Mazda dropped all the information on its newest SUV at the end of last year, but the CX-90 went on sale earlier this month. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 outshines the Kia Telluride in a few ways, even though Kia’s sport utility vehicle has had the top spot for years. What makes the Mazda so impressive? Check out some specs, fuel economy, and interior features below.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 outshines the Kia Telluride in a few ways

Kia has had a hold on the SUV market with its popular Telluride model for the last few years. However, the new 2024 Mazda CX-90 is a force to be reckoned with. Mazda equipped the 2024 CX-90 with plenty of luxury features and materials that make it look more expensive than it is. With an MSRP range of $39,595 to $59,950, it comes in higher than the 2023 Kia Telluride’s MSRP range of $35,890 to $52,985, as reported by Edmunds.

The automaker will offer a few engine types and powertrains, including the new plug-in hybrid model. Fuel numbers for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV are 26 miles of EV range and 490 miles of total range, which is 56 MPGe combined.

The CX-90 3.3 Turbo S gets 23 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. For the 3.3 Turbo, those numbers are 24/28/25. Even though Kia has efficient engines, the Telluride probably won’t be able to beat that. It also does not offer the Telluride in a hybrid or PHEV style yet, but the options for 2024 are not yet confirmed.

The interior of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 outshines the Kia Telluride

Mazda is known for having SUVs that are fun to drive, but the newest model is taking that to another level. With an eight-passenger capacity and plenty of ways to configure it, the interior is more family-friendly than one might expect. The third row can fit two or three passengers, which is handy for those who need extra space. For the second row, a bench seat or captain’s chairs are available.

The CX-90 has 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the cargo area with all the rows up. With the rows folded, the cargo space increases to 75.2 cubic feet of space. There is also under-floor storage for those days you don’t want to leave things out in the open. A rear power liftgate makes life easier, thanks to its hands-free technology. This family SUV also comes with a five-degree include on the cargo floorboard, making it easy to load and unload.

Drivers can configure the Kia Telluride in many ways, which has helped it remain a popular option. Unfortunately, this led to the SUV being in short supply. Some dealerships added a markup or additional fee to the cost of the Kia Telluride to capitalize on its popularity. Kia has been ramping up production, but the Telluride can still be hard to find within budget.

For the best family SUV, reputation is everything

Mazda’s new flagship premium SUV focuses on luxury, value, and comfort. Kia did all these things with the Telluride, but it could use bigger updates. The CX-90 is comfortable and fun to drive while offering a premium experience. This functional family SUV really checks all of the boxes but still comes in under $62,000 for the top-of-the-line version.

Kia has had a few hiccups with the Telluride and its lineup over the past few years, but Mazda has remained relatively out of the drama. All of the automakers’ hard work behind the scenes is apparent with the 2024 Mazda CX-90. Mazda is starting fresh with the CX-90, and the brand’s newest three-row SUV is ready for the pressure.