2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Kia Telluride

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 redesigned wheels. The new paint colours, including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, added a fresh appeal, while the interior offered new colour options 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 look with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass, giving the SUV a modern edge. Minor interior changes included new colours, trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its modern and refined exterior, featuring a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and heated seats. The Type S Ultra added a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience. Despite its busy interior, the MDX offered a comfortable ride, with the Type S Ultra's adaptive air suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing performance and comfort.

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. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for improved traction. 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. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, enhancing its off-road performance, and it featured 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. The Telluride offered a smooth and quiet ride, with some wind noise at highway speeds, and its off-road capabilities exceeded expectations.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the Type S Ultra boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD) provided strong acceleration and quick throttle response. The Type S Ultra's adaptive air suspension and Brembo brakes enhanced performance, while the Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode. The MDX excelled on highways, with a firm yet comfortable ride, and its steering provided a luxury sedan-like feel. The MDX's towing capacity maxed out at 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile option for various driving needs.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. Heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs were available, providing comfort for all passengers. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while the third row was more accessible and comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres 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. A smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function added convenience.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support. The third row was smaller, best suited for children. Cargo space was 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,367 litres with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 2,690 litres with both rows down. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The Type S Ultra's second-row bench had a fold-down centre console with cupholders, and the centre stack of controls, while cluttered, included a large IDS dial for drive-mode selection. Despite the busy layout, the MDX offered ample storage and convenience features.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced communication and comfort, while a wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were standard. The Telluride also offered digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror. An optional head-up display provided additional driving information, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system added convenience.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad showed attention to detail, but the overall system was less intuitive than competitors. Acura's newer models, like the Integra, featured more user-friendly touchscreens, highlighting the MDX's need for an update.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control system could adjust speed based on navigation data, and Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2024 Acura MDX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model carried over, received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Despite its strong safety scores, the MDX's infotainment system could be a distraction, requiring drivers to look away from the road to operate the touchpad.