2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. The new paint colours, including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, added a vibrant touch, while the interior offered new hues like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model further enhanced its off-road appeal with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch glass, giving the SUV a modern edge. Minor interior updates included new colours, trim changes, and a redesigned steering wheel, with embossed trim names on the front seatbacks of the X-Line and X-Pro models.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Ultra trim exuded a subtle yet luxurious presence. The fourth-generation MDX, the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Ultra trim added quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package, enhancing its premium feel. However, the MDX's design had some drawbacks, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, which complicated control usage, and the body tapering at the doors, which could give the impression of a dent. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV, though it occasionally struggled to meet the high expectations set by its price point.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road performance with a raised suspension, improved approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, equipped with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms and offered a self-levelling rear air suspension. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth, quiet ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S featured Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, along with an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite its performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating. While the turbocharged V6 offered quick acceleration, the MDX Type S's dynamic components didn't work in harmony, making it less predictable and less enjoyable to drive compared to the standard MDX with the A-Spec package.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a spacious interior, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride provided ample room for passengers, with comfortable seating and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row included manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride boasted generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,455 litres with both rear rows folded down.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the centre section of the second-row seat for easier access to the third row. Our test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. While the MDX provided a comfortable ride, the Type S seats didn't offer the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating for the outboard positions in Canada. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console. The cargo area offered a decent amount of floor space, with a maximum cargo volume of 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as the vehicle's key. The Telluride also offered a Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area.

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 screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The MDX's top-shelf audio system, the Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D, provided exceptional sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced Highway Drive Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous driving. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a collision mitigation braking system, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The MDX also included adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX's safety systems generally operated with accuracy, though the lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control could be improved. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).