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If you’re in the market for a large family SUV, you have quite a few options. Two premium options are the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Mazda CX-9. These SUVs both offer plenty of amenities, but here’s how they differ.
Right from the start, the first thing you’ll notice is that the 2023 Telluride has a lower starting price than the 2023 CX-9. The CX-9 starts at $38,750 while the Telluride starts at only $35,890 — nearly $3,000 less.1 You can either keep that money to go toward family needs or opt for a higher trim of the 2023 Telluride and still spend less than you would for the base Mazda CX-9.
Both the Telluride and CX-9 are three-row SUVs, making them ideal for large families or those who just need a little more space. However, where they differ is the number of seats they offer. The Mazda CX-9 only has seven total seats available: two in the front, two in the second row, and three in the third row. The Kia Telluride gives you a bit more flexibility with your seating configuration. You can have a seven-seater with second-row captain’s chairs or eight seats, which replaces the captain’s chairs with a second-row bench seat.
In addition to seat flexibility, the Telluride also has more overall headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room across all three rows. To extend that openness in the cabin, the 2023 Kia Telluride also offers optional Open Skies Dual Sunroofs that provide gorgeous views above.
Not only that, but the Telluride offers a total of 87 cubic feet of total cargo room compared to the CX-9’s total 71.2 cubic feet. That means you can haul larger items in the back of the Telluride for all of your weekend adventures.
If you prefer to have the most options possible when it comes to choosing your new vehicle, you’ll be impressed by the 2023 Telluride. It has a total 10 trims that are equipped with all kinds of features and performance specs to match exactly what you need. This includes off-road-ready options like the Telluride X-Line and Telluride X-Pro models that come with exclusive rugged amenities. In comparison, the Mazda CX-9 has just five trims to choose from.
Tech-obsessed drivers may want to turn to the Kia Telluride for its available 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays that beautifully extend across the front console area. For reference, the largest screen in the CX-9 is the 10.25-inch infotainment screen while the instrument display only goes up to 7 inches. In addition, the Telluride also offers a Full-Display Digital Rear-View Mirror that lets you switch between a standard rearview mirror and a camera-based one that helps with backing up.
Safety is also a top feature for the 2023 Telluride, as it comes with 17 standard collision-avoidance and driver-assistance safety systems. Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-9 comes with just seven standard driver-assist features.
Driving dynamics are an essential part of picking a new vehicle. The Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque, and 3,500 pounds of max towing capacity. The Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that generates 291 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque, and a max towing capacity of 5,500 pounds.
For added peace of mind, most new models come with warranties that can repair or replace certain parts of the vehicle. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile New-Vehicle Limited Warranty. However, the 2023 Telluride is backed by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
To learn more about the 2023 Kia Telluride or if you’d like to take one for a test drive, contact our team or come visit us at Lou Fusz Kia of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana!
1) “Starting MSRP” price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual price set by dealer and may vary. See “Build and Price” section for MSRP of model shown and applicable destination and handling charges. Vehicles shown with optional equipment. Some color, package, and option selections may include, exclude, or require the purchase of additional options and packages. See “Features & Specifications” and “Options” pages for details. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time as to vehicle availability, destination, and handling fees, colors, materials, specifications, features, accessories, packages, and models. All exterior and interior images and specifications contained on this website are based on latest product information available at the time of posting and may vary slightly from actual product. See retailer for details.
