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You might be able to hear the Kia Telluride shaking in its boots if you listen quietly because the Mazda CX-90 is rolling into town. The Kia Telluride has been the head honcho for a long time, but we reckon that the 2023 Mazda CX-90 is about to change things. 

2023 Mazda CX-90 vs. 2023 Kia Telluride 

Our week with the 2023 Mazda CX-50 was a preview of bigger things to come, such as the Mazda CX-90. The CX-50 is a larger, rugged version of the Mazda CX-5, and the CX-90 will be a larger Mazda CX-9. 

Mazda did impressive things with their first larger SUV targeted at Americans, making us excited for the CX-90. It’s possible that the Kia Telluride could have its first real challenger in years. 

The Mazda CX-9 has tried to pass the Kia Telluride in the top SUV rankings but falls short due to having less passenger space and cargo space than the Telluride. But the larger CX-90 could change the entire game. 

Will the Mazda CX-90 have a better performance than the Kia Telluride? 

It’s possible that the 2023 Mazda CX-90 could provide a sportier and more engaging experience than the Kia Telluride. We aren’t saying the Telluride is boring, but a little extra juice couldn’t hurt. 

The Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. This is average for the class. 

It can provide a bit of a dull experience with a firm ride. The Telluride can feel like a larger SUV, but the body roll is limited. It has confident brakes, though with eight includes of ground clearance and the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

The Mazda CX-90 will probably provide a sportier experience with less body roll, a faster acceleration, and plenty of grip for cornering. It could have steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters like the rest of the lineup to enhance control and fun. 

Mazda has turbocharged engines down to a science. Clues indicate that inline-six, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants are in the works, but we don’t have the official specs. The Mazda CX-50 is offered with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. 

Plus, the CX-90 could come with all-wheel drive and more off-roading capabilities, while the Kia Telluride X-Line is primarily an appearance package, but the Telluride X-Pro features serious off-roading upgrades.

How much does the CX-90 cost? 

Official pricing for the 2023 Mazda CX-90 hasn’t been released, but we will update you as soon as we get the correct numbers. The Mazda CX-9 starts at about $35,290, and we hope the larger CX-90 doesn’t increase the price too much. 

You can get started with a Kia Telluride for about $33,090, but the CX-90 may include more value. For example, all-wheel drive is standard with each Mazda SUV. Also, Mazda aims to provide luxury quality at more affordable prices. 

Both the Mazda CX-70 and the Mazda CX-90 are expected to arrive by the end of 2022. We should learn more about these larger models any day now. Until then, know that big things are on the way.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.