2026 Mazda CX-90 vs Kia Telluride: Which Offers More for Fort Walton Beach Families?

July 23rd, 2026 by

2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Kia Telluride

Key Points:

  • The 2026 Mazda CX-90 delivers up to 340 horsepower from an inline-6 turbo engine and includes standard i-ACTIV AWD on every trim. The 2026 Kia Telluride uses a V6 with approximately 291 horsepower and makes AWD an optional add-on.
  • Safety is a major differentiator. The CX-90 earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. It also returns an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined, a strong number for a three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive.

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Also Read: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Kia Sportage: Which Compact SUV Should You Buy in Fort Walton Beach?

When you need a three-row SUV that keeps the whole family comfortable on weekend trips to Destin, school carpools through Niceville, and grocery runs along Beal Parkway, two vehicles keep coming up: the Mazda CX-90 and the Kia Telluride. Both are capable. Both have loyal fans. And both seat up to eight.

So how do you pick one? We looked at the specs and features pulled directly from each manufacturer to break down this Mazda CX-90 vs Kia Telluride comparison. The CX-90 comes out ahead in several areas that matter most to families along the Gulf Coast.

A Turbocharged Inline-6 vs. a Naturally Aspirated V6

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 uses an e-SKYACTIV-G 3.3L Turbo Inline-6 engine. The 3.3 Turbo models produce 280 horsepower and 332 lb.-ft. of torque on regular fuel. Move to the 3.3 Turbo S models and output climbs to 340 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. with premium fuel. A SKYACTIV-Drive 8-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode comes standard across the lineup.

The 2026 Kia Telluride carries a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing approximately 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic. The V6 has served the Telluride well, but it does not match the CX-90 Turbo S, which produces 49 more horsepower and significantly more torque. That extra power is noticeable when merging onto I-10 with a full cabin or towing a trailer to the coast.

Standard All-Wheel Drive on Every CX-90 Trim

Every 2026 Mazda CX-90 comes with standard rear-biased i-ACTIV AWD. This system proactively monitors vehicle dynamics and adjusts power distribution for confident handling in all conditions. You do not pay extra for AWD, and you do not need to select a higher trim to get it.

The 2026 Telluride starts with front-wheel drive and makes all-wheel drive available as an option. That means buyers who want AWD must upgrade, adding to the total cost. For families in Fort Walton Beach, where summer storms can flood streets in minutes, standard AWD is a practical advantage the CX-90 delivers from the base trim up.

An EPA-Estimated 25 MPG Combined with Standard AWD

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined with its standard all-wheel drive system. For a three-row SUV with up to 340 horsepower, that efficiency is impressive.

The Telluride’s fuel economy with its V6 has remained consistent with previous model years. Front-wheel-drive versions get slightly better numbers than AWD models. When you factor in that the CX-90 includes AWD standard and still achieves 25 MPG combined, the efficiency gap becomes clear in the Mazda CX-90 vs Kia Telluride matchup.

Award-Winning Safety Recognition

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Eight Mazda vehicles received this honor, more than any other brand as of August 2025. The CX-90 also earned a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. Standard i-Activsense safety features include Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, Rear Seat Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning. Available tech adds Driver Monitoring, a 360° View Monitor with See-through View and Trailer Hitch View, and Smart Brake Support for Front Crossing and Turn-Across Traffic.

The 2026 Telluride also includes a solid roster of safety tech, with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add adaptive cruise and a surround-view camera. Both vehicles prioritize family safety. The CX-90’s dual IIHS and NHTSA recognition gives it measurable, third-party validation.

Interior Space and Flexibility

The CX-90 is the largest SUV in the Mazda lineup. It seats up to eight with a second-row bench or optional captain’s chairs for easy third-row access. Cargo space starts at 14.9 cubic feet and grows to 74.2 cubic feet with rows folded. Available features include a panoramic moonroof, Bose sound system, hands-free rear power liftgate, and USB-C charging in the second and third rows.

The Telluride also seats up to eight, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third row. Soft-touch surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats on select trims.

Drive Modes and Handling

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 includes Mi-Drive Technology with Normal, Sport, Off-road, and available Towing modes. Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) minimizes body roll and sharpens cornering, giving the CX-90 a more engaging feel behind the wheel than most three-row SUVs can manage. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds on properly equipped trims.

The Telluride can also tow approximately 5,000 pounds when equipped. It delivers smooth, comfortable handling, though it does not include an equivalent cornering control system.

Where Can You Find a Mazda CX-90 for Sale in Fort Walton Beach?

You can find a Mazda CX-90 for sale at Mazda of Fort Walton Beach. We carry the full 2026 Mazda CX-90 lineup, from the 3.3 Turbo Select all the way to the 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus.

Families wondering where to buy a Mazda CX-90 in Fort Walton Beach can visit our showroom and experience the inline-6 turbo power, standard AWD, and premium cabin in person. A test drive is the fastest way to settle any Mazda CX-90 vs Kia Telluride debate. Come to Mazda of Fort Walton Beach and find out where to buy a Mazda CX-90 in Fort Walton Beach!

For more awesome Mazda cars, check out our latest vehicle inventory and certified pre-owned options.

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