2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2027 Kia Telluride: Which Three-Row SUV Is Right for Your Family?

Which SUV Offers More Engaging Performance?

The Mazda CX-90 offers a performance-focused driving experience with a standard turbocharged inline-six engine and available power that exceeds the gasoline Kia Telluride. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque using regular gasoline. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-biased AWD architecture are engineered to deliver smooth, responsive power.

The redesigned Kia Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. For shoppers seeking additional Mazda performance, the available CX-90 Turbo S produces 319 horsepower on regular fuel or up to 340 horsepower with premium fuel.

That difference matters when accelerating onto I-985, passing on the highway, or traveling through North Georgia's rolling terrain. The CX-90 also uses Kinematic Posture Control to help manage body movement during cornering, reinforcing Mazda's commitment to making a larger SUV feel natural and enjoyable to drive.

Does the Mazda CX-90 Get Better Gas Mileage Than the Kia Telluride?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo delivers better EPA-estimated combined fuel economy than the gasoline-powered 2027 Kia Telluride, including when both SUVs are equipped with AWD.

The CX-90 3.3 Turbo earns an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and 25 MPG combined with standard AWD. Most gasoline Telluride AWD trims achieve an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined, while certain X-Pro versions earn 19 MPG combined. Front-wheel-drive gasoline Telluride models are rated at 22 MPG combined.

Mazda's M Hybrid Boost mild-hybrid system assists the gasoline engine without requiring external charging. For families making frequent trips between Gainesville, Cumming, and Atlanta, the CX-90 combines the convenience of standard AWD with attractive gasoline fuel efficiency.

Both manufacturers also offer electrified alternatives. The Kia Telluride Hybrid delivers higher EPA-estimated combined MPG than Mazda's gasoline CX-90, while the Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid provides a different advantage: the ability to drive up to an EPA-estimated 26 miles using electricity when properly charged. Your daily driving habits and access to charging can help determine which approach makes more sense.

Why Does Standard AWD Make the Mazda CX-90 Appealing?

Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with i-Activ AWD®, while the 2027 Kia Telluride offers AWD on selected trims and configurations.

For families who already want all-wheel drive, Mazda makes the decision straightforward. There's no need to choose an optional drivetrain to get AWD capability.

The CX-90's rear-biased platform is designed to support responsive handling, while i-Activ AWD continuously helps manage power distribution as conditions change. That combination is useful on wet North Georgia roads and winding routes where predictable vehicle behavior matters.

Kia also offers capable AWD systems, including additional terrain-oriented equipment on certain X-Line and X-Pro models. Mazda's advantage is its consistent approach: every CX-90 combines AWD with the brand's emphasis on balanced, confident road manners.

AWD helps manage traction but cannot overcome unsafe speeds, unsuitable tires, or hazardous road conditions.

Which SUV Offers a More Comfortable and Refined Interior?

The Mazda CX-90 offers three-row versatility in a cabin designed around thoughtful craftsmanship and a more premium driving experience. Its clean dashboard, carefully arranged controls, and available upscale materials create an inviting atmosphere for daily commuting and longer family journeys.

Depending on configuration, the CX-90 seats six, seven, or eight passengers. The entry-level 3.3 Turbo Select accommodates eight, while available second-row captain's chairs provide additional comfort and easier movement between rows on selected trims. Higher CX-90 models offer premium materials such as Nappa leather and additional seating conveniences.

The redesigned Telluride emphasizes generous passenger accommodations, including expanded second-row room and improved third-row access. Those are meaningful benefits for families regularly carrying adults or older children in every row.

For shoppers who want a spacious family vehicle but also appreciate a sophisticated, driver-focused interior, the CX-90 offers an especially appealing environment. We recommend sitting in the different Mazda seating configurations to see which best suits your family's routine.

How Do Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride Technology Features Compare?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 combines modern connectivity with a cabin designed to keep driving controls approachable and intuitive. Standard Alexa Built-in functionality helps drivers use supported voice commands, while Mazda Connect provides access to smartphone integration and vehicle information.

