If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV in Kalamazoo, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride might be on your shortlist. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2027 Kia Telluride both seat up to eight passengers and tow up to 5,000 pounds in the right configuration. Where the Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride split is in their engine options and how they feel on the road.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Mazda CX-90 offers an available plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with 26 miles of all-electric range.
- The 2027 Kia Telluride features a redesigned 2.5-liter turbo-four engine and an optional turbo-hybrid setup.
- The Mazda CX-90 utilizes a longitudinal, rear-biased platform for sportier handling , while the Telluride uses a front-drive-based layout aimed at highway cruising.
- Mazda earned the top IIHS safety rating under new, tougher criteria for both the CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV.
Engine Specs and Performance Comparison
When comparing performance, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2027 Kia Telluride take different approaches to power and efficiency.
| Feature | 2025 Mazda CX-90 | 2027 Kia Telluride |
| Standard Engine | 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six (mild-hybrid) | 2.5-liter turbo-four |
| Standard Horsepower | 280 hp (340 hp on Turbo S with premium fuel) | 274 hp |
| Standard Torque | 332 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Hybrid Option | 323 hp PHEV with 26 miles of all-electric range | 329 hp Turbo-Hybrid (estimated 35 MPG combined) |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
The Kia Telluride hybrid is highly efficient, but if cutting gas station trips in half matters to you, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV is the only choice with all-electric range.
Handling and Suspension Differences
The Mazda CX-90 sits on a longitudinal, rear-biased platform with double wishbone front suspension and standard AWD on every trim. The CX-90 also utilizes Kinematic Posture Control, borrowed from the MX-5 Miata, which brakes the inner rear wheel mid-corner to reduce body roll.
The Kia Telluride uses a transverse, front-drive-based layout with MacPherson struts. The Telluride features a softer tune aimed at highway cruising, making it comfortable on I-94. However, a test drive on winding roads will show you the Mazda CX-90 responds like a different class of vehicle.
Interior Features and Technology
Inside the cabin, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 focuses on tactile luxury, offering Nappa leather, real maple wood, and Kakenui hanging stitches that add depth to the dash on upper trims. The CX-90 also features Mazda’s Driver Personalization System, which uses facial recognition to automatically set your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel the moment you sit down.
Kia went digital, fitting the 2027 Telluride with a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display and available in-car entertainment streaming.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
Mazda earned more IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other brand for 2026, the third year running. Both the CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV earned that top rating under toughened criteria covering nighttime pedestrian detection, heavier side-impact testing, and rear-seat protection. Every CX-90 includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist as standard equipment.
The Kia Telluride also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ on select trims. The Telluride offers Highway Driving Assist 2 and radar-based rear occupant alerts higher in the lineup. While both are safe vehicles, the Mazda CX-90’s across-the-board standardization gives it an edge.
Come See the Difference at Our Kalamazoo Dealership
Specs and comparisons only go so far. The best way to understand which SUV fits your life is to get behind the wheel. Stop by our Kalamazoo dealership and take the 2026 Mazda CX-90 for a drive. We think the inline-six engine alone will make the decision easy.
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