2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to the buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly the X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue and interior colours such as Terracotta added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a unique grille design, raised roof rails, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass piece. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options. The base GX model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model had the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, which produced 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was refined, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting. The V6 easily motivated the Telluride, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line. The X-Pro was less efficient, returning 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance and off-road performance. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled on highways, offering a soft, smooth ride with minimal wind noise.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when folded. The centre console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom for short-to-medium trips, though they lacked the headroom of the larger CX-5.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles had premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row was comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many midsize SUVs. The Telluride offered a "smart" power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick in the centre console, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive. However, the lack of touch functionality made it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating between presets was challenging, even after setting them up, and the system could be distracting for new users.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn't adjust climate controls. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride featured Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and digital-key technology. A Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area were also available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic started moving.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher grades offered traffic-sign recognition, parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The adaptive cruise control system could reduce speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added a Lane Change Assist function. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.