2026 Mazda CX-90 vs. Kia Telluride: Which Three-Row SUV Wins?

The Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride are two of the most talked-about three-row SUVs on the market, and 2026 makes the comparison even more interesting. Kia gave the Telluride its biggest update since launch, dropping its longtime V6 for a new turbocharged engine, while the CX-90 continues to lean on its near-luxury cabin and turbocharged inline-six. Here’s a full breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Mazda of Conshohocken to help you decide which three-row SUV fits your family.

Quick Comparison: 2026 CX-90 vs. 2026 Telluride

• Starting MSRP
  • CX-90: $38,800
  • Telluride: around $39,190
• Standard Engine
  • CX-90: 3.3L Turbo I6, 280 hp / 332 lb-ft
  • Telluride: new 2.5L Turbo I4, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft (replacing the previous V6)
• Top Available Engine
  • CX-90 Turbo S: 340 hp / 369 lb-ft
  • Telluride Hybrid (arriving later in 2026): up to 329 hp combined
• Plug-In Hybrid
  • CX-90 PHEV: 323 hp, ~27 miles electric range, available now
  • Telluride: no plug-in hybrid offered
• Drivetrain
  • CX-90: standard AWD on every trim
  • Telluride: FWD standard, AWD optional (standard on X-Line and X-Pro)
• Max Towing
  • CX-90: up to 5,000 lbs
  • Telluride: up to 5,000 lbs (5,500 lbs on X-Pro)
• Seating
  • CX-90: up to 8 passengers
  • Telluride: up to 8 passengers

Standard AWD: The CX-90’s Biggest Advantage

This is where the CX-90 pulls ahead in a way that matters for everyday driving. Every 2026 CX-90 comes with all-wheel drive standard, no exceptions and no upcharge. The redesigned Telluride, on the other hand, starts as a front-wheel-drive SUV, with AWD offered as an option except on the X-Line and X-Pro trims, where it comes standard. For Conshohocken-area families who want all-weather traction built in without needing to check the trim sheet carefully, the CX-90 makes that decision for you.

Power and Electrification: The CX-90 Has It Now

Both SUVs bring real power to the table. The CX-90’s standard turbo inline-six edges out the Telluride’s new turbo four-cylinder in both horsepower and torque (280 hp / 332 lb-ft vs. 274 hp / 311 lb-ft), and the CX-90’s available Turbo S pushes that to 340 hp. But the bigger difference is electrification. Mazda already offers a CX-90 PHEV with 323 horsepower and roughly 27 miles of electric-only range, available today. Kia has announced a Telluride Hybrid pushing past 300 combined horsepower, but as of this writing it’s expected to arrive later in 2026, meaning Telluride shoppers who want an electrified option may have to wait.

To Be Fair: Where the Telluride Holds Its Own

The redesigned Telluride is a genuinely strong SUV in its own right. Its X-Pro trim offers up to 5,500 lbs of towing capacity, slightly ahead of the CX-90’s 5,000-lb maximum, along with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, an electronic limited-slip differential, and an underbody camera for light off-roading. Kia’s interior work continues to draw comparisons to vehicles costing far more, with tri-zone climate control, premium audio, and ventilated seats available on upper trims. The Telluride also carries a strong reputation for safety and reliability, and Kia’s redesign brought a genuinely modern turbocharged powertrain to replace the aging V6.

The Verdict

Both of these three-row SUVs are strong choices for growing families, and the redesigned Telluride raises the bar in this segment. But for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive on every trim without paying extra, more standard horsepower and torque, and a genuine plug-in hybrid option available right now, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes out ahead. The Telluride remains an excellent pick for families who want maximum towing capacity on the X-Pro or Kia’s dedicated off-road hardware, but if all-weather confidence and electrification matter most today, the CX-90 is the stronger overall package.

See the 2026 Mazda CX-90 for Yourself

Visit John Kennedy Mazda of Conshohocken to test drive the CX-90 and see how it compares to the Telluride in person.

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Proudly Serving Conshohocken and the Surrounding Communities

John Kennedy Mazda of Conshohocken is a convenient stop for CX-90 shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We’re proud to serve drivers from:

• Conshohocken, PA
• West Conshohocken, PA
• Plymouth Meeting, PA
• Norristown, PA
• Bridgeport, PA
• Lafayette Hill, PA
• Blue Bell, PA
• Whitemarsh, PA
• King of Prussia, PA
• Ambler, PA
• Villanova, PA
• Spring House, PA
• Fort Washington, PA

No matter which of these communities you call home, our Conshohocken showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Mazda inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers.

Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Mazda USA, Kia.com, and dealer network reporting on the redesigned 2026 Telluride. Kia’s exact 2026 Telluride pricing, hybrid availability, and specifications were still being finalized as of publication and are subject to change. Specs and pricing do not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Mazda of Conshohocken for current pricing, incentives, and availability.

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