The Telluride has remained comfortably at the top of the midsize SUV charts for years since it hit the scene. Car enthusiasts disagree on whether or not Telluride is the , but there’s clearly an appeal to the popular South Korean model. Renowned automotive publications awarded it perfect review scores. It seems that no midsize SUV can compete. Two upcoming mid-size models are positioned to give the Telluride a run for its money.
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 brings something different to the table than the CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 may compete with the Kia Telluride in the standings, but it’s a completely different animal. The CX-9 is not a competitive three-row SUV. So, Mazda is doing something bigger and badder (in the best possible way).
it’s a larger, more aggressive midsize SUV than the CX-9. It’s slightly more expensive, but it brings value in a major way. The CX-90 is available in as many as 11 different trim levels to suit different types of consumers.
It comes standard with a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine to produce 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Mazda offers three different powertrain options for the midsize three-row SUV. There is a PHEV option which consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor and 17.8 kWh battery that produces 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. There are no MPG numbers available yet for the PHEV, but it’s expected to get at least 30 miles of electric-only range.
The last three CX-90 trim levels come standard with Mazda’s most powerful mass-production engine, the e-Skyactiv G 3.3-litre turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. The inline V6 engine produces 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when running on premium fuel. Mazda fans rejoice at this powerful engine option. The Japanese brand has found a way to produce a sporty family SUV with the class and driving dynamics of a luxury vehicle at an affordable price. According to , its configuration has just been posted on the Mazda site, so drivers can check out the available options.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is coming to spice up its segment
It is one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market. The Highlander can easily last for 250,000 miles if well maintained. That equates to over 17 years of ownership for a new Highlander, based on the average annual driving distance of Americans. The average new vehicle ownership period is only 8.4 years.
It is a larger version of the Highlander designed for families requiring three-row seating. Toyota offers exciting powertrain options for the midsize three-row SUV, including hybrid system options. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX is capable of producing a whopping 362 horsepower.
The Kia Telluride will face stiff competition
Kia may have enjoyed a few years at the top of the midsize SUV vehicle segment, but the battle for the top spot is about to get that much more competitive with the arrival of the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander.
Mazda and Toyota are both producing models that may become more popular than South Korea’s Telluride. Which three-row medium SUV will emerge victorious in the end?
Let us know what you think of the two new midsize SUVs in the comments section below.
