While the Kia Telluride comes standard with a powerful V6 engine, the Mazda CX-9 delivers an engine with a solid reputation for reliability.

The Skyactiv®-G 2.5-liter Turbo engine is a high-performing engine that’s also efficient in its consumption of fuel. Its exceptional 310 lb-ft of torque makes it more responsive than the Telluride engine’s 262 lb-ft of torque.

The Mazda CX-9 features standard i-Activ AWD®, which enhances handling, driving dynamics, and control for confidence behind the wheel. Meanwhile, the Telluride comes standard with front-wheel drive and makes Active On-Demand All-Wheel Drive available. For optimal grip on the road without an upgrade, choose the Mazda CX-9.

So, which model will help you drive the most miles? When comparing their AWD configurations, the answer is clear.

• MAZDA CX-9 mileage: EPA-estimated 20 city/26 highway MPG^*
• Kia Telluride Mileage: EPA-estimated 18 city/24 highway MPG

The Mazda offers more miles in both city and highway driving, plus a bigger fuel tank capacity at 19.5 gallons. The Kia, on the other hand, only has an 18.8-gallon fuel tank.

Each one comes standard with a luxurious leather-wrapped steering wheel. So, as you drive, you can hang on to supple upholstery. The Mazda CX-9, however, also comes with a standard leather shift knob.

The driver’s seat in the Mazda CX-9 has standard 8-way power adjustability, a feature that’s available in the Kia. To warm up on chilly days or soothe sore muscles, the Mazda CX-9 also has standard heated front seats—another feature only optional in the Telluride. While both SUVs have climate control features, the Mazda’s 3-zone automatic climate control caters to riders in all areas of the vehicle compared to the Kia’s dual-zone automatic climate control.

When it comes to interior space, each SUV is quite roomy with enough storage space for you and your guests. Both models have 60/40 split second-row seats. However, with the Mazda, you’ll have 50/50 split seatbacks in the third row, while a 60/40 split is present in the Telluride’s third row.

The evenly split third-row seats in the Mazda allow you to equally divvy up space for both cargo and one passenger in the rear row, if needed. The Kia’s split function may leave the potential rear-row passenger feeling more cramped.

In each vehicle, you’ll enjoy dynamic infotainment systems that will keep you tapped into your favorite tunes, but the Mazda CX-9 makes tuning in a bit more convenient.

Both SUVs have standard access to Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. They also both have standard touchscreens that are at least 10.25 inches.

On their base trims, the Mazda CX-9 and the Telluride both include six speakers, which helps everyone in the cabin hear the tunes with ease. However, if you want to fully immerse yourself into your current podcast or audiobook, sound system upgrades are available on either model.

The available premium sound system in the Telluride has 10 speakers, while the Mazda offers an available 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system for a top-notch listening experience.