2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2020 Acura MDX showcased a handsome yet understated appearance. It was not the kind of vehicle that stole the spotlight in parking lots or earned special treatment from valets at upscale venues, but it fit in seamlessly anywhere it went. People who appreciated the early adoption of LED headlights found the MDX's Jewel Eye lights particularly appealing. These horizontally arrayed LEDs added a touch of sophistication to the front end, complemented by a trapezoidal grille featuring a prominent Acura logo.

With its sleek, low-slung appearance and well-executed paint and chrome detailing, the MDX presented itself as a refined and chiseled three-row SUV. Inside, the aesthetics leaned towards modern simplicity. There was minimal excessive padding and stitching that had become common in other luxury interiors. The center stack stood out with its dual-screen setup—a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation on top of an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen. This was supplemented by a logical arrangement of buttons and a central command wheel, reinforcing the MDX's high-quality build. Materials felt premium, and the actuating knobs and switches added to the experience of solid craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sorento made an impactful shift from its jelly-bean-inspired predecessor to a more athletic and muscular design. The revamped exterior was both handsome and contemporary, especially in the SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package. Notable features like roof rails, a shark fin antenna, and a rear roof spoiler contributed to its rugged, outdoor-ready vibe. The expanded tiger-nose grille with its upward curve toward the corners and assertive headlights enhanced the Sorento’s bold front fascia. The silver accent between the front fender and door also added a distinctive touch. The Sorento’s rear design included vertically oriented taillights that looked stylish and modern yet timeless.

Inside, Kia amped up the desirability with high-value features across all trims. Amenities such as heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, Bluetooth, and keyless entry came standard. Higher trims offered a more luxurious feel with leatherette or real perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and up to 10-way adjustable driver’s seats with lumbar support. The panoramic sunroof and large windows substantially improved the perception of space and provided an airy cabin environment, though sometimes excessive sunlight penetrated the interior during long drives.

Powering the 2020 Acura MDX was a choice between a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine and a Sport Hybrid powertrain. The former produced 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The SH-AWD system, which we tested, added an extra layer of control and fun to driving. Torque-vectoring technology optimized power distribution to improve handling, particularly when accelerating around corners. This resulted in a nimble driving experience that belied the vehicle's size, while the four-wheel independent suspension absorbed road imperfections effectively, ensuring comfort on long journeys.

For enthusiasts preferring a greener option, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, creating a total output of 321 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. This setup, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, also included all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, meanwhile, presented a modest base powertrain with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter variant, which we tested, dramatically enhanced the driving dynamics. With 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it delivered impressive acceleration and performance, making highway merging and passing a breeze.

Kia also offered an eco-friendly option in the form of a hybrid Sorento, using a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and an electric motor with FWD, promising a balance between performance and efficiency.

The Sorento’s torque-vectoring AWD system and the X-Line package's off-road-oriented features, such as increased ride height and 20-inch wheels, emphasized its versatility. Various drive modes catered to different driving conditions, while the suspension setup—McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link system in the rear—provided a smooth, comfortable ride.

Both the 2020 Acura MDX and the 2021 Kia Sorento were practical three-row SUVs, yet differed in their interior space and cargo capacities. The MDX offered sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy third-row access and configurable legroom, with decent headroom across all rows. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with seats folded flat, and an ample 90.9 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Additional compartments, like the underfloor storage and various pockets and holders throughout the interior, underscored Acura’s thoughtful design approach.

Conversely, the Sorento's third-row seating was tighter, making it practical mostly for children or short trips. With 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, it was better to fold these seats to maximize storage. Total cargo volume reached 75.5 cubic feet, significantly less than the MDX, aligning more with compact crossovers. Practical in-cabin storage solutions included a designated phone slot, standard and wireless charging capabilities depending on trim, and numerous cupholders and door pockets, making the use of space efficient if not expansive.

The Sorento offered second-row captain's chairs on higher trims, enhancing comfort for passengers but reducing total seating capacity compared to the MDX's more flexible arrangement.

Technology features in the 2020 Acura MDX were spread across its base model and various packages. Even the entry-level MDX featured Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, text and email capabilities, multