Fort Smith SUV Showdown: Kia Telluride vs Mazda CX-90

Built for Work and Weekend Adventures in the River Valley A three-row SUV in the River Valley has to do double duty, hauling gear out to the lake on Saturday and handling the daily commute the rest of the week. The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse both claim to fill that role, though the Telluride backs it up with a longer warranty and a level of polish the Traverse doesn't quite match. This comparison sticks to the gas-powered Telluride. Kia also builds a Telluride Hybrid for shoppers chasing extra efficiency. Fort Smith drivers 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 Chevy 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 Two Takes on Rugged Design Fort Smith roads see a lot of the Telluride's boxy, genuinely upscale exterior, tough enough for a trip out toward Lake Fort Smith, polished enough that it doesn't look out of place picking up groceries either. Maximizing interior space drives the Traverse's styling instead of making a design statement, a more straightforward approach than the Telluride's blend of rugged and refined. First Look: Telluride: Boxy, upscale styling built for both trail and town Traverse: Bold, spacious-first design focused on interior room Both: Strong road presence among three-row SUVs Power for the Daily Grind and the Weekend Trip City streets and gravel roads alike reveal the Telluride's real character. Its 274-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is tuned for something that matters more day to day in the River Valley: a smooth, quiet ride whether the pavement runs out or not. More horsepower comes standard with the Traverse's 328-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, the segment-leading number in this matchup, paired with an eight-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. Trail capability comes standard on both brands' off-road trims. An electronic limited-slip differential, raised suspension, added ground clearance, and visibility-enhancing cameras define the Telluride X-Pro's approach. Twin-clutch AWD, revised suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, and dedicated drive modes make up the Traverse Z71's answer. 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 dedicated off-road trims Comfort That Holds Up on Long Drives A weekend trip through the mountains or a long haul on I-40 tends to expose which cabin actually holds up, and this is where things separate. Heated and ventilated seating, available second-row captain's chairs, and materials that feel genuinely upscale set the tone, with 87 cubic feet of cargo room once the seats fold flat. More cargo room wins the argument for families who prioritize space above all else. Over 97 cubic feet once the seats fold flat, along with a third row that comfortably seats adults. 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 Built for the Way People Actually Drive Every Telluride ships with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, run through Kia Connect, the system behind the built-in generative AI voice assistant that handles requests through natural conversation rather than buried menus. A 12.3-inch touchscreen and available premium audio round out the cabin tech. Chevrolet goes bigger on screen size with the Traverse, a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital driver display, all running on Google-based software with available connected services, wireless charging, and 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 for Highway Miles and Back Roads Alike Kia Drive Wise handles the Telluride's safety story from the ground up, with standard automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring, no trim upgrade required to get the essentials. Pedestrian and cyclist detection come built into the Traverse's standard automated emergency braking system, with adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise hands-free driving available for drivers logging serious highway time. Safety Snapshot: Telluride: Standard blind-spot monitoring, comprehensive Drive Wise suite Traverse: Available Super Cruise hands-free driving Both: Advanced driver-assistance technologies for family confidence Fuel Economy and Towing City driving nets the Telluride up to 20 mpg, climbing to 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, numbers that dip to 18 city and 24 highway once all-wheel drive enters the picture. The Traverse holds a steady 21 to 22 mpg combined, no matter which drivetrain a buyer picks. Towing capacity lands identically for both, up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, plenty for a boat or camper heading toward the lake. All-wheel drive stays available on both as well, useful for River Valley weather that shifts quickly. 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 Down the Road A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty sets the Telluride apart from nearly everything else in the segment, paired with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty that adds up to some of the strongest coverage a three-row buyer can find. Three years or 36,000 miles covers the Traverse's limited warranty, with the powertrain protected for 5 years or 60,000 miles, plus a complimentary first service visit included at no cost. Value Points: Telluride: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, among the strongest available Traverse: Complimentary first-visit maintenance included Telluride holds a clear long-term coverage advantage Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family in Fort Smith? Priorities decide this one more than any single spec, since both SUVs bring genuine strengths to the River Valley. Interior space and the highest horsepower rating point to the Traverse for some families. Others who want genuine off-road capability in the X-Pro trim, a more upscale cabin, and one of the strongest warranties on the market will likely land on the Telluride instead. Drivers weighing other three-row options can also see how the Telluride stacks up against the Toyota Highlander. Either way, families throughout Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood get a genuinely capable three-row SUV built for daily life in the River Valley. FAQs Q: How does the Telluride's cabin compare to the Traverse's for long road trips? A: The Telluride offers available heated and ventilated captain's chairs and materials that feel notably more upscale, while the Traverse focuses on maximizing raw cargo and passenger space with over 97 cubic feet of capacity. Q: Does the Telluride come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? A: Yes, both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on every Telluride trim, along with a built-in AI voice assistant for hands-free commands. Q: Which SUV gets better fuel economy, the Telluride or the Traverse? A: The Telluride's front-wheel-drive configuration reaches up to 26 mpg on the highway, edging out the Traverse's combined rating of 21 to 22 mpg regardless of drivetrain.

