2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of trim packages, including the standard and Type S versions. In Canada, the standard MDX was available with Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, while the Type S offered a standard spec or an Ultra package. Prices ranged from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a $2,375 destination charge. The Type S Ultra trim, which we tested, came with a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, setting a high expectation for luxury and performance. However, despite its appealing design and features like chicane-design LED lights and a panoramic moonroof, the MDX Type S had some drawbacks. The body design sometimes gave the impression of a dent, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made controls difficult to use. The electronic transmission switchgear was also a point of confusion.

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates to its design. The refreshed headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the taillights, gave the Seltos a modern look. Our test model featured the new Pluton Blue paint, which was visually appealing. Inside, the Seltos introduced a Gentle Brown interior option, though our test model had the standard black interior. The most significant interior change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, combining a digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The Seltos offered various trims, including LX, EX, EX Premium, SX, and X-Line, each with a range of features. The top trims boasted 18-inch alloy wheels, a Bose premium stereo system, and Kia’s digital key, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed 130 kilograms more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were difficult to modulate. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the Type S averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing, falling short of its official rating.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base powertrain was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The SX and X-Line trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, a noticeable 20 hp increase over the previous model. This engine was mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, providing standard AWD. The turbocharged engine delivered decent acceleration, though there was some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road surfaces well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The brakes initially felt touchy but settled down over time. With 18 centimetres of ground clearance, the Seltos was capable of light off-road adventures.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the cabin prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was generous, with 461 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close was a convenient feature.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 1,778 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 753 litres with the seats in use. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility and ample headroom. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the centre console provided a small tray for essentials. The Seltos also featured a removable cargo cover from the EX Premium trim, adding to its practicality.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system was not touch-sensitive, relying on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for operation. This design choice limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating to use. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the head-up display provided useful information.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered a consistent digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while upper trims featured a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Seltos retained physical controls for volume and climate settings, enhancing usability. The SX and X-Line trims included an upgraded Bose stereo system, and the Seltos was available with Digital Key 2 Touch for convenient access.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also featured rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the lane departure warnings were intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control was slow to resume speed. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered standard driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The EX Premium trim added smart adaptive cruise control and navigation-based curve prediction. The SX trim included traffic sign recognition and highway driving assist. The Seltos also featured a drive-away warning to alert distracted drivers.