2024 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured a striking Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, setting a high bar for luxury and style. The MDX's exterior was marked by chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence. Inside, the Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof, creating an upscale atmosphere. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls less intuitive, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride. The Sorento's new front end, with a bold grille and vertically stacked LED headlights, gave it a more robust appearance. The interior saw a modern overhaul with a cleaner dashboard design and combined infotainment and gauge displays under a single pane of glass. The Sorento's cabin materials were upgraded, offering a more luxurious feel, especially in higher trims with features like faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching. The Sorento's design changes made it more contemporary and appealing to those seeking a stylish yet functional SUV.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6. Despite these enhancements, the Type S's performance was hindered by its weight and an indecisive transmission. The MDX Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which provided excellent torque distribution. However, the vehicle's performance upgrades did not integrate seamlessly, leading to issues like poor brake pedal modulation and excessive fuel consumption, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options, with the EX and higher trims featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission, provided lively performance and ample passing power. The Sorento's AWD system was standard in Canada, with ground clearance varying by trim. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires and improved engine cooling, excelled in off-road conditions and offered a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms. While the Sorento's fuel economy was average for its class, it performed well in various driving conditions, including challenging mountain passes.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row configurations. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area provided ample room, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, with 1,052 millimetres of front legroom and 1,060 millimetres in the second row. The third row offered 752 millimetres of legroom, suitable for children. The Sorento's interior was ergonomic, with logical controls and ample small-item storage. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 357 litres, but expanded to 2,139 litres with all seats folded. The Sorento's power liftgate was available on higher trims, enhancing convenience.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen required the use of a True Touchpad Interface. This system, while innovative, was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the infotainment system's voice recognition was less effective than using Siri or Google Assistant.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment display across all trims. The new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit software prioritized popular features and was user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento's top trims featured a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less preferred, and the adaptive cruise control's speed resumption was slow. The MDX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though a highway incident highlighted potential issues with the collision warning system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered an extensive array of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system on top trims provided semi-autonomous capabilities. While the Sorento's adaptive cruise control learned from driver behaviour, sensor blockages in foul weather were noted. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in several IIHS tests, though its LATCH system was rated "Acceptable."