2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a bold grille and sleek headlights that made it one of the most attractive vehicles in its segment. The large Acura logo on the grille, while oversized, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a swooping upper character line and a spoiler-like rear design. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp and precise cabin with eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a strong red-and-black contrast. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec trim added unique visual upgrades, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec offered luxurious features like 16-way power front seats and natural wood trim.

The 2021 Kia Telluride impressed with its stylish and contemporary design, both inside and out. The SX Limited trim elevated the Telluride to a luxury SUV feel with premium Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and heated and ventilated seats. The new SX Limited Nightsky Edition added a blacked-out look with gloss black wheels and a unique grille. The Telluride's interior was well-executed, with a solid and smooth transmission shifter and thoughtful storage solutions. While the interior colour options were limited, the overall design and quality were commendable.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, offering excellent handling and comfort. The RDX featured multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The RDX excelled in both performance and comfort, making it a versatile luxury SUV.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction, and its 20.3 cm ground clearance made it capable on various terrains. The suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride. The Telluride's handling was commendable, with brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology. Fuel efficiency was competitive, with an average of 11.5 L/100 km. The Telluride offered a comfortable and capable driving experience.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also provided good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured convenient storage solutions, including large water bottle holders and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo space was generous, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a liftable panel revealing hidden storage.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustments and a high seating position. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the second-row captain’s chairs added comfort and convenience. The third-row seat was accessible and suitable for adults. The Telluride provided ample storage solutions, including smartphone holders and USB ports. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 601 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,455 litres with the seats folded. The Telluride was designed with modern families in mind, offering practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchpad interface complicated their use. The Tech grade added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, while the Limited grades added a head-up display. The Telluride's technology was well-integrated and easy to use.

The 2020 Acura RDX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, a rear-view camera, and driver-assistance systems like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, and the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a surround-view camera. The RDX received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2021 Kia Telluride offered a robust set of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision avoidance. The SX trim added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some frontal-impact concerns.