2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model, adding a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that divided opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with different color and trim options, with body-colored vertical strakes that could appear jarring in lighter shades. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and featured distinctive amber accent lights. The Telluride's side profile showcased unique faceted fender sculpting, while the rear adopted a Range Rover-like style with rounded corners and vertical taillights. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, offering a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, with its optional Executive package, added a luxurious touch reminiscent of Volvo, though some buttons were difficult to read.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive but wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing a familiar and reliable performance. Acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in 7.5 to 8 seconds, similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning allowed for engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm ride quality that remained smooth and quiet on highways.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid version added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a six-speed transmission and offered a smooth and quiet ride. The Telluride Hybrid excelled in comfort, with a luxuriously smooth ride and minimal wind noise at highway speeds. On winding roads, it was composed and controllable, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment, but brake response was immediate in panic stops.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample front seat space, but rear seat headroom and legroom were less generous compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, but cargo space was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, falling short of the class average. Despite this, the CX-50's cargo area was usable, with a standard power liftgate and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The Telluride's cargo capacity was competitive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the second-row seatbacks folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride also offered thoughtful storage solutions, including a large center bin and deployable cupholders.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a dial on the center console, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup was reminiscent of early infotainment systems and appealed to those who preferred tactile controls. All models came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. The base audio system featured eight speakers, while the Premium trim offered a 12-speaker Bose system.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it occasionally required a hard tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customization options through brand collaborations, allowing users to personalize the screen's appearance. A 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system was available on higher trims, delivering powerful and clear sound.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The non-hybrid 2024 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, all of which performed well during testing.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The highway driving assist was particularly effective, though the blind-spot cameras were considered distracting.