2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride received a significant redesign, infusing it with a contemporary and stylish look. Fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs were some of the cosmetic enhancements. Paint options included attractive shades such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, with interior hues featuring Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green.

The introduction of the X-Line and X-Pro models brought further variety to the Telluride lineup, replacing the former Nightfall Edition. The X-Line included a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels, giving it a slightly rugged appearance. The X-Pro model went a step further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road aesthetic.

Inside, the updates were subtler but impactful, including a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system housed under a combined 24-inch curved glass panel. The interior retained its high functionality, with minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and an updated center console. Trim-specific touches like the X-Line and X-Pro embossing on the front seatbacks added a touch of exclusivity.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX projected a polished and sophisticated exterior. Its aesthetic was defined by a large shield grille bordered by rakish headlights and intake vents, with a modern lower bumper design enhancing its elegance. Inside, the MDX presented a high-tech ambiance, albeit with a busy array of controls that could be somewhat overwhelming.

The MDX was available in various trims, or "packages," each offering its unique set of features. Standard features included tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. Upgraded trims like the Technology Package and A-Spec Package added amenities such as ambient lighting, a premium audio system, and sportier styling cues.

The Type-S Advance trim stood out with its top-tier 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, which offered a markedly firm and refreshing massage. The MDX’s cabin might not have matched the luxury of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, but its massage functionality provided a distinctive edge.

Mechanically, the 2023 Kia Telluride largely retained its predecessor’s robust configuration, featuring a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivered 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Telluride offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow. The AWD system also featured a low-speed Lock setting for better power distribution.

The Telluride demonstrated commendable performance, with the X-Line averaging 24.1 mpg on mixed routes and the X-Pro returning 20.4 mpg, factoring in off-road adventures. Officially, the AWD Telluride was rated at 21 mpg combined. The SUV’s suspension lift, increased ground clearance, and improved approach and departure angles enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Downhill Brake Control system and the X-Pro’s towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds showcased its versatility in varying terrains.

During on-road testing between San Antonio and Austin, the Telluride offered a smooth, comfortable ride, with only minor wind noise at higher speeds. The off-road tires added some squishiness in turns, but overall, the SUV was delightful to drive.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine standard that produced 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, elevated the performance to 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling AWD System.

Driving the Type-S Advance, the MDX exhibited strong acceleration without compromising on its luxury ride. The turbocharged engine ensured power was always available, while the transmission provided quick throttle response. Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension with automatic leveling made the MDX nimble and comfortable. While the Adaptive Dynamics System offered various driving modes, the overall handling and ride comfort, especially in Sport and Comfort modes, were notable for a vehicle of its size and weight.

The 2023 Kia Telluride excelled in passenger comfort and cargo space. It could seat up to eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test units featured premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior provided ample space and comfort, with lumbar stabilization for driver fatigue prevention on long trips.

The Telluride was well-equipped for passenger convenience, offering manual side-window sunshades, USB ports on front seatbacks, and overhead climate controls. Access to the third-row seats was facilitated by a push button, making ingress and egress easier than in some competitors. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Acura MDX also boasted a spacious interior with three rows of seating. However, its third-row was tighter and more suited for children. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 71.4 cubic feet with both rows down. There was also additional underfloor storage and a standard power liftgate, with a hands-free option on higher trims.

Our Type-S Advance model featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console. While it missed out on captain’s chairs, the foldable armrest simulated an individual seat experience. Cupholders and storage bins were plentiful, but the center stack of controls was less user-friendly, making it cumbersome to interact with frequently used features.

The 2023 Kia Telluride was a frontrunner in technology, standardizing a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. Voice recognition worked effectively, but adjusting the climate control required manual input. The Kia Access app allowed remote vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while over-the-air updates kept the system current.

Passengers in the Telluride benefitted from six USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, a Full Display Mirror, and a larger head-up display. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was particularly useful for inattentive moments at traffic lights.

Conversely, the 2024 Acura MDX’s technology was marred by its clumsy infotainment interface. The 12.3-inch display was navigated by a touchpad instead of a touchscreen, which proved unintuitive. Despite the flawed interface, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The MDX had strategically placed charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad. However, the frustrating infotainment controls overshadowed these clever design elements. Future model updates were hoped to address this issue, especially given the more intuitive setup in the Acura Integra.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came packed with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with curve management, Safe Exit Assist, and Highway Drive Assist. Starting with SX trim, additional collision avoidance features, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera were included.

Notable for its extensive ADAS, the Telluride's technology worked reliably, such as the forward collision warning system. However, crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2024 Acura MDX included standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display.

The 2024 MDX was expected to carry over the impressive safety scores from the 2022 model, including a five-star NHTSA rating, Good scores in all IIHS evaluations, and Top Safety Pick+ status. While comprehensive, the safety tech was somewhat countervailed by the distracting infotainment system, which required looking away from the road to use the touchpad controls.