Mazda CX-90 vs Kia Telluride
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 and Kia Telluride both sit in the three-row family SUV sweet spot around $35,500 used, offering premium feel and versatility at a non-luxury price. Shoppers routinely cross-shop these two because both punch above their weight in interior quality and safety, yet they differ meaningfully in powertrain philosophy, reliability track record, and long-term cost. Understanding the true 5-year ownership picture beyond the sticker price can easily reveal a $4,000–$6,000 difference between these two compelling choices.
The Kia Telluride edges out the CX-90 on 5-year cost of ownership primarily due to lower insurance premiums, a simpler naturally-aspirated V6 drivetrain that avoids the CX-90's plug-in hybrid complexity and higher repair costs, and stronger real-world resale retention on a proven platform.
2024 Mazda CX-90
- Turbocharged inline-6 delivers excellent fuel economy for a 3-row SUV (~26 mpg combined)
- Mazda's upscale interior commands relatively solid resale on the used market
- Standard driver-assist tech keeps insurance discounts accessible
- PHEV trim complexity raises maintenance and repair costs vs. naturally aspirated rivals
- Higher insurance rates due to luxury-adjacent brand positioning and repair cost estimates
- Relatively new nameplate means less long-term reliability data, adding ownership uncertainty
2024 Kia Telluride
Winner- Proven 3.8L Lambda V6 with years of reliability data and affordable parts
- Lower insurance premiums vs. CX-90 due to simpler powertrain and lower repair costs
- Exceptional resale value — consistently top-tier in the midsize SUV segment
- V6 returns only ~21 mpg combined, costing more at the pump than the CX-90
- Routine maintenance intervals are similar to competitors but dealer labor rates can vary
- High demand means well-optioned used examples still depreciate slowly, limiting deal upside
Category by category
The verdict
Over five years the Kia Telluride costs roughly $2,460 less to own than the Mazda CX-90 at the same purchase price, driven by lower insurance, superior resale, and a bulletproof powertrain. The CX-90 fights back with noticeably better fuel economy and a more refined, driver-focused feel that justifies the modest premium for some buyers. If total cost of ownership is the priority, the Telluride wins; if driving dynamics and fuel efficiency matter more, the CX-90 is worth the extra spend.
Mazda CX-90: The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is best for the driver who prioritizes a near-luxury driving experience, wants better fuel efficiency in a 3-row SUV, and doesn't mind a newer nameplate with slightly less long-term data.
Kia Telluride: The 2024 Kia Telluride is best for the value-focused family buyer who wants a proven, reliable three-row SUV with lower insurance costs, strong resale, and a worry-free powertrain over the long haul.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better resale value, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 or Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride holds its value slightly better, consistently ranking in the top tier of midsize SUVs for resale per KBB and ALG, while the CX-90 is still building its resale reputation as a newer nameplate.
Is the Mazda CX-90 more expensive to insure than the Kia Telluride?
Yes, the CX-90 typically costs $150–$300 more per year to insure due to higher parts and repair costs associated with its turbocharged inline-6 and luxury-adjacent brand positioning.
How does fuel economy compare between the CX-90 and Telluride?
The Mazda CX-90 averages approximately 26 mpg combined versus the Telluride's 21 mpg combined, saving the CX-90 owner roughly $600–$700 in fuel costs over five years at current average US gas prices.
Which SUV is more reliable, the CX-90 or the Telluride?
The Telluride's proven 3.8L V6 gives it a reliability edge backed by years of consumer data, while the CX-90's newer inline-6 and optional PHEV system are strong but have less long-term history to draw from.
Are Mazda CX-90 maintenance costs higher than the Kia Telluride?
Maintenance costs are broadly similar, but the CX-90's turbocharged and PHEV variants can carry higher repair costs if issues arise, whereas the Telluride's naturally aspirated V6 is simpler and often cheaper to service at independent shops.