I’m stuck between the Telluride and the Mazda CX90. Has anyone else narrowed it down to these two? What made you choose the Telluride if you did?
Also, I’m only seeing prices over the sticker for the EX trim. Anyone know dealers in NJ, NY, or PA that sell at sticker or less?
If you haven’t already, try driving both of them. Honestly, two test drives might give you a better feel. My finalists were also the CX90 (turbo S premium plus) and the Telluride (SX Prestige).
I ended up going with the 2024 Telluride SX Prestige. It has more cargo room, better space in the third row, and a much smoother drive. The engine on the CX90 was strong, but during my 30-minute test, the transmission felt confused, and the suspension was too stiff for my liking. The tech in the Mazda was also a letdown, which sealed the deal for me. I got my Telluride for $48,500 after discounts, which was cheaper than the best deal I could find for the CX90.
I’ve had it for two months now, and everything’s been smooth so far.
Don’t pay over the sticker price. Some folks on this forum recommend buying from out of state and covering airfare to get better deals. Use that as leverage with your local dealer and always be ready to walk away if they won’t budge.
@Callen
I’m in Massachusetts and have been shopping for a new SUV for a couple of weeks now. My final three choices are the new Jeep with a third row, the Chevy Traverse, and the Kia Telluride (SX X-Line, I think). I really liked the Kia, but the Traverse was my favourite for looks and interior design. That said, the four-cylinder engine on the Traverse was a dealbreaker.
I didn’t negotiate on the Kia after my test drive, but the salesperson gave me a paper showing $48,500 before taxes and fees. Are prices better in other states? Would it be worth flying somewhere and driving the car back home?
I had a CX9 rental for a few weeks and wasn’t a fan. There were more blind spots, and the kids hated it too. Handling wasn’t great compared to the Telluride. We drove it on highways and locally, and I just didn’t enjoy it at all.
@Livia
I rented a CX90 once and had a similar experience. I couldn’t wait to get back to my Telluride.
I tested both one after the other. The CX90 handles way better, but the Telluride wins in almost every other category.
If you’re in a mountainous area or drive on winding roads a lot, go for the CX90. Otherwise, the Telluride is probably the better choice.
@Cruise
Totally agree. I compared both in their top trims. The Mazda handles better, but everything else—including the price—leans in favour of the Telluride.
Thomasenia said:
@Cruise
Totally agree. I compared both in their top trims. The Mazda handles better, but everything else—including the price—leans in favour of the Telluride.
That’s exactly what the reviews say too. I test-drove the CX90 and loved how it handled, but the cargo space is just too small. It feels more like a small SUV than a midsize.
@snoop
Couldn’t agree more.
I’m planning to buy from Kia of Riverdale next month. It’s on the border of Passaic and Morris counties. Their website shows $2k off MSRP, so it’s a good place to start negotiating.
LizCampbell said:
I’m planning to buy from Kia of Riverdale next month. It’s on the border of Passaic and Morris counties. Their website shows $2k off MSRP, so it’s a good place to start negotiating.
That discount might disappear once you get the out-the-door price. They’ll probably add a bunch of extras. If you manage to get $2k off after everything, that’s a good deal for NJ. Let me know how it goes.
@fabgise
What do you mean by $2k net discount?
madisonwilson said:
@fabgise
What do you mean by $2k net discount?
I mean $2k under the out-the-door price without any dealer add-ons.
madisonwilson said:
@fabgise
What do you mean by $2k net discount?
I mean $2k under the out-the-door price without any dealer add-ons.
So $2k under MSRP out the door? Just curious—have you found this deal anywhere in NJ?
I tried the CX90 PHEV but didn’t like it. The seats and suspension felt too stiff. I preferred the size and space of the Telluride, plus the big windows were a bonus. I ended up getting a 2024 EX.
I know I’ve said this before, but the MSRP discount isn’t what matters. A dealer can show a nice discount and then bury you with bogus fees and extras. Always compare out-the-door prices from sellers. Factor in taxes, as you’ll pay your local sales tax anyway.
I had the same decision to make, and the Telluride came out on top for everything I cared about. The downside with Kia is that you shouldn’t expect to keep it much longer than the 5-year warranty. Even their mechanics say the engines don’t last. For a medium-term car, it’s great, but expect some recalls too.
@Rowen
They do have a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty though.
@Rowen
Thanks for the heads-up. It’s a bit worrying that it might not last beyond 5 years. I’m spending a lot on this, so I’d like it to go the distance.
pepelar said:
@Rowen
Thanks for the heads-up. It’s a bit worrying that it might not last beyond 5 years. I’m spending a lot on this, so I’d like it to go the distance.
You might want to look into the Grand Highlander or the Honda Pilot. The Mazda is great, but it’s definitely smaller than those three.