The Kia Telluride is an exceptionally well-built three-row midsize SUV. Launched in 2019, the utilitarian has received accolades like World Car Of The Year alongside several notable mentions. Named after Colorado’s ski town, Kia’s award-winning SUV is among the best-selling in its segment.
If sales reports are factored in, Kia sold nearly 64,000 Tellurides until August 2022, a noticeable increase relative to 2021. Per CNN, demand for the Kia Telluride is so high that supply can't keep up. Let’s just say that with the Telluride, Kia has devised the automotive equivalent of a grand slam.
Mazda’s three-row CX-9 has enough material to warrant its competition in the midsize SUV space. It’s been in the business for quite some time, although sales haven’t been the best versus the Telluride. That said, Mazda did manage to shift 30,000 of these so far in 2022, which is respectable.
Seeing as both cars have a decent following, it’s only logical that we pit them against each other. Our interest, however, lies predominantly in comparing their interiors. The Telluride receives a minor refresh for 2023, while the Mazda remains relatively unchanged. Can the CX-9 outdeliver on the interior front or is the Telluride still a better pick? Let’s find out.
2023 Kia Telluride Vs Mazda CX-9: Who Has Better Interiors?
Better, shall we say, is quite a subjective term. Some might prefer the Mazda’s under-the-radar setup versus the Kia’s fairly contemporary looks. Although, if we were to keep things fair, both SUVs have relatively good-looking and plush interiors. We particularly like the CX-9’s semi-quilted affair around the seat edges as well as the Telluride’s unique stitching pattern. A choice of open pore wood or metal inlays can be had to further enhance the richness on offer.
Both SUVs look really upmarket, although the Kia does edge out in terms of overall feel. The CX-9 is, dare we say, slightly outdated when it comes to the dashboard, infotainment, and general interior layout. Things do feel well put together, however, Mazda’s rationale for a relatively small infotainment screen and the lack of a digital gauge cluster, especially in 2022, is a bit questionable.
For MY2023, the Telluride gets dual 12.3-inch displays—one for infotainment and the other for instrument readouts. Inside, the Telluride is as luxurious as any full-size SUV. You get ample amounts of head and legroom along with a useable third row. Cargo space is aplenty with 21 cu.ft with all seats up. That increases to 46 cu.ft with the third-row flat and 87 cu.ft as you fold down the second row. The CX-9 offers only 14.4 cubic feet to 71.2 with all the seats down. Also, the third row is less useful in the CX-9 and stands out as more of a “ticked the box” exercise.
2023 Kia Telluride Vs Mazda CX-9: What about the Tech Inside?
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Both SUVs are not short of features. You get all forms of smartphone connectivity like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment units in both cars are easy to use, but the Kia’s UVO software offers slightly better graphics. As for comfort and convenience features, both the Telluride and CX-9 come equipped with all the fancy items.
You get power-adjustable front seats, a power-operated rear liftgate, leather upholstery, keyless entry with push-button start, a 360-degree surround-view system, wireless charging, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems. However, the 2023 Telluride ups the luxury quotient by offering a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and Harman/Kardon stereo on upper trim levels. So in this department, it’s Kia that’s clearly a step above its Japanese counterpart.
2023 Kia Telluride Vs Mazda CX-9: What about the Exterior Design and Powertrain?
Kia has definitely brought in their A-game when designing the Telluride. Akin to its corporate sibling, the Palisade, the Telluride boasts a rather macho and boxy appeal, as opposed to the CX-9’s understated and tighter proportions. Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille dominates the front fascia with sharp lines defining the muscular fenders. Newly redesigned headlights (for 2023) further accentuate the imposing appeal of the crossover.
The CX-9, on the other hand, is modest and features signature Mazda design elements like the grille and slim, swept-back headlights. The side profile is less-boxy and looks contemporary versus the Telluride’s slab-sided design. Kia has redesigned the rear taillights of the new 2023 Telluride, making it more appealing than it previously was. Mazda, however, decided to keep the CX-9 visually unchanged for 2023.
As for engines, the 2023 Kia Telluride uses the same 3.8L naturally aspirated V-6 making 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 makes use of a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of twist. In terms of driving experience, the Mazda clearly has an edge over the Telluride, as stated by multiple journalists. But as a comfortable seven-seater, the Kia Telluride is the better pick.
Sources: Kia, Mazda