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Telluride vs Mazda CX-90: Best SUV?

Two 3-Row SUVs - Silver Mazda CX-90 and a White Kia Telluride SUV
2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mazda CX-90
 2025 Kia Telluride2025 Mazda CX-90
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Grey 2025 Kia Telluride at Crain Kia of Bentonville at your local Northwest Arkansas Kia Dealership

Silver 2025 Mazda CX-90 in Bentonville, AR - Crain Kia of Bentonville - Your Hometown Kia Dealer
Brand / ModelKia Telluride2025 Mazda CX-90
Starting MSRP$36,390$38,045
Performance
Horsepower291 hp280 hp
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy)20 City / 26 Hwy MPG23 City / 28 Hwy MPG
Interior & Technology
Seating CapacityUp to 8Up to 8
Infotainment Screen12.3-inch12.3-inch
Feature Spotlight
  • Spacious Cabin
  • Off-road Trims
  • User-Friendly Tech
  • Turbocharged Power
  • Standard AWD
  • Wireless Tech
Utility
Towing Capacity (lbs)5,0003,500 – 5,000
Bed Length (in)8775.2
Safety & Warranty
Key Safety FeatureKia Drive Wisei-ACTIVSENSE
Warranty10-year/100,000-mile3-year/36,000-mile
AWD AvailabilityAvailableStandard
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Which SUV is Better for Bentonville Families?

Overview

If you're searching for the best three-row SUV for your family in Bentonville, Arkansas, you’ve probably looked at both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Mazda CX‑90. These midsize SUVs are stylish and capable, but only one is built to give you more space, confidence, and long-term value.

At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we believe there's a clear winner. While both SUVs showcase bold designs and advanced safety features, one provides better value for Bentonville drivers.

New 2025 Kia Telluride Under the Hood at Crain Kia of Bentonville

Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Telluride features a proven 3.8L V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It's powerful, smooth, and responsive. It's ideal for commutes, weekend trips, and can tow up to 5,500 lbs. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is available for added confidence.

The Mazda CX‑90 offers a turbocharged inline-6 with up to 340 horsepower (in higher trims), but it also comes with a steeper price tag. While it’s quick off the line, the Telluride’s engine is more refined for daily family use and offers better long-term reliability backed by Kia’s industry-leading warranty.

Off-Road Capability

For families in Northwest Arkansas who love outdoor adventures, the Telluride EX X-Pro and SX Prestige X-Pro trims are hard to beat. They feature all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and a strong suspension setup; ready for trails, gravel roads, or a weekend at Beaver Lake.

The CX‑90 includes standard all-wheel drive and some drive modes for light trails, but it lacks dedicated off-road trims. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s just as comfortable off the road as it is on, the Telluride takes the lead.

Inside a New 2025 Kia Telluride at Crain Kia of Bentonville in Bentonville, AR

Tech Features

Kia Telluride Display Infotainment Screen with 360-View Camera at Bentonville, AR Kia Dealership

The 2025 Telluride comes loaded with advanced tech. A large 12.3" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with multiple USB-C ports, available Harman Kardon sound, navigation, and a digital instrument cluster. Kia’s infotainment is user-friendly and responsive.

While the CX‑90 also offers modern tech, including wireless smartphone connectivity and over-the-air updates, its interface can feel more complicated and less intuitive than Kia’s system. Plus, the Telluride gives you more standard features without having to jump to a higher trim.

Interior Space & Comfort

Telluride Interior Seating at Crain Kia of Bentonville

Inside, the Telluride shines with its spacious, upscale cabin. It offers seating for up to 8 passengers, generous legroom in all three rows, and 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row; more than most in its class. Higher trims offer quilted Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, and dual sunroofs.

The CX‑90 delivers an elegant design with soft materials and premium options, but the third row is tighter and cargo space behind it is smaller (under 15 cu. ft.). For growing families or road trip warriors, the Telluride is simply more comfortable and flexible.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Kia Telluride earns top marks in safety, including a 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features include:

  • Forward collision avoidance assist
  • Blind-spot collision warning
  • Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Smart cruise control

The CX‑90 also performs well in crash tests and includes Mazda’s i-Activsense system, but Kia’s Drive Wise suite is easier to use and includes more standard features at lower trims.

