 answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (49 against 124 filed with NHTSA).
- It turns out 332 lb-ft of torque against 262.
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 8 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
53 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $36,390 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 6 |
| Engine displacement | 3,778 cc | 3,283 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.8L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda-II | e-SKYACTIV G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | Electrically Controlled Fuel Injection |
| Valve configuration | DOHC | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 291 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 20 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 26 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.510:1 | 3.692 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic hybrid | manual |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 68.9 in | 68.2 in |
| Overall length | 197 in | 201 in |
| Overall width | 78.3 in | 78.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 114 in | 123 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 87 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 46 cu-ft | 40 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 21 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 178 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.9 in | 39.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.2 in | 39.3 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.1 in | 36.9 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.4 in | 41.7 in |
| Second-row legroom | 42.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row legroom | 31.4 in | 30.4 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,248 lbs | 4,735 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,134 lbs | 4,735 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,776 lbs | 6,854 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar | Double-Wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Independent, Multi-link, stabilizer bar | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Column Mounted-Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | Rack and Pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19.4 ft | 38.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 340 mm | 328 mm |
| Front brake type | Vented disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | Electric parking brake |
| Rear brake diameter | 305 mm | 350 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 19 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 7.5 in | 8.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P245/60 R18 | 265/55 R19 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.8 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Mazda Connected Services |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 61.6 in | 59.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61.2 in | 58.1 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55.3 in | 53.3 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
189 features · differences first, then sharedSafety24 differ · 44 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection (FCA) | std | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance - Junction Turning (FCA-JT) | std | — |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | std | — |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA 1.5) | std | — |
| Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve - NSCC-C | std | — |
| Rear View Monitor (dynamic guide lines) | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning - Reverse (PDW-R) | std | — |
| Rear side (2nd row) airbags | std | — |
| Safe Exit Assist (SEA) | std | — |
| Auto-hold Function | — | std |
| Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) | — | std |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors (2nd and 3rd Rows) | std | — |
| Rear Seat Alert | — | std |
| Rear View Monitor (static guide lines) | — | std |
| Rollover sensor | std | — |
| Side impact sensor | std | — |
| Smart Brake Support (Automatic Emergency Braking) | — | std |
| Torque Vectoring Corner Control (TVCC) | std | — |
| Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop and Go | std | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| Lane Departure Warning System | std | std |
| Lane-keep Assist | std | std |
| Driver Attention Alert | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| Hill Descent Control | std | std |
| LATCH system - rear seat (2nd row) child safety seat lower anchors & upper tethers | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) , Traction Control (TCS) and Trailer Stability Control | std | std |
| Frontal, Knee, Curtain, and Side Impact Airbags | std | std |
| High Beam Control (HBC) | std | std |
| Hill Launch Assist | std | std |
| Roll Stability Control | std | std |
| Engine immobilizer anti-theft system | std | std |
| Roll Stability Control | std | std |
Infotainment16 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| E911 automatic emergency notification | — | std |
| Remote Services: remote engine start / remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | — | std |
| Remote Services: remote door lock / unlock / remote hazard light | — | std |
| 8-speaker sound system | — | std |