Electric vehicles have a size problem for a lot of buyers. Many of the most talked-about EVs on the market are large, expensive, or both, which leaves out drivers who just want something practical and reasonably priced. Kia's answer to that gap is the all-new 2027 EV3, a compact electric SUV that borrows heavily from the brand's larger models without carrying their price tag or footprint. Fort Smith and River Valley drivers who've been on the fence about going electric now have another option worth watching as more details come out ahead of its release. Built for Practical, Everyday Driving Most people don't need a massive SUV for the driving they actually do. Commuting to work, running errands around town, picking kids up from school. These are short, routine trips that don't require a huge battery or a huge vehicle. That's the gap Kia designed the EV3 to fill. It's smaller than Kia's larger electric SUVs, which makes it easier to handle on Fort Smith streets and in parking lots, but it still offers the cargo room and driving position people expect from an SUV. The exterior design draws on the same styling language as Kia's bigger EVs, so it reads as part of the family rather than a stripped-down budget option. Up to 320 Miles Before You Need to Charge Range tends to be the deciding factor for a lot of EV shoppers, and Kia is targeting up to 320 miles on select EV3 trims. That's enough to get through several days of typical driving without thinking about a charger, and it takes the edge off longer road trips, too. The reality is that most daily driving uses only a fraction of an EV's total range anyway, so a higher number mostly just adds peace of mind. For someone considering their first electric vehicle, that kind of buffer can make the whole idea feel less intimidating. Fort Smith drivers weighing their options can get a broader sense of what's currently on the market by looking at the electric Kia models already available locally. A Cabin Built Around Smarter Technology Inside, the EV3 punches well above its size class. Kia is including an available panoramic display that pulls driving information, infotainment, and vehicle settings into one screen. This feature is usually found on pricier models. The EV3 will also come with Kia's newer AI Assistant, designed to let drivers talk to the vehicle more naturally, rather than digging through menus to find a setting. It's part of a larger effort from Kia to make its cars feel more responsive and intuitive to interact with. Drivers curious about how this actually works day to day can look into how the AI Assistant changes the way drivers interact with their Kia. Taking Cues From the Award-Winning EV9 None of this technology is coming out of nowhere. A lot of what makes the EV3 stand out traces back to the EV9, Kia's flagship electric SUV, which has earned considerable praise for its interior and overall driving experience. Scaling those ideas down into a smaller, more affordable vehicle means EV3 buyers can access features and design choices previously reserved for a higher price point. It's a smart move on Kia's part, and it says a lot about the brand's confidence in what made the EV9 successful. For more on where these ideas started, it's worth looking at what's made the EV9 stand out as an award-winning electric SUV. Comfort Features That Go Beyond the Basics Kia didn't stop at range and tech. The EV3's interior is also built with comfort in mind, including available relaxation-style seating and a sliding center console table that adds some flexibility to how the cabin gets used. Small details like that matter more than they might seem to on paper. Whether someone's stopped for a break during a longer drive or just waiting out a charging session, having a cabin that feels more like a space to relax rather than just a seat makes the whole experience more livable. Software That Updates Without a Shop Visit Drivers increasingly expect their vehicles to improve over time, not just depreciate, and the EV3 is built with that in mind. It's expected to support over-the-air software updates, meaning some improvements can be pushed directly to the vehicle without a dealership visit. Kia has been rolling this capability out more broadly across its lineup, and it's become one of the more useful conveniences for owners who don't want to schedule a service appointment every time something needs updating. Drivers who want the specifics can check out how these remote updates work and what they typically include. Another Step in Kia's Electric Vehicle Expansion The EV3 isn't a standalone product. It joins an EV lineup that already includes the EV6 and EV9, and it gives Kia a genuine entry point for drivers who want an electric vehicle without committing to something larger or pricier. As charging infrastructure keeps expanding across Arkansas and EV ownership becomes less of a novelty, vehicles like the EV3 are exactly what's needed to bring more everyday drivers into the electric conversation. What Fort Smith Drivers Should Know The 2027 Kia EV3 hasn't officially launched in the U.S. yet, so some specifics could still shift before it arrives. But based on what's been announced, it looks like a genuinely practical option, real-world range, useful technology, and a size that fits how most people actually drive day to day. Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Greenwood drivers keeping an eye on the EV market should keep this one on their radar. Crain Kia of Fort Smith will share more details as the EV3's launch date gets closer.