Our Choice

For Bentonville families, outdoor explorers, and everyday drivers, the 2025 Kia Telluride is the smarter pick. Here’s why:

  • More space for passengers and cargo
  • Off-road-ready trims for Arkansas terrain
  • Industry-best 10-year/100,000-mile warranty
  • Better value at every trim level
  • Simpler, more user-friendly tech
Light Grey 2025 Kia Telluride at Crain Kia of Bentonville - Your Northwest Arkansas Kia Dealership

At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we proudly offer a full lineup of Telluride trims with great local pricing, financing specials, and trade-in support. Our team is here to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Come See the Kia Telluride in Bentonville Today!

Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville at 2201 SE 28th Street and test drive the SUV that’s redefining family driving. Whether you're in Rogers, Bella Vista, or Cave Springs, we're just a short drive away.

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2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse three-row SUVs compared side by side for families in Bentonville, Arkansas

2027 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in Bentonville, AR

Refined Capability for Northwest Arkansas Families Three-row SUV shoppers in Bentonville have plenty of size to choose from, but the 2027 Kia Telluride stands out for pairing genuine capability with a level of polish that's hard to find elsewhere. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse brings its own strengths to the comparison, more raw horsepower and a bigger cargo hold, but the Telluride answers back with a longer warranty, sharper technology, and available off-road hardware that turns heads in the school pickup line and on the trail alike. This comparison covers the gas-powered Telluride. Kia also builds a Telluride Hybrid for drivers who want even more efficiency. Bentonville families can find more background on the redesigned three-row SUV in our earlier coverage. Vehicle Comparison 2027 Kia Telluride Horsepower 274 hp AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 20/26 mpg (city/hwy) Seating Capacity 7-8 Top Features Built-In AI Voice Assistant Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies X-Pro Off-Road Capability Towing Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs Find Your Telluride Today 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Horsepower 328 hp AWD Availability Available Fuel Economy / Range 21-22 combined mpg (city/hwy) Seating Capacity 7-8 Top Features 17.7-inch Infotainment Touchscreen Available Super Cruise Spacious 3rd Row & Cargo Area Towing Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs Search Our Used Inventory Rugged Style Meets Real Refinement Boxier proportions and upscale design details give the redesigned Telluride a genuinely distinctive look, rugged enough for weekend trips into the Ozarks but polished enough to feel right at home in a Bentonville driveway. Few three-row SUVs manage both at once as convincingly. The Traverse takes a more straightforward route, leaning into bold proportions that signal interior space above all else. It's a confident look, just built around a different priority than the Telluride's blend of toughness and refinement. First Look: Telluride: Boxy, upscale styling that balances rugged and refined Traverse: Bold, spacious-first design focused on interior room Both: Strong visual presence in the three-row SUV segment On the Road Horsepower numbers favor the Traverse on paper, but the Telluride's turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, good for 274 horsepower, prioritizes something buyers actually notice day to day: a smooth ride, responsive acceleration, and a genuinely quiet cabin at speed. Chevrolet's 328-hp turbocharged four-cylinder gives the Traverse the raw numbers advantage, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for drivers who want it. Off-road-minded buyers have options from both brands. The Telluride X-Pro adds an electronic limited-slip differential, raised suspension, extra ground clearance, and camera technology built to improve visibility around the vehicle, genuinely useful hardware rather than just styling cues. The Traverse Z71 counters with a twin-clutch AWD system, revised suspension, all-terrain tires, and terrain-specific drive modes. On the Road: Telluride: 274-hp turbocharged engine, tuned for a smooth, quiet ride Traverse: 328-hp turbocharged engine, the horsepower leader of the two Both: Available all-wheel drive and specialized off-road trims Comfort That Feels Genuinely Upscale The Telluride's cabin is where it really separates itself from the segment. Available second-row captain's chairs, heated and ventilated seating, and materials that feel a tier above what buyers typically expect at this price point create an atmosphere that reads as premium rather than merely practical. Seating for up to eight passengers still fits, with 87 cubic feet of cargo space once the