2023 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and redesigned wheels. The SUV was available in new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered fresh hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model further enhanced its off-road appeal with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass panel, giving the interior a modern touch. Minor interior updates included new colours, trim changes, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with a stretched wheelbase. The CX-50 featured square wheel arches and fake air vents, giving it a fresh look compared to the older CX-5. The Meridian Edition, which we tested, enhanced the active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior was pleasing, with an infotainment screen on a shelf and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50's aspirations to be more upscale were still a work in progress, with standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat reminding buyers of Mazda's traditional market position.

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. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The X-Pro model was equipped for off-road adventures with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth and quiet, with some wind noise at highway speeds, and the SUV performed well off-road, showcasing its capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. The turbo models also featured a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered overall.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated 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 seating and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered ample storage space, with a smart power tailgate and generous cargo capacity, ranging from 601 litres behind the third row to 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While the CX-50 had more cargo space than the CX-5 with the second row up, it trailed most competitors. The available power liftgate improved cargo access, but the cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, despite the substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride featured Driver Talk and 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 available, along with an optional head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, reminding drivers when traffic started moving.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment, but the rotary controller provided physical feedback. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, Highway Drive Assist, and collision avoidance systems were available. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the CX-50 had a five-star frontal crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, with optional features like a 360-degree camera system.