2027 Kia Telluride vs. Mazda CX-90: Room vs. Refinement

The Quick Answer

• Telluride wins on space: 89.3 cu ft of max cargo versus 74.2, and 32.1 in. of third-row legroom versus 30.4.
• CX-90 wins on standard AWD and mpg: AWD comes on every CX-90 from $39,300, and its gas models are rated 25 mpg versus 20 for a Telluride AWD.
• Hybrid choices differ: the Telluride Hybrid gets 31 mpg AWD with no plug; the CX-90 PHEV gets 26 miles of electric range and 56 MPGe if you charge it.
• Warranty: Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage doubles Mazda's 5-year/60,000-mile.

Telluride vs. CX-90: Side by Side

2027 Telluride data from Kia; 2026 CX-90 data from Mazda, as of October 2026 (no 2027 CX-90 announced). MSRP excludes destination ($1,545 Kia, $1,645 Mazda). Kia's cargo figures include under-floor space.

Price and Value

The base prices nearly match: $39,190 for a front-drive Telluride LX and $39,300 for a CX-90 with AWD. If you need AWD, the Mazda is the cheaper way in; the least expensive AWD Telluride is the S AWD at $44,090.

Moving up, the Telluride packs more family space per dollar. An EX AWD at $45,790 seats eight with ventilated front seats, and the X-Pro SX adds real off-road hardware at $53,690. Mazda's plug-in hybrid starts at $50,695.

Power and Fuel Economy

The CX-90's inline-six feels smooth and strong, with 280 hp, or 340 hp in the Turbo S on premium fuel. The Telluride's 274-hp turbo makes more torque low in the rev range and runs on regular fuel.

Gas for gas, the CX-90's mild-hybrid six is more efficient (25 vs. 20 mpg AWD). The Telluride Hybrid flips that at 31 mpg AWD without plugging in. The CX-90 PHEV is the pick if you can charge at home and most trips are under 26 miles.

Space and Seating

This is the Telluride's biggest advantage. It has 7.4 cu ft more space behind the third row, 8.7 more behind the second row and 15.1 more with both rows folded. Its third row gives 1.7 in. more legroom.

Reviewers note the gap too: Edmunds lists below-average cargo space and a small third row among the CX-90's weaknesses. If you regularly fill all three rows, the Telluride is the easier fit.

Towing and Colorado Capability

• Towing: every gas Telluride tows 5,000 lbs with the Towing Package. The CX-90 tows 5,000 lbs only on Turbo Premium Sport, Premium Plus and Turbo S; other trims and the PHEV are rated 3,500 lbs.
• AWD: standard on every CX-90; optional on the Telluride S and EX and standard on X-Line, X-Pro and SX Prestige trims.
• Trail roads: Mazda offers no off-road trim. The Telluride X-Pro has 9.1 in. of clearance, all-terrain tires and a locking center differential.

Warranty and Ownership

Kia covers the Telluride for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain, plus 10 years/100,000 miles on the hybrid battery. Mazda covers 3 years/36,000 miles, 5 years/60,000 miles and 8 years/100,000 miles on the PHEV battery.

Where the CX-90 Wins

The CX-90 has real strengths:

• AWD standard on every trim, from $39,300.
• Better gas fuel economy (25 vs. 20 mpg AWD).
• Smooth inline-six power, up to 340 hp in the Turbo S.
• A plug-in hybrid with 26 miles of electric range.
• A more upscale, sporty feel that reviewers often praise.

Which Should You Buy?

Compare the Telluride at Emich Kia

Load your gear and your family into a Telluride at Emich Kia; the cargo difference is easy to see in person.

• Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
• Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
• Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.

Telluride vs. CX-90: FAQ

Drive the 2027 Telluride

Shop the Telluride and Telluride Hybrid in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the CX-90.