seats fold flat. The Traverse leans hard into raw volume instead, over 97 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and a third row adults can actually use comfortably. For families who measure everything in cubic feet, that's a real advantage, but it comes without the Telluride's more upscale in-cabin experience. Comfort Notes: Telluride: Available captain's chairs, heated/ventilated seats, upscale materials Traverse: Larger overall cargo capacity, adult-friendly third row Both: Seating for up to eight passengers Technology That Keeps Up Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on the Telluride, backed by Kia Connect, which powers the built-in generative AI voice assistant and keeps everyday commands feeling more like a conversation than a menu search. A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, with available premium audio rounding out the experience. The Traverse counters with a larger standard 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch digital driver display, built around Google-based software and available connected services, plus wireless charging and available onboard Wi-Fi. Tech Rundown: Telluride: Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, built-in AI voice assistant, Kia Connect Traverse: Standard 17.7-inch touchscreen, 11-inch digital display, Google-based software Both: Modern connectivity features throughout Safety Built Around Real Confidence Standard automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring come together in the Telluride through Kia Drive Wise, a comprehensive suite that doesn't require stepping up to a higher trim to access the essentials. The Traverse offers standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, along with available adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise hands-free driving technology for drivers who spend serious time on the highway. Safety Snapshot: Telluride: Standard blind-spot monitoring, comprehensive Drive Wise suite Traverse: Available Super Cruise hands-free driving Both: Advanced driver-assistance technologies designed for family confidence Fuel Economy and Towing Fuel economy for the Telluride comes in at up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive versions rated at up to 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Traverse posts a combined 21 to 22 mpg regardless of drivetrain configuration. Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, plenty of capacity for a small camper, boat, or utility trailer, and both offer available all-wheel drive for Northwest Arkansas's occasional winter weather. Capability Notes: Telluride: Up to 20 city/26 highway mpg (FWD) Traverse: 21–22 mpg combined Both: Up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity, available AWD What Ownership Looks Like Over Time Kia backs the Telluride with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the strongest coverage packages in the entire three-row segment. Chevrolet's Traverse warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles on the limited side and 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain, with complimentary maintenance included for the first service visit. Value Points: Telluride: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, among the strongest in the segment Traverse: Complimentary first-visit maintenance included Telluride holds a clear long-term coverage advantage Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family in Bentonville? Both SUVs bring real strengths to the table, and the right fit often comes down to what a family values most. Drivers who want the most interior volume and the strongest horsepower number may find the Traverse lines up with their priorities. Families who want a more refined cabin, genuinely capable off-road hardware in the X-Pro trim, and one of the best warranties in the segment will likely find the Telluride the more complete package. Drivers weighing other three-row options can also see how the Telluride stacks up against the Toyota Highlander. Either way, families throughout Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville get a genuinely well-equipped three-row SUV built for daily life in Northwest Arkansas. FAQs Q: Which SUV offers a longer warranty, the Telluride or the Traverse? A: The Telluride offers a notably longer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to the Traverse's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Q: Does the Telluride offer an off-road trim like the Traverse Z71? A: Yes, the Telluride X-Pro adds an electronic limited-slip differential, raised suspension, extra ground clearance, and visibility-enhancing camera technology, comparable capability to the Traverse Z71's off-road package. Q: Is there a hybrid version of the Telluride available? A: Yes, Kia offers a Telluride Hybrid if you’re looking at prioritizing fuel efficiency, with full details available on the Telluride Hybrid model research page. This comparison itself focuses on the gas-powered version.

