2026 MAZDA CX-90 vs Kia Telluride
Shopping for a three-row SUV is about more than passenger space—it’s about finding the right balance of performance, capability, and everyday practicality. When comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 and the Kia Telluride, differences in powertrain options and cargo versatility quickly begin to stand out. See how these family-focused SUVs stack up with the team at The Autobarn Mazda of Evanston.
Three Powertrains Built for Different Driving Needs
Not every three-row SUV lets you choose how much power sits under the hood, but the 2026 Mazda CX-90 does. Its standard 3.3 Turbo configuration produces 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel from an e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with M Hybrid Boost technology. The 3.3 Turbo S setup raises that to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, while the plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 68-kW electric motor, and a 17.8-kWh battery for up to 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Telluride offers one engine across every trim: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Traction That Comes Standard
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes standard with rear-biased i-Activ AWD® and an eight-speed automatic transmission, so every trim is ready for changing road conditions without an upgrade. The Kia Telluride offers all-wheel drive only on select trims, with front-wheel drive standard elsewhere. That means if you want the same level of traction as the new Mazda model offers, it’ll require an upgrade.
Cargo Room for Every Seating Configuration
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 adapts to family trips and grocery runs alike, with cargo volume reaching up to 75.2 cubic feet when you fold the rear rows flat. The 3.3 Turbo Select and Preferred trims seat eight, while Premium Sport and Premium Plus trims can be configured for seven or eight passengers. Options including a hands-free power liftgate with programmable height and a 120-volt power outlet make its cargo area much more utile than many competitors.
Find Your 2026 MAZDA CX-90 in Evanston, IL
As your Mazda dealership in Evanston, IL, our team can walk you through every Mazda CX-90 trim and powertrain. Three engine choices, standard i-Activ AWD®, and flexible cargo space give you more to work with in the 2026 Mazda CX-90 than the Kia Telluride offers. Flexible Mazda financing can help you find a payment that fits your budget, so schedule a test drive to see which powertrain suits how you drive.