2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Acura RDX

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colours such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with fresh interior colours like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-colour door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its mildly aggressive off-road appearance. Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle, with a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, pushing the SUV into a more modern era.

The 2023 Acura RDX stood out with its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in with the crowd. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights and deep bodywork creases, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side featured a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement, while the rear was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs. Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical cockpit layout, with a centre stack of controls flowing into the centre console. The gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial emphasized Acura's focus on performance, while the 10.2-inch infotainment display and digital centre display with analog gauges highlighted its sporting intent. The interior, though not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar design for those averse to oversized touchscreens and fully digital panels.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 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 featuring a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and enhancing approach and departure angles. The X-Pro model offered 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, all-terrain tires, and Downhill Brake Control system. On highways, it provided a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode felt overly firm.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard AWD, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD), provided ample traction. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The transmission efficiently selected gears, while the brake pedal offered reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim. It cornered with prowess, maintaining ride comfort and smoothing over road imperfections. The RDX's performance, easy-to-drive nature, and comfortable ride made it appealing to many shoppers.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior offered ample room, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row provided comfort with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than many competitors. Storage space was plentiful, with a "smart" power tailgate and generous cargo space. The Telluride offered 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in the top trim. The cushioning was generous, ensuring comfort on long drives. Standard heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a panoramic moonroof enhanced the experience. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though taller individuals might find headroom limited. The cabin felt open and airy, thanks to the large panoramic sunroof. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 1,668 litres, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had various storage options, though the centre stack's design could be more space-efficient.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. A wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard in Canada. Digital-key technology allowed smartphones or smartwatches to function as keys. The Full Display rear-view mirror provided a video view of the rear, and an optional head-up display offered additional information. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system reminded drivers when traffic ahead moved.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity improved the experience. The system featured sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. A 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system provided excellent sound quality. Despite the challenging interface, the infotainment system itself was well-designed.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a junction turning system. It also included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to open doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with Advanced Highway Drive Assist adding Lane Change Assist. Additional features included collision avoidance systems, parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera and a head-up display. The systems performed well, with the adaptive cruise control providing smooth inputs, though the lane-keep assist was better suited to straight highways.