Midsize 3-row SUVs offer a reasonable compromise for families who need 3-row seating but don’t want a minivan. The competition has been heating up in this segment in recent years, and two strong contenders are the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride. However, they have different sets of strengths you should know about if you’re considering a new SUV.
Let’s take a close look at the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Kia Telluride and see which is a better fit for you.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 is on the more refined side of this class but isn’t priced like a luxury SUV. In typical Mazda fashion, it’s also one of the more fun to drive with the handling of a smaller vehicle. An efficient plug-in hybrid option is the cherry on top. Pricing starts at $39,300.
Mazda CX-90 Highlights
Powertrain options: The Kia Telluride only has one engine option, but the Mazda CX-90 has three. Two different tunings are available for the standard turbo inline-six engine, with the Turbo S models making a healthy 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a plug-in hybrid option that can go up to 26 miles on electricity alone.
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional in the Kia Telluride, but it’s standard in every Mazda CX-90. This confidence-inspiring all-wheel-drive system brings improved traction in slippery conditions and better grip in spirited driving on dry pavement.
Classy interior: Although we like the Kia Telluride’s interior, too, the Mazda CX-90’s cabin feels a little fancier. The handsome design, quality materials, and modern technology combine to deliver a more luxurious experience than you might expect at this price point.
Read our Mazda CX-90 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-90 models for sale near you.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a repeat winner of our Best Buy Award in this class because it simply does everything well. It has a spacious and comfortable interior, one of our favorite infotainment systems, class-leading warranty coverage, and it even looks great. Pricing starts at $37,585.
Kia Telluride Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Kia Telluride has the best warranty coverage in this class, matched only by the Hyundai Palisade. It’s backed by a reassuring 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Bigger interior: Even though these SUVs are in the same class, the Kia Telluride has much more interior space. The Kia has a little more third-row legroom and significantly more cargo space, with 21 cubic feet of room behind the third row compared to just 14.9 cubic feet in the Mazda.
Rugged X-Pro model: Almost everything in this class seems to have a dedicated off-road variant in its lineup, but the Mazda CX-90 doesn’t. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride X-Pro boasts extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a self-leveling rear suspension system, and a rugged appearance package.
Read our Kia Telluride Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Telluride models for sale near you.
Similarities
These are both midsize 3-row SUVs with six-cylinder engines, albeit turbocharged in the Mazda. Their safety and infotainment tech features are also similar, and they both boast above-average resale value.
Pricing
New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 Prices
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Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$39,500 |
TBD |
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$42,600 |
TBD |
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$48,055 |
TBD |
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$51,055 |
TBD |
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$54,605 |
TBD |
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$58,105 |
TBD |
New 2025 Kia Telluride Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$37,805 |
TBD |
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$40,805 |
TBD |
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$43,505 |
TBD |
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$47,605 |
TBD |
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$47,900 |
TBD |
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$48,800 |
TBD |
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$51,300 |
TBD |
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$52,805 |
TBD |
|||
$54,200 |
TBD |
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$55,100 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-90 vehicles and New 2025 Kia Telluride vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 | 2025 Kia Telluride | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo inline-6 | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Higher output turbo models; plug-in hybrid | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 196.9 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 68.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 38.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.9 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 31.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.2 inches | 61.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 61.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 15.9/40.1/75.2 cubic feet | 21.0/46.0/87.0 cubic feet |
Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about the Mazda CX-90, like its refined interior and lively Turbo S models, but when it comes to everyday family-hauling duty, the Kia Telluride is simply better. It boasts much more cargo space, better warranty coverage, and a more affordable starting price, plus an X-Pro model that can go on adventures that the CX-90 can’t.
