2025 Acura MDX vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual transformation, marking its first major update since the current generation debuted in 2021. The redesign aimed to align the Sorento more closely with its popular siblings, the Telluride and EV9, resulting in a more cohesive family look. The Sorento's new front end featured a bold grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear received subtle updates, including new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The interior saw a modern overhaul with a new dashboard design, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass, enhancing the upscale feel. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching adding a touch of luxury.

The 2025 Acura MDX received minor exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights. These changes, though subtle, enhanced the SUV's sporty appearance. The interior saw more impactful changes, with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims benefited from seats previously exclusive to the Type S model, offering enhanced comfort and support. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. The MDX maintained its reputation for quality, though the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was a point of contention due to its tendency to collect dust and smudges.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in a sluggish 0-60 mph time of nearly 10 seconds. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a more spirited performance, with 0-60 times in the mid-seven-second range. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added off-road capabilities, with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making them suitable for light off-road adventures. The Sorento's fuel economy was average for its class, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined, while turbocharged versions managed 23 mpg.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the Type S model featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. However, most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate power for the MDX's weight, which exceeded 4,500 pounds with SH-AWD. The MDX offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec Advance trim achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 18.4 mpg. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering a smooth and comfortable ride, but it was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample space in the first two rows but a tighter third row. It offered advantages over smaller SUVs with optional third-row seating, providing 41.4 inches of legroom in the front and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row, with 29.6 inches of legroom, was suitable for children but not ideal for adults. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all seats down, it provided up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sorento's controls were ergonomic, and higher trims featured noise-insulating acoustic glass and power liftgates.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered luxurious and comfortable seating, with the Advance and A-Spec Advance trims featuring 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The second row could be configured as a bench or individual bucket seats, with a pass-through to the third row. The third row was challenging for adults to access and lacked comfort, making it suitable for children. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down. The MDX's in-cabin storage was adequate, with a new center console offering additional storage options.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models now equipped with a 12.3-inch screen. The infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), offered a user-friendly interface with prioritized features on the home screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento offered USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack for older audio devices. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, offering access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. The system replaced the previous True Touchpad Interface, providing a more intuitive experience. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and upgraded sound systems, with Bang & Olufsen audio available on higher trims. The MDX's digital instrumentation display offered two themes, and a 10.5-inch head-up display provided essential information within the driver's line of sight. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims included a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite of active safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's safety systems performed well, though some sensors were affected by adverse weather conditions. The IIHS awarded the Sorento "Good" ratings in several tests, while the NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The new AcuraWatch 360 package, exclusive to the Type S Advance, added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX's safety systems performed well during testing, though some features felt unnatural when used independently. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 MDX a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS had not yet evaluated the model.