Mazda CX-5 vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 was a visual standout in its segment, thanks to its evolved Kodo design language, which Mazda referred to as "Wearable Gear." This design gave the CX-5 a sculpted and purposeful appearance, with a Signature Wing grille that seamlessly flowed into new LED headlights. The rear featured angular lighting that tied the CX-5 to Mazda's larger models, and a new "MAZDA" script badge replaced the traditional logo. Despite its attractive design, the wheel options were underwhelming, with the base 17-inch wheels appearing small on the larger body and the 19-inch units lacking intricate detailing. Inside, the CX-5 continued Mazda's tradition of high interior quality, featuring a clean dashboard design, a prominent central touchscreen, and a driver-focused cockpit. The materials were generally upscale, with soft-touch surfaces and a two-tone interior option on upper trims. However, the presence of hard plastic in certain areas slightly detracted from the otherwise premium feel.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions. Its grille, spanning the entire width of the front end, was particularly divisive. The vehicle's personality changed significantly depending on the colour and trim level, with body-coloured vertical strakes at each edge. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks, both featuring distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique faceted fender sculpting and black plastic tabs atop each wheel well, which some found unnecessary. The rear view adopted a different style with rounded corners and vertical taillights, reminiscent of a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though the labeling on some buttons was difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding material quality was excellent for the class.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5's performance was a mixed bag. It was powered by a carryover SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While these figures were adequate on paper, the engine felt underpowered in practice, especially given the vehicle's weight of 1,747 kilograms. The lack of power was noticeable during highway merging and passing maneuvers, with a 0-96 km/h time of 9.6 seconds, making it the slowest in its segment. The six-speed automatic transmission was smooth but lacked the responsiveness of competitors' eight-speed units. The absence of the previous generation's turbocharged engine was a disappointment, though Mazda confirmed a hybrid variant for 2027. Despite the power deficit, the CX-5 excelled in handling, with direct steering, well-managed body roll, and a sense of agility. Ride quality was firm yet comfortable, and improved insulation reduced road and wind noise. However, its fuel economy figures were among the highest in the segment, with competitors offering better efficiency.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered a more powerful and refined performance. The standard model featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid variant added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. The hybrid powertrain provided ample power and a quieter ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas modes. Both Telluride models were tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride. The X-Pro model, with its off-road suspension, was surprisingly comfortable, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride due to its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, instilling confidence, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment, but brake response was immediate during panic stops.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5's dimensional growth translated into a more spacious interior. The wheelbase stretch improved rear knee clearance to 1,012 millimetres, addressing previous criticisms. A 6'1" test driver found ample space in any seat, with rear headroom at 1,007 mm without the sunroof, the best in its class. Cargo space increased to 954 litres behind the second row and 1,882 litres with the seats folded, though it trailed some competitors. Practical touches included a standard rearview camera, roof rails, and a hands-free power liftgate on the GT trim. However, towing capacity decreased to 680 kilograms, lagging behind rivals.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low seat cushions. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, providing comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride could hold up to 631 litres of cargo behind the third row, with a total capacity of 2,528 litres with seats folded. Towing capacity was impressive at 2,268 kilograms for the standard model and 2,040 kilograms for the hybrid. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large centre bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5's infotainment system was a significant upgrade, featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen on all trims, with a 15.6-inch unit available on the GT trim. The system included Google built-in, offering native Google Maps, Google Gemini AI voice assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though its execution was lacking. The absence of a physical volume knob was a drawback, and the climate control interface was suboptimal. Higher trims added a Bose audio system, SiriusXM, and advanced features like a 360-degree View Monitor.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The system included native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required firm taps and had some delays. The climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. A 14-speaker Meridian audio system was optional, delivering powerful and clear sound.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive standard safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitors, and more. The GT trim added an adaptive front-lighting system, while the Premium Package included advanced features like front cross-traffic alert and a driver monitoring system. Crash test results were pending, but the outgoing model had a strong safety record.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was expected to include standard safety features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was effective on long trips. Crash test scores were not available at the time of writing.