Selling a vehicle yourself can seem like the best way to maximize its value. Then reality sets in. You spend time taking photos, writing a listing, and responding to messages. Some buyers want to negotiate before they've even seen the vehicle, while others schedule a meeting and never show up. Before long, what seemed like a simple task starts taking up more time than expected. That's one reason many drivers in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, Alma, and throughout the River Valley are exploring alternatives to the traditional private sale. Programs like Crain Buys Cars give vehicle owners another way to sell. Instead of handling listings, test drives, negotiations, and paperwork on your own, you can receive an appraisal from a local dealership and decide whether the offer works for your situation. Why Selling a Vehicle Yourself Isn't Always Easy Private sales can work well for some people, but they aren't always as simple as they appear. Most vehicle owners already have busy schedules. Between work, family commitments, school activities, and everything else life throws your way, finding time to answer messages and coordinate meetings can quickly become frustrating. Common challenges include: Creating online listings Taking quality photos Responding to inquiries Scheduling test drives Negotiating prices Handling title paperwork Sorting through serious buyers and casual shoppers Some sellers enjoy the process. Others would rather spend their weekends relaxing, catching a local event, or spending time with family than wondering if the next interested buyer is actually going to show up. The Appeal of a Simpler Option Convenience matters, especially when you're trying to fit another task into an already busy schedule. When people decide it's time to move on from a vehicle, they're usually looking for a straightforward experience. They want to understand what the vehicle is worth and what options are available without turning the process into a second job. That's where Crain Buys Cars comes in. The program allows drivers to receive a vehicle appraisal and review an offer without creating listings or arranging meetings with strangers. It also provides valuable information for anyone who is still deciding whether to sell now or wait until later. Even if you ultimately choose a different route, knowing what your vehicle may be worth can help you make a more informed decision. Many vehicle owners start the process simply because they're curious about their vehicle's value and want a clearer picture of their options before committing to anything. Having access to that information upfront can make the entire process feel less stressful and more manageable. You Don't Have to Trade In to Sell One of the biggest misconceptions about dealerships is that they only want your vehicle if you're buying another one. In reality, that's not always the case. Crain Buys Cars allows qualifying vehicles to be sold directly to the dealership, even if you're not shopping for a replacement vehicle. That can be helpful in a variety of situations. A vehicle that once served an important purpose may no longer fit your current needs. An extra car might spend more time parked than driven, or a recent life change may have reduced the need for multiple vehicles. Some owners simply want to know what their vehicle is worth before deciding what to do next. Having another option can make the entire process feel a lot less complicated. Why Some River Valley Drivers Prefer Working Locally National vehicle-buying services have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Their pitch is simple: enter your vehicle information, receive an offer, and decide whether to move forward. Those services work well for some drivers. Others prefer the ability to sit down with someone face-to-face, ask questions, and discuss their options in person. Working with a local dealership means you're dealing with people who understand the River Valley market and are available if questions come up during the process. That personal connection is one reason many Fort Smith-area drivers choose to start with a local appraisal before exploring other options. Local dealerships are also part of the communities they serve. The people helping evaluate your vehicle are often the same people you'll see around town, at local events, or supporting area organizations. That familiarity creates a level of comfort that many drivers appreciate when making an important financial decision. Drivers who are considering upgrading after selling their current vehicle may also benefit from reviewing their financing options before making a final decision. What Determines Your Vehicle's Value? Every vehicle has its own story, which means every appraisal is unique. Several factors can influence value, including: Mileage Age Overall condition Service 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. People who are beginning their search for another vehicle often spend time buying pre-owned to better understand today's market and available options. Before You List Your Vehicle Online Before spending hours creating listings and coordinating test drives, it may be worth exploring all of your options. Many River Valley drivers are surprised to learn they can use Crain Buys Cars to sell a vehicle directly to a local dealership without purchasing another vehicle. Receiving an appraisal doesn't mean you have to sell. It simply gives you more information to work with as you decide what makes the most sense for your situation. Local trust matters, too. You can read what other Fort Smith drivers are saying and discover the philosophy behind the Crain Commitment. The more information you have, the easier it becomes to choose the option that makes the most sense for your situation. 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. Do I have to buy another vehicle to sell mine? No. Crain Buys Cars allows drivers to sell qualifying vehicles even if they are not purchasing another vehicle. Does Crain Kia of Fort Smith buy vehicles that aren't Kias? Yes. Vehicles from many different manufacturers may qualify for appraisal through Crain Buys Cars. Is selling privately better than selling to a dealership? It depends on your priorities. Some people prefer managing a private sale, while others value the convenience and simplicity of working directly with a dealership. How do I find out what my vehicle is worth? The easiest way is to request an appraisal and review your available options.