How Does The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Compare to 2027 Kia Telluride?
2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2027 Kia Telluride
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-90 a better 3-row crossover than 2027 Kia Telluride?
Midsize crossovers are popular with Gastonia drivers for hauling family and cargo. It’s difficult to find a 3-row crossover that is designed for both the haul and the driver. The Mazda CX-90, however, fulfills this mission, especially when compared to popular crossovers like the 2027 Kia Telluride. While Kia has redesigned the Telluride to be a tech-heavy, boxy family hauler for 2027, Mazda continues to hone the CX-90 as a premium performance flagship that challenges the status quo of the three-row SUV segment. If you value the art of driving and the feel of a luxury-tier cabin, the CX-90 is a clear standout.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 cost?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90’s base price starts at $38,800. While that’s already a slight price advantage over the base Telluride LX, the CX-90 actually packs more features in. For example, CX-90 offers an 8-way power driver’s seat and power liftgate standard, which require moving up to a higher trim in Telluride.
Most significant is that Mazda CX-90 features standard i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive, for additional security and peace of mind in slippery conditions and rains. On Kia Telluride, AWD is an additional cost by thousands more. That’s on a higher trim top of an already more-expensive vehicle.
Verdict: The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers better overall value, thanks to its lower starting price, standard AWD, and more standard features against 2027 Kia Telluride.
| 2026 Mazda CX-90 | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $38,800 | $39,190 |
| All-Wheel-Drive | Standard | Available |
| Base AWD MSRP | $38,800 | $44,090 |
| Standard Engine | 3.3T I6 | 2.5T I4 |
| Standard MPG (City/Highway/Combined) | 23 / 28 / 25 | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| Standard Horsepower & Torque | 280 hp & 332 lb-ft | 274 hp & 311 lb-ft |
| Max Horsepower & Torque | 340 hp & 369 lb-ft | 329 hp & 339 lb-ft |
| Available Plug-In Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Standard Ground Clearance | 8″ | 7.4″ |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Available |
| Power Driver’s Seat | Standard | Available |
Is Mazda CX-90 more capable than 2027 Kia Telluride?
As mentioned, while Kia makes you pay extra for AWD, Mazda includes i-Activ AWD as standard equipment, ensuring every driver benefits from superior traction and stability regardless of the price point.
The most dramatic differences are in the powertrains. For 2027, Kia has officially retired its V6 in favor of a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder. Mazda, meanwhile, continues to offer its world-class 3.3L Turbocharged Inline-6. Mazda CX-90 outmuscles the Telluride, with more standard horsepower and torque and higher available overall output. Despite the extra power, Mazda CX-90 achieves better fuel efficiency even in standard form, with an estimated 25 mpg combined vs. Kia’s 22 combined standard.
Both offer electrified variants as well, with Kia introducing a hybrid for 2027. Only Mazda offers a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version of the CX-90, allowing for an estimated 26 miles of all-electric commuting.
Surprisingly, the Mazda CX-90 also offers more ground clearance standard, with 8.0 inches of ground clearance, outperforming the standard 2027 Telluride, which sits at 7.4 inches. You get better “go-anywhere” capability in the Mazda without having to buy a specialized off-road trim.
Verdict: With more power, efficiency, and standard AWD, Mazda CX-90 offers superior capability over 2027 Kia Telluride.
What safety features does the Mazda CX-90 have?
Safety is an area Mazda takes very seriously. Both Telluride and CX-90 have extensive suites of safety technology as standard across all trims. This includes pre-collison system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control with stop-and-go. While the 2027 Telluride has not yet been tested, the Mazda CX-90 was named to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ list. In fact, Mazda as a brand has been named by Consumer Reports as its first-ever safest new car brand, thanks to the brand’s reputation in standard safety equipment and historical performance in IIHS testing.
Verdict: The 2026 Mazda CX-90 provides a fresher, safer, and technologically advanced interior, making it the superior choice for drivers in the Gastonia area.
Is Mazda CX-90 the better value in midsize SUVs?
The redesigned 2027 Telluride is a strong contender among crossovers, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers more in an SUV for Charlotte families. The CX-90 gives new SUV buyers in Kings Mountain a more refined, technologically advanced, and value-oriented driving experience than Kia Telluride. And just as the Mazda CX-90 goes the extra mile for you, so does Mazda of Gastonia. Call, text or visit us today at 4811 Wilkinson Blvd in Gastonia to see the new CX-90 for yourself!