2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD): EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride did not offer a front-wheel drive (FWD) option. The Telluride EX was considered a great value, but many opted for the luxurious SX Limited trim, which featured premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert, giving the Telluride a popular blacked-out look. The Telluride's styling was praised for its contemporary design and quality execution, with only minor criticisms regarding the interior's glossy hard plastic and limited colour options.

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was noted for its sporty and attractive design. The A-Spec trim added subtle yet effective styling changes, avoiding excessive blacked-out trim or traditional performance design cues. The RDX was not designed for off-roading, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping. The A-Spec trim was positioned in the middle of the trim-level hierarchy, with base pricing starting at $44,505 and the A-Spec trim priced at $50,305. All trims came with standard Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The A-Spec interior featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, contributing to its sporty look and feel. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia's Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and its 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance helped it handle low-grip terrain effectively. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a more compliant ride at higher speeds. The SUV's 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its calm and collected handling. The Telluride's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, which could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim included exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires. While the RDX A-Spec offered rewarding driving dynamics, it lacked adaptive dampers, resulting in some body motion on uneven roads. The RDX's turbo engine provided a broad torque curve, and its precise steering and fade-resistant brakes contributed to its enjoyable driving experience. The RDX A-Spec's Sport+ mode enhanced its performance with a more aggressive engine sound.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, offering a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a power-adjustable thigh support extension. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the SX Limited trim added heating and ventilation to the second-row captain's chairs. The Telluride's third-row seat was usable for adults, and a button allowed easy access to the third row. The SUV provided ample storage, including a smartphone bin and large cupholders. The Telluride's "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo space to 1,304 litres, with a maximum of 2,455 litres available.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The A-Spec trim included Alcantara and leather seats with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had a recline angle that led to an uncomfortable seating position. The RDX's storage space was limited, with a large but not easily accessible tray under the centre console. The cargo area measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 1,668 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 2,260 litres when the front seats were moved forward.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, while the Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. The system included satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with an available navigation system. While the TTI improved upon Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2021 Acura RDX included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.