2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and performance, with its Type S Ultra trim setting high expectations for quality and driving dynamism. The exterior featured subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, while the interior boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof. Despite its appealing aesthetics, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use. The electronic transmission switchgear also proved confusing, detracting from the overall user experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered a more rugged appearance with trims like the X-Line and X-Pro, which added ground clearance and off-road capabilities. The Telluride's design updates maintained its attractive proportions, and the Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out styling elements. Inside, the Telluride featured premium Nappa leather seats and a dual sunroof, enhancing comfort. The interior design prioritized functionality, with easy-to-use controls and thoughtful details like a digital instrumentation panel that changed with the time of day. However, the shiny plastic in the cabin was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of its official rating.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, provided ample power for highway acceleration and passing. The Telluride's towing capacity reached 2,495 kilograms in the X-Pro trim, thanks to heavy-duty engine cooling. The SUV offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with responsive steering and brakes that resisted rumble and fade. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, averaging 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a mountainous evaluation loop. The Telluride's ride was firm at lower speeds but compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a versatile interior with three rows of seats and a cargo area with ample floor space. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The second-row seats could slide and tilt for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Kia Telluride excelled in interior comfort, especially in higher trims with Nappa leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and the dual sunroof added light to the cabin. The Telluride's controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical buttons. Storage space was generous, with a covered cubby and door panel bins. The hands-free power liftgate offered convenience, and the cargo area provided 594 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,463 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was less intuitive than a touchscreen. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display provided navigation instructions and driving assistance status, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The Kia Connect trial subscription offered various services, and the Harman Kardon audio system provided good sound quality. The Telluride included thoughtful features like a blue-light filter for the infotainment display and a Quiet Mode for rear passengers. A digital key function and a camera-based rearview mirror added convenience. The available 10-inch head-up display warned of vehicles in blind spots, and a 360-degree camera system offered comprehensive views.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally issued false warnings, and the lane departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less preferred.

The 2024 Kia Telluride also offered an impressive array of driver assistance features, such as collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Telluride received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Advanced Highway Driving Assist added semi-autonomous capabilities, though it performed best in specific conditions. The lane-change assist system worked accurately, but the lane-keeping system was intrusive without Highway Driving Assist.