The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select includes a 10.25-inch center display. Moving to the 3.3 Turbo Preferred adds a 12.3-inch display and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Additional available features include a Bose® 12-speaker audio system, Active Driving Display, and Mazda Driver Personalization System on selected trims.

The redesigned Kia Telluride includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and offers additional digital-display and convenience technologies depending on trim.

Both vehicles deliver substantial connectivity. Mazda's appeal is the way technology complements the driving experience without making the cabin feel unnecessarily complicated. Shoppers should compare specific trims to determine which features are standard and which require an upgrade.

How Does the Mazda CX-90 Support Family Safety?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, providing families with independently recognized safety credentials. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid also received a separate TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.

Mazda equips the CX-90 with standard i-Activsense® driver-assistance technologies, including Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-keep Assist, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Available equipment on selected trims adds further assistance for parking, maneuvering, and monitoring surrounding traffic. Combined with standard AWD, these features contribute to the CX-90's well-rounded approach to family driving.

The redesigned Kia Telluride also offers an extensive collection of collision-avoidance and driver-assistance systems. Rather than assuming one vehicle is universally safer, shoppers should consider verified model-year ratings and the exact safety equipment included on the trims they're comparing.

No driver-assistance system can replace an attentive driver or prevent every collision.

Can the Mazda CX-90 Handle Family Cargo and Towing Needs?

The Mazda CX-90 offers flexible seating and cargo arrangements, along with towing capability of up to 5,000 pounds on properly equipped gasoline models.

Whether you're packing for a family vacation, carrying sports equipment, or preparing for a weekend near Lake Lanier, the CX-90 adapts with folding rear seats and multiple passenger configurations. Its refined road manners also make it appealing for families who spend considerable time traveling with a full cabin.

The redesigned Kia Telluride offers more cargo space behind the third row, a practical advantage for shoppers who regularly need to carry passengers and substantial luggage simultaneously.

Both gasoline SUVs offer maximum towing ratings of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. On the Mazda, that maximum applies to specific gasoline trims with required Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories; other CX-90 versions have lower limits. Kia's Telluride Hybrid has a lower maximum towing rating than its gasoline version.

The right choice depends on what you carry most often. For families who want useful cargo flexibility, capable towing, and an enjoyable everyday driving experience, the CX-90 makes a compelling case.

Is the Mazda CX-90 a Smart Value Compared to the Kia Telluride?

The Mazda CX-90 delivers an appealing combination of standard AWD, turbocharged inline-six performance, and refined design without requiring shoppers to begin with a higher drivetrain configuration.

Mazda lists the 2026 CX-90 3.3 Turbo Select with a published starting MSRP of $39,300, while Kia lists the redesigned 2027 Telluride LX with a starting MSRP of $39,190. Both figures exclude destination and applicable charges, and Mazda has announced a subsequent 2026 price adjustment that must be reflected when confirming current pricing.

Although the starting prices are close, these aren't identically equipped SUVs. The CX-90 includes AWD as standard equipment, while the Telluride LX is front-wheel drive. Comparing AWD-equipped Telluride models against similarly equipped Mazda trims provides a more meaningful assessment of cost and features.

At Jim Shorkey Mazda Gainesville, our team can help you evaluate available CX-90 configurations, identify the features that matter most, and review actual vehicle pricing before making a decision.

Why Shop the Mazda CX-90 at Jim Shorkey Mazda Gainesville?

The Mazda CX-90 brings together the qualities many families want in a three-row SUV: versatile seating, standard AWD, confident performance, sophisticated comfort, and advanced safety technology. It also offers something that can be harder to capture in a specification chart: a driving experience designed to feel connected and rewarding.

At Jim Shorkey Mazda Gainesville, we believe the buying experience should be just as satisfying. As The No Addendum Dealership, we emphasize transparent advertised vehicle pricing without surprise mandatory dealer addendum packages introduced during the purchase process. Our approved pricing disclosures explain the treatment of dealer fees, pre-installed equipment, and applicable government charges.

We proudly welcome drivers from Gainesville, Buford, Cumming, Flowery Branch, Oakwood, Dawsonville, and surrounding North Georgia communities. Visit 2815 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30504, and discover why the Mazda CX-90 deserves a place on your family's shopping list.