2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Acura MDX

During our time in Texas, we explored the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models. These enhanced versions highlighted the SUV's fresh front and rear design, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. For 2023, Kia introduced new paint options like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, and added interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The Telluride X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition and featured a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model further emphasized the rugged look with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, complemented by updated bumper designs.

Inside, Kia’s updates were subtle but significant. The interior boasted a new digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These sat side-by-side under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, propelling the Telluride into a more modern era. Other interior changes included new colors, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional center console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims proudly displayed their respective names embossed into the front seatbacks. Available in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, the Telluride’s pricing ranged from $35,690 to $52,785, with the destination charge adding $1,335. We specifically tested two SX Prestige models with X-Line and X-Pro trims, priced at $54,120 and $55,120 respectively.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX came with a wider array of trims and options, starting with the standard version and advancing to the Type S, each available with further trim packages. Our test vehicle was a Type S Advance, decked out with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, bringing the MSRP to $74,995. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, characterizing its potential subtly.

The MDX Type S included standard chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high beams, and impressive 21-inch wheels. A panoramic sunroof, Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes, perforated Milano leather interior, aluminum trim, and additional features like a Sport Appearance package, open-pore wood, and a leather-wrapped dashboard added to its luxury appeal. However, from certain angles, the MDX’s body design appeared dented due to inward tapering at the doors, and the dashboard’s gloss black plastic complicated control use. Despite these concerns, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Offering Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, and an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting, the Telluride adapted to various driving conditions. On our test drive, the X-Line model averaged 24.1 mpg, even with heavy traffic and twisty roads. In contrast, the X-Pro averaged 20.4 mpg due to half an hour of off-roading. The official EPA rating for the AWD Telluride stood at 21 mpg combined.

Kia enhanced the off-road capability of the Telluride by raising the suspension, increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and incorporating a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an improved cooling system, and a self-leveling rear air suspension, making it a competent option for off-road adventures. Throughout our off-roading test in Texas hill country, the Telluride showcased its stability, traction control, and Downhill Brake Control system. Although not matching a Jeep or Land Rover, the Telluride X-Pro exceeded typical owner expectations for off-road capability. On highways, the Telluride delivered a soft yet connected ride, with minor wind noise and a slightly squishy feel due to the off-road tires in turns.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque—a significant boost over the standard 3.5-liter V6. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD system, provided a dynamic driving experience. The torque-vectoring AWD system could direct up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhanced by Agile Handling Assist for tighter cornering.

The MDX Type S featured multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode that increased ground clearance to 9.4 inches. However, its 21-inch wheels and performance tires indicated a focus on on-road performance rather than off-roading. The MDX also had a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brake system, and larger brake rotors with Brembo calipers, contributing to its sporty character. Despite these advancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues such as indecisive transmission, poor brake pedal modulation, and minimal ride compliance. On our evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA’s 19 mpg combined rating.

While mostly agreeable on city and highway roads, the MDX Type S showed structural solidity, but with more suspension and interior noise than anticipated over speed bumps. It also transmitted sharper impacts more harshly. The MDX Type S did not achieve the desired performance cohesion, making the standard MDX with A-Spec package a better option for predictable driving dynamics.

The 2023 Kia Telluride catered to families with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. Our test models featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats in the SX Prestige trim. A heated steering wheel was also standard in this trim level. The Telluride’s spacious interior ensured comfort for front and second-row passengers, with additional features like a lumbar stabilization system, Wi-Fi hotspot, manual sunshades, and USB ports.

Access to the third row was facilitated by a button on the second-row captain’s chairs, offering more room compared to many competitors. The third-row seating provided decent comfort, although not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride boasted ample storage in the front and second rows, with a smart power tailgate and automatic closing function for convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

Accommodating three rows, the 2023 Acura MDX offered a choice between two or three second-row seating positions and a versatile cargo area. Equipped with 16-way power-adjustable front seats, triple-zone climate control, and quilted leather upholstery, the MDX aimed to deliver luxury and functionality. However, the driver’s seat did not hold occupants as securely as expected in a performance model like the Type S.

The MDX allowed for seven-passenger seating as standard, with an option to remove the second-row center section for easier third-row access. While comfortable, the second-row seats did not offer as much legroom as anticipated in their rearmost position. The third row, tight for adults but suitable for children, could be accessed via power-operated release buttons that slid and tilted the second-row seats.

Inside, the MDX’s design emphasized style, possibly at the expense of storage space. The front center console's storage bin was limited, and the touchpad interface on the dashboard replaced potential storage areas. Cargo-wise, the MDX provided ample floor space and an underfloor storage bin, accommodating 18.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row down, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

In 2023, Kia upgraded the Telluride with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard in all models. This system covered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, including a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed reliably except for climate control adjustments, which needed to be done manually.

Via the Kia Access smartphone app, users could remotely control certain vehicle functions and receive over-the-air system updates. The system supported Bluetooth pairing for two devices simultaneously and featured six USB charging ports across all seating rows. Notable upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. The new Full Display Mirror and a more extensive head-up display enhanced the user experience further. Additionally, the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system provided a timely reminder if drivers failed to notice the traffic ahead moving.

Conversely, the 2023 Acura MDX featured a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, but lacked touch sensitivity. Instead, it employed a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) with accompanying buttons and a padded wrist rest. Despite good intentions, the TTI added complexity and distracted from user-friendly interaction, particularly when compared to intuitive touchscreens and voice recognition technology.

For connectivity, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, allowing for voice-activated navigation and other tasks. Additional features included SiriusXM satellite radio, native navigation, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription for remote engine start, collision notification, and other conveniences.

The MDX presented a range of audio systems, with the top Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D system offering remarkable sound quality when paired with uncompressed music files. Models with the Advance package included a 10.5-inch head-up display showing essential driving information.

However, during testing, the traffic sign recognition system misinterpreted a speed limit sign, highlighting a potential flaw in the advanced tech gear.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came equipped with extensive standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist were also standard.

Kia added more advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) in 2023, such as a Safe Exit Assist system, adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The Highway Drive Assist 1.5 combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering for semi-autonomous driving, while the Highway Drive Assist 2.0 included a Lane Change Assist function and more collision avoidance features. The SX trim and above included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Rear Occupant Alert system and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert highlighted Kia's focus on user safety.

Our experience with these systems confirmed their effectiveness, particularly the collision warning and Highway Drive Assist 2.0, which performed reliably on our drive.

The 2023 Acura MDX also featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, branded as Acura Watch. This included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert complemented the system, with higher trims adding front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system.

While generally accurate and improved over older systems, the MDX’s lane departure warning's steering wheel wobble was not as effective as a vibration alert. Moreover, the adaptive cruise control resumed speed slower than preferred. During testing, a significant concern arose when the vehicle mistakenly interpreted an overhead sign as an obstacle, causing an unnecessary collision warning and momentary brake engagement.

Nevertheless, the 2023 MDX received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, despite earning a four-star frontal impact rating for driver and front passenger protection.