| Mazda Roadside Assistance | — | std |
| Navigation services: vehicle finder / send to car*** / map online update via Mazda Tool Box | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted Bluetooth Hands-free with Voice activation controls | std | — |
| 10.25" full-color center display | — | std |
| 12.3-inch audio display unit with navigation, MAP OTA, Quiet Mode, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Radio, SIRIUS XM, Voice Recognition, Bluetooth (with Multi-Bluetooth function), Rear View Camera and TMU | std | — |
| 6 speakers including 2 tweeter speakers | std | — |
| Android Auto™ integration (wired) | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay® integration (wired) | — | std |
| Paddle Shifters | — | std |
| Telematics Mobile Unit - Embedded Modem (TMU) | std | — |
| USB - Type A x 4 (Front x 2 and Rear x 2) | — | std |
| USB charging port X5 | std | — |
| Mazda Connect 4G LTE Wi-Fi powered by AT&T** | std | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio, phone and cruise controls | std | std |
Convenience7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Engine Start button on Key Fob | std | — |
| Power Rear Liftgate with programmable height adjustment | — | std |
| Power Windows with one-touch auto up/down feature (4) | — | std |
| Manual liftgate | std | — |
| Driver and Passenger's central door lock | std | — |
| Power outlets (x3) | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down and safety | std | — |
| Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System | std | std |
Climate6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air conditioning - automatic climate control operation with three zones | — | std |
| Rear ducts - Ceiling Mounted with Diffuse Vents (2nd and 3rd row) | std | — |
| 3rd Row AC vents | — | std |
| Dual zone automatic temperature control | std | — |
| Rear automatic temperature control | std | — |
| Auto Window Defogger | std | — |
Seating12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8-way power adjustable driver's seat w/ power lumbar support | — | std |
| Heated front seats with 3 level adjustments | — | std |
| SynTex (Synthetic Leather) seating trim | std | — |
| 1-touch slide and fold for 3rd row Ingress/Egress | std | — |
| 2nd-row bench seats with easy slide and tilt rear-access mechanism | — | std |
| 2nd-row one-touch slide and fold | std | — |
| 2nd-row remote folding buttons (in cargo area) | std | — |
| 3rd row seats - 3 seats (60/40 split fold-down) | — | std |
| 4-way manual front passenger seat | — | std |
| Max Seating Capacity 8 passenger | — | std |
| Seat material - Leather (1st and 2nd row outboard seating positions) - Black or Greige | — | std |
| 2nd-row center armrest with cup holders | std | — |
| 2nd-row bench seats with 60/40 split fold-down reclining | std | std |
Interior31 differ · 36 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2-inch color TFT-LCD full segment meter cluster | std | — |
| 2nd row lamp | std | — |
| 7-inch TFT LCD meter display | — | std |
| Cargo lamp | std | — |
| Chrome interior door handles | std | — |
| Engine Starter Ring - Bright (satin chrome Finish) | — | std |
| Front seatback hooks | std | — |
| Interior Mid Panel - Hard Black | — | std |
| IP Decoration panel - Silver | — | std |
| Leather Steering wheel with Bright ring decoration | — | std |
| Metal paint crashpad trim | std | — |
| Overhead console lamp | std | — |
| Plastic pillar trim | std | — |
| PVC transmission gear shift knob | std | — |
| Room Lamp (F: w/ spot light, C: w/ spot light, R: w/o spot light) | — | std |
| Standard door scuff plates | std | — |
| Storage - 2nd-row center console with armrest and storage for bench seats | — | std |
| Floor console with center armrest, cup holders, side handles and storage box | std | — |
| Steering wheel - Mechanical tilt & telescopic | — | std |
| Sun visors - dual covered vanity mirrors w/ illumination | — | std |
| Synthetic leather wrapped door armrest | std | — |
| Cargo area light | — | std |
| Cloth headliner trim | std | — |
| Dual sunvisors, sliding with vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Floor mats - carpeted front, 2nd-row and 3rd-row | opt | std |
| Carpet flooring | std | — |
| Cloth sunvisor | std | — |
| Front and rear side door pockets | std | — |
| Rheostat | std | — |
| Standard door scuff plates | std | — |
| Standard Pedals | std | — |
| Leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel | std | std |
| Rearview mirror - manual day/night | std | std |
| Storage - front seatback pockets (driver and passenger*) | std | std |
| Storage - overhead console with sunglasses holder | std | std |
| Trip computer - Odometer, Trip meter A & B | std | std |
Exterior39 differ · 45 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED Projector-style headlights with high and low beams | std | — |
| 18-inch alloy wheels with silver finish | std | — |
| 19X8.5J inch aluminum alloy wheels with Silver Metallic Finish | — | std |
| 265/55 R19 tires | — | std |
| Acoustic Front Windshield | std | — |
| Badging - AWD | — | std |
| Badging - Inline6 - Chrome | — | std |
| Black front bumper side air duct garnish | std | — |
| Black insert with satin chrome surround trim (a-type design) radiator grille | std | — |
| Black wheel arch and side sill lower molding | std | — |
| Body-color outside door handles | std | — |
| Body-color with silver accent trim and non-painted lower and side plastic trim bumpers | std | — |
| Bumper - Front and Rear lower color Black | — | std |
| Conventional wiper blades | std | — |
| Front Grille Mesh - Honeycomb - with Black Finish | — | std |
| Garnish (B pillar/C Pillar/Sail) Molding - Black | — | std |
| Headlights - Auto On/Off feature | — | std |
| Headlights - LED with Auto-Leveling | — | std |
| Hidden single exhaust tip | std | — |
| LED positioning lights | std | — |
| Matte black outside mirror lower trim | std | — |
| Power adjustable outside mirrors, heated with integrated LED turn signals | std | — |
| Rear combination lamps (Bulb type) | std | — |
| Rhodium White Premium exterior color | — | opt |
| Roof Rails - aluminum with satin chrome finish | — | std |
| Satin chrome DLO surround molding | std | — |
| Satin chrome lower door garnish (front and rear) | std | — |
| Side Mirrors - body-color, [dual power remote with LED turn signal indicators] | — | std |
| Side Mirrors - driver and passenger heated | — | std |
| Signature Wing - Chrome | — | std |
| Single muffler, Regular type | std | — |
| Taillights - LED combination | — | std |
| Wheel arch Molding - Black | — | std |
| Windshield Wipers - Rain-Sensing, Variable-Intermittent | — | std |
| Windshield wipers - rear intermittent with washer | — | std |
| Auto light control (ALC) | std | — |
| Solar Front Door Windows and Windshield | std | — |
| Mud guards | opt | — |
| Low washer fluid warning system | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | std | std |
| Privacy glass - rear side windows and rear liftgate glass | std | std |
| Rear window defogger with timer | std | std |
| Brake light - center high-mount | std | std |
| Rear Roof Spoiler - Body Color | std | std |
| Spare Tire Type - Temporary | std | std |
Powertrain10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | — |
| AWD Modes: AWD Lock and Snow modes | opt | — |
| Drive Mode Select (DMS): Comfort / Eco / Sport and Smart modes | std | — |
| e-SKYACTIV® G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbocharged engine | — | std |
| i-Stop | — | std |
| M Hybrid Boost (48V Mild Hybrid) | — | std |
| Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive): Sports/Off Road | — | std |
| Off-Road Traction Assist | — | std |
| Transmission, SKYACTIV®-Drive 8-Speed AT with manual-shift mode | — | std |
Chassis5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Column Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | std | — |
| Front Double Wishbone Suspension | — | std |
| Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | — | std |
| McPherson struts and stabilizer bar front suspension | std | — |
| Multi-link independent and stabilizer bar rear suspension | std | — |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Hitch | opt | — |
| 2-way luggage board | std | — |
| Storage - cargo area storage boxes and under floor storage | — | std |
| Towing Capacity up to 3,500 lbs. | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia Telluride
Safety Signal 79 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 3
Owner complaints 124 · 3 crashes · 2 fires
Most complained about Engine (50), Visibility/Wiper (22), Unspecified (22)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V105000 · 85,515 vehicles
- high Tires 25V745000 · 45 vehicles
- high Structure 25V494000 · 201,149 vehicles
Mazda CX-90
Safety Signal 89 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 49 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (11), Unspecified (10), Engine (10)
Top recalls
- moderate Electrical System 25V568000 · 104,854 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 24V814000 · 80,915 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia TellurideLX FWD | Mazda CX-903.3 Turbo Select Package AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $36,390 (base trim) | — (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $36,390 – $53,685 13 trims | — 9 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | PHEV, HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Telluride FWD | CX-90 4WD PHEV |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 22 | 25 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,050 | $3,300 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Kia Telluride or the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
The Kia Telluride edges it, 94 to 92, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, fuel & range. The Mazda CX-90 is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Kia Telluride scores 94 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 92. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Kia Telluride or the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
2025 Kia Telluride: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 3 recalls. 2025 Mazda CX-90: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Mazda CX-90?
Where the 2025 Kia Telluride wins: it lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 27, lists more comfort and tech equipment (48.5 points against 42 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and carries 141 hp per ton against 118. Where the 2025 Mazda CX-90 answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (49 against 124 filed with NHTSA) and turns out 332 lb-ft of torque against 262. What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 8 seats.