2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

During our time in Texas, we evaluated the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with fresh interior colours such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its mildly aggressive off-road appearance.

Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with the most significant change being the available digital instrumentation panel and the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These were housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the interior a modern feel. Other interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured their names embossed on the front seatbacks. In Canada, the Telluride was available in EX, SX, SX Limited, X-Line, and X-Pro trims, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX and reaching $62,795 for the X-Pro, excluding a $1,950 destination charge.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment, offering a stylish design and high-quality materials that gave it a luxury feel. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model was set to be replaced by the CX-50, a strategic move by Mazda to transition its loyal customers to the new model. The CX-5 exuded quality and sophistication across all trims, not just the top-of-the-line model tested.

Buyers had a choice between the standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine or the more powerful 256-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, available in the 2.5 Turbo Sport Design and 2.5 Turbo Signature trims. The Canadian lineup ranged from the GX at $31,250 to the GT at $39,850, with six versions available. The 2.5 Turbo Signature test vehicle featured Rhodium White metallic paint, Cocoa Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a rear bumper guard, bringing the MSRP to $46,755, including a $1,995 destination charge. Despite its high price, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature was deemed worthy compared to its rivals.

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 for even power distribution. The V6 engine provided ample motivation, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres during a drive that included heavy traffic and twisty roads. The X-Pro, which included off-roading, returned 11.5 L/100 km. Official fuel economy ratings suggested 11.4 L/100 km in combined driving.

Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities by raising the suspension 10 mm, improving approach and departure angles, and modifying the traction control system. 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 in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns. The steering in Sport mode was firm, but overall, the Telluride was a pleasure to drive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The official fuel economy rating was 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged engine delivering 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, with a fuel economy rating of 9.8 L/100 km.

Mazda's updates to the CX-5 included increased structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, reduced interior noise, and a revised transmission for better performance. These changes made the CX-5 feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium. The CX-5 excelled on paved roads, offering a firm, connected ride with responsive steering and brakes. However, the turbo engine's fuel consumption was higher than expected, returning 11.0 L/100 km during a mountainous test drive.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride provided ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity. With the third row folded, cargo space increased to 1,304 litres, and with both rear rows down, it reached 2,455 litres.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. All trims featured a height-adjustable driver’s seat, with power adjustment available on higher trims. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, cramped rear-seat head and legroom, and less cargo space than some rivals. The cargo area offered 871 litres behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the back seat folded, which was less than many mainstream competitors but more than some entry-luxury models.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system's voice recognition performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were also available. The optional head-up display offered a larger viewing area with additional information.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, the system lacked a helpful voice recognition feature, and its physical controls were awkward to use. The control knob required multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it more distracting than a touchscreen. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Most trims included SiriusXM, and upper trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The test vehicle also had a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. The SUV also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding Lane Change Assist. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured i-Activsense driver assistance technology, with most features standard across the lineup. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status and alerts. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for automatic collision notification. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings in all assessments, and the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick ranking.