2021 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2022 Kia Telluride Comparison

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 and the 2022 Kia Telluride are popular 3-row SUVs that blend style and performance. Here’s how they stack up.

2021 Mazda CX-9

2021 Mazda CX-9 Starting Price: $34,160 | Price yours or View listings near you.

Above Average: Sharp styling, good handling, and standard active-safety features.

Below Average: Cargo space; third row is strictly for kids

Consensus: The 2021 Mazda CX-9 stands apart from the 3-row herd with its spirited handling, sleek exterior design, and upscale cabin. Cargo space and third-row accommodations are somewhat limited.

2022 Kia Telluride

2022 Kia Telluride Starting Price: $32,790 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Plenty of room; standard V6 power; available all-wheel drive; well-equipped; seating for seven or eight passengers; long warranty.

Below Average: No hybrid option.

Consensus: Spacious, affordable, well-equipped, and well-mannered, the 2022 Kia Telluride has plenty to offer.

CX-9 vs. Telluride: Style or Space

Mazda CX-9

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 is the driver’s choice among 3-row SUVs. It boasts precise steering, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. The only engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission in either front- or all-wheel drive. AWD is standard on the top Signature trim. With up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, acceleration is peppy. The tow rating is a bit limited at 3,500 pounds.

The CX-9 is sharply styled outside and richly appointed inside. The third row is tight, though, and behind it is just 14.4 cubic feet of luggage space, expanding to a relatively modest-for-its-size 71.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

Among the standard driver assist features are adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The infotainment system features a 10.25-inch display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.

Entry-level Sport models have a second-row bench and seating for seven passengers, while the Carbon Edition and Signature trims get captain’s chairs and seating for six. Touring and Grand Touring models offer a choice of bench or captain’s chairs in the second row.

Even the base trim comes with heated seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a power driver’s seat. The top two trims get a 360-degree-view camera and navigation, while the Signature boasts Nappa leather with quilted stitching and rosewood trim.

Kia Telluride

With room for up to eight passengers (or seven in higher trims), the 2022 Kia Telluride offers plenty of passenger and cargo space. It’s the sister vehicle to the Hyundai Palisade and shares the same platform. While the Palisade can get slightly more pricey than the Telluride, the Kia offers everything from classy mainstream to value-packed luxury.

The Telluride is so good that it’s won both our 2021 Best Buy and Best 3-Row Midsize SUV awards over the past year. For 2022 it gets a larger infotainment screen and additional standard features to go along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The ride quality is comfortable and agile for a large SUV, and the standard-issue adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist makes long drives easy to manage. The system reads road signs and adjusts the speed as necessary. If you need to do a little offroading, the Telluride can handle it thanks to its 8-inch ground clearance and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

Inside there’s ample space for adults even in the third row. Seats are easy to access whether you have the captain’s chairs layout or the standard bench seat, and the seats are stacked stadium-style so that everyone in the back can see the road ahead.

The Telluride boasts an impressive level of standard safety systems. These features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist are also included.

Similarities

Three-row seating; one engine choice; available AWD; NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings.

2021 Mazda CX-9 Advantages

Spirited handling; fuel economy; upscale interior.

2022 Kia Telluride Advantages

Long warranty; standard V6 power; more interior space; lower base price.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 offers a great blend of upscale styling and some 3-row utility, but most of all, a fun-to-drive character.

The 2022 Kia Telluride offers plenty of room, bold styling, and solid fuel economy at an affordable price.

Ready to buy a Mazda CX-9 or a Kia Telluride? Shop for one on sale now near you

Keyword: 2021 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2022 Kia Telluride Comparison