2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

During our time in Texas, we experienced 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, while the interior introduced fresh hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece. The interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, despite its excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding, presented an overall appealing design with short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline. The interior exuded a sense of luxury, with style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, and the infotainment screen was integrated into the dashboard. The CX-30 offered four versions in Canada, with two engine options: a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder for the GX, GS, and GT trims, and a turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 250 hp for the Suna models. Our test car, in the U.S. equivalent of Suna trim, featured an exclusive Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior upholstery, a combination that evoked mixed reactions but worked well on the SUV.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The V6 provided ample power, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the X-Line during a mix of highway and twisty roads. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 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, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the CX-30's acceleration was smooth rather than immediate, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system distributed power effectively. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The CX-30's small 48-litre fuel tank limited its range. The vehicle was fun to drive, offering a nimble and connected ride. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. The CX-30 handled highways smoothly and quietly, with no cabin shudder at high speeds. While not performance-tuned, it tackled back roads with enthusiasm, and its AWD system and ground clearance made it capable of handling challenging trails.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample space, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row was equipped with manual side-window sunshades, 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 competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was ample, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a well-designed interior with quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a highlight, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to use. Gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching added contrast, while Terracotta leather seats with simulated Black suede inserts provided a splash of colour. The interior was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the driver and front passenger enjoyed comfort and ease of entry. Storage space was adequate, with 572 litres of cargo volume behind the back seat. The load floor could be adjusted for more flexibility, and folding the back seat down provided 1,280 litres of volume, comparable to other small SUVs.

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 voice recognition system 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 Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, enhancing communication and comfort. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard in Canada. Digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. The Full Display rear-view mirror and optional head-up display added convenience and safety. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 GT and Suna versions featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with touchscreen functionality. However, the screen's distance from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction involved static displays and controls, but the lack of natural voice recognition limited its effectiveness. All CX-30s in Canada included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services. GT and Suna trims added USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio 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. 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 with stop-and-go capability was standard, with Highway Drive Assist 1.5 providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. Advanced Highway Drive Assist added Lane Change Assist. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated the 2023 Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. However, in Canada, these features were standard only from the GS trim. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The CX-30's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were effective, though the automatic curve speed reduction was overly aggressive. The NHTSA awarded the CX-30 five-star ratings in most assessments, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.