White 2027 Kia EV3 driving on a city street

Kia's Compact EV3 Signals a New Era for Electric Driving in Bentonville

Not every Bentonville driver shopping for an electric vehicle wants something oversized. Plenty of people just want a practical SUV that happens to run on a battery instead of gas, and Kia's newest reveal is built exactly for that crowd. The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 takes the design language and technology Kia developed for its larger EVs and packages it into something smaller, more affordable, and easier to live with day to day. For drivers around Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas who've been curious about going electric but hesitant about size or cost, the EV3 is worth watching closely as more details come out ahead of its arrival. Right-Sized for the Way People Actually Drive A lot of daily driving doesn't call for a massive SUV. Errands, commutes, weekend trips into town, hauling kids to practice, most of it happens well within the capability of something compact and efficient. Kia built the EV3 around that reality. Its footprint is smaller than the brand's larger electric SUVs, which makes it easier to park and maneuver around Bentonville without sacrificing the cargo space and driving position people expect from an SUV. Even at this smaller scale, the EV3 carries over the bold styling cues that have made Kia's EV lineup stand out on the road, so it doesn't feel like a scaled-down afterthought. Range That Should Ease Charging Anxiety Range is usually the first question drivers ask about any EV, and Kia says the EV3 is expected to deliver up to 320 miles on select trims. That's enough to cover a normal week of driving without needing to plug in constantly, and it takes some of the pressure off longer trips, too. Most daily driving barely touches an EV's full range anyway, so having that kind of buffer available adds real flexibility rather than just looking good on a spec sheet. For anyone weighing their first EV purchase, that number alone can make the decision feel a lot less risky. Drivers comparing what's currently out there might find it worth reviewing the current lineup of electric Kias available today before the EV3 officially lands. Cabin Tech Borrowed From Kia's Bigger EVs The EV3's interior technology goes well beyond what you'd expect for the price. Kia is equipping it with an available panoramic display that combines driving data, infotainment, and vehicle settings into a single, easy-to-use interface. It’s the kind of setup usually reserved for higher-end models. Kia has also confirmed the EV3 will include the brand's newer AI Assistant, designed to let drivers interact with the vehicle in a more natural, conversational way. It's part of a broader push across Kia's lineup to make in-car technology feel less like a menu system and more like an assistant that actually understands what you're asking for. Design DNA Pulled From the Award-Winning EV9 The EV3 is a smaller vehicle, but it isn't starting from scratch. Many of its design choices and technology features trace back to the EV9, Kia's flagship electric SUV, which has picked up significant praise for its interior layout and overall user experience. Bringing those same ideas down to a lower, more accessible price range means EV3 buyers get a lot of what made the EV9 stand out without stepping into a larger, pricier vehicle. It's a smart strategy that lets Kia extend its most well-received features across more of the lineup. Drivers curious about where those design ideas originated can look at why the EV9 earned recognition for its cabin and overall experience, which gives a good sense of what's trickling down into the EV3. Everyday Comfort Built Into the Cabin Range and tech aside, Kia also focused on making the EV3 comfortable to actually sit in. Reports point to relaxation-oriented seating and a sliding center console table, features that make the cabin feel more adaptable, whether someone's taking a short break during a road trip or just killing time while the car charges. It's a small detail, but it reflects a broader shift in how automakers are thinking about EVs. The car isn't just a way to get somewhere anymore. For a growing number of drivers, it's also a comfortable space to sit in while charging or waiting. Staying Current Without a Dealership Visit Modern drivers expect more than just transportation, and Kia is leaning into that with the EV3's connected features. The vehicle is expected to support over-the-air software updates, meaning certain improvements and new features can be delivered remotely instead of requiring a trip to the service department. Kia has been steadily rolling this kind of technology out across more of its lineup. Drivers who want a better sense of how it works can check out how Kia keeps vehicles current through remote software updates, which breaks down what these updates typically cover. Part of a Bigger Electric Push From Kia The EV3 doesn't exist in isolation. It's the latest addition to a Kia EV lineup that already includes the EV6 and EV9, and it fills a gap for drivers who want an entry point into electric ownership without jumping straight to a full-size SUV. As charging infrastructure keeps expanding and EV technology becomes more mainstream, a lot of buyers are starting to view electric ownership differently than they did even a couple of years ago. The EV3 is a good example of how quickly that segment is filling out with genuinely practical options. What This Means for Bentonville Drivers The 2027 Kia EV3 is still ahead of its U.S. launch, so some final details are likely to change before it arrives. But what's been shared so far points to a compact SUV that balances real-world range, useful technology, and everyday comfort in a size that fits how most people actually drive. For anyone in Bentonville, Rogers, or Springdale keeping an eye on the EV market, the EV3 looks like it could be one of the more approachable ways to make the switch. Crain Kia of Bentonville will have more details as the EV3's launch date gets closer.

Red Ford F-150 parked in front of Crain Kia of Bentonville dealership

Is It Better to Sell Your Car or Trade It In? A Guide for Crain Buys Cars

Selling a vehicle sounds simple until it's time to actually do it. One day, you're driving your car like normal. The next, you're wondering what it's worth, where to sell it, and whether trading it in might be easier than dealing with online listings and private buyers. Some people are replacing their current vehicle. Others are downsizing, helping a family member move on from an extra car, or simply trying to free up some space in the garage. If you're looking to sell your car in Bentonville, taking a little time to understand your options could mean less hassle and more money in your pocket. Drivers throughout Bentonville, Rogers, Centerton, Bella Vista, and Northwest Arkansas have more choices than ever when it's time to move on from a vehicle. Knowing the pros and cons of each approach can save time, reduce stress, and help you make a confident decision. Trading In: The Convenient Choice Trading in remains one of the most popular options for drivers who already have their next vehicle in mind. Instead of handling two separate transactions, you can apply the value of your current vehicle toward another purchase. That's one reason many shoppers prefer trading in when they're already planning to upgrade. A trade-in can help you: Save time Reduce paperwork Avoid creating online listings Skip meeting with potential buyers Move into your next vehicle more quickly Anyone planning to upgrade in the near future may also want to explore their financing options before deciding how to handle their current vehicle. Many shoppers appreciate learning about the advantages of dealer financing as they prepare for their next purchase. Selling Makes Sense in Plenty of Situations Not every vehicle owner is looking for a replacement. Life changes quickly. A family may no longer need a second vehicle. A recent graduate might move away and leave a vehicle behind. Someone working remotely may discover they drive far less than they used to. Others simply decide it's time to free up cash or reclaim some garage space. Those situations often lead to a different question: Should I sell the vehicle instead? For many people, the answer is yes. The Reality of Selling a Vehicle Yourself Most people start by considering a private sale. After all, posting a vehicle online seems easy enough. Take a few photos. Create a listing. Wait for messages. Then the messages start arriving. Some buyers disappear after asking if the vehicle is available. Others want to negotiate before they've even seen it. Scheduling test drives can be challenging, and paperwork often turns out to be more complicated than expected. Nobody wakes up excited to spend a Saturday answering marketplace messages and coordinating test drives. Most people would rather spend that time with family, exploring Northwest Arkansas, or simply enjoying their weekend. Selling privately works well for some owners, but it requires patience and effort. The Option Many Drivers Overlook Here's the part that catches a lot of people off guard. You don't have to trade in your vehicle. You don't have to sell it yourself, either. Many dealerships purchase vehicles directly from customers, even when those customers aren't buying another vehicle. That's exactly what Crain Buys Cars was created to do. The Crain Buys Cars program gives Bentonville-area drivers another option when it's time to move on from a vehicle. Instead of creating listings, meeting strangers, and handling every step yourself, you can receive an appraisal and review an offer from a local dealership team. Even better, you don't need to own a Kia. Vehicles from many different manufacturers may qualify. Why Some Drivers Prefer Working With a Local Dealership National vehicle-buying companies have become increasingly common over the last several years. You've probably seen the commercials and online ads promising quick offers and easy transactions. For some people, that's a great fit. Others prefer sitting down with someone face-to-face and discussing the process in person. There's something reassuring about working with a team you can actually visit. Questions can be answered immediately. Appraisals happen locally. The process feels more personal because you're dealing with people who live and work in the same community. Unlike a private sale, Crain Buys Cars allows drivers to work directly with a local dealership team throughout the appraisal process. Many people also like seeing what vehicles are currently available before deciding whether to sell or trade. Exploring the dealership's pre-owned inventory can be a helpful starting point. What Determines Your Vehicle's Value? Every vehicle is different, which means every appraisal is different, too. Several factors can affect how much a vehicle is worth, including: Mileage Age Overall condition Maintenance history Vehicle demand Trim level Optional features Current market conditions Keeping maintenance records organized and making sure your vehicle is clean and presentable can help create a positive first impression during the appraisal process. What's the Best Choice? The right decision depends on your goals. Drivers planning to purchase another vehicle often appreciate the convenience of trading in. People who simply want to sell may prefer to receive an appraisal and review their options before making a decision. The important thing is knowing all of the choices available to you. A surprising number of vehicle owners don't realize they can use Crain Buys Cars to sell their vehicle directly to a local dealership without having to purchase another vehicle. Taking a few minutes to learn what your vehicle might be worth can provide valuable information, even if you're still weighing your options. Local trust plays a role, too. You can learn more about the experiences other customers have had through customer reviews and discover the customer-first philosophy behind the Crain Commitment. Whether you're ready to sell today or simply gathering information for the future, understanding your options is the first step toward making a confident decision. FAQ What is Crain Buys Cars? Crain Buys Cars is a vehicle acquisition program that allows drivers to receive an appraisal and sell qualifying vehicles directly to a participating Crain dealership, even if they aren't purchasing another vehicle. Can I sell my vehicle without buying another one? Yes. The Crain Buys Cars program allows drivers to sell qualifying vehicles directly to the dealership without purchasing another vehicle. Does Crain Kia of Bentonville buy vehicles that aren't Kias? Yes. Vehicles from many different manufacturers may qualify for appraisal through Crain Buys Cars. Is it better to trade in or sell my vehicle? That depends on your situation. Trading in is often convenient for shoppers purchasing another vehicle, while selling may make more sense if you don't need a replacement. What affects the value of my vehicle? Mileage, condition, age, service history, market demand, and available features can all affect vehicle value. How can I find out what my vehicle is worth? The easiest way is to request an appraisal and review your available options before making a decision.