2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior with a surprisingly spacious interior. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from the Honda Pilot, with enhanced proportions including a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, which added to its elegance. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and more assertive design. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality, with a modernized interior featuring authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX offered a comfortable front row with a wide range of adjustments and a beefy steering wheel with redundant controls.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault and Citroen. Its exciting and exotic design featured standout elements such as boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. The Sportage was available in five trim levels in Canada, with AWD standard on all but the base LX trim. Inside, Kia opted for durable synthetic leather upholstery, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on higher trims. The driver’s seat offered excellent visibility, and the dash featured over two feet of display in higher trims. However, the use of hard-wearing plastic and piano-black plastic detracted from the overall premium feel. The dual-zone automatic climate control was standard from the EX trim, but the touch-sensitive controls were frustrating to use.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for a tailored driving experience. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its performance, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7 and outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the punch of the discontinued turbocharged engine. The Sportage Hybrid offered a more spirited driving experience. The X-Line trim added rugged visual cues but no additional off-road capabilities. The Sportage handled off-road conditions adequately, with 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models. However, the lack of a performance engine option limited its appeal for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX provided ample seating capacity and USB connections in all rows. The sliding rows allowed for flexible cargo capacity, with up to 2,690 litres of space available. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access. The interior lighting offered 27 customizable themes, enhancing the cabin ambiance.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered increased interior space compared to its predecessor. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were generous, and the trunk provided 1,121 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seat folded. The front seats featured typical storage options, and a panoramic sunroof was available. However, the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating to use, complicating basic functions.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted impressive tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. Navigation was standard on higher trims, and the 12.3-inch infotainment system and digital instrument panel were configurable. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display were among the highlights. The MDX also featured a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air software updates.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wired on the top interface, and the icons on the screen were difficult to distinguish. Bluetooth, keyless entry, and wireless charging were standard on higher trims, with a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and advanced safety structures. The front-end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and the low-speed braking control system enhanced safety in city driving. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of collision-avoidance tech and ADAS as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim included advanced features like blind-view monitor and highway driving assist, but these were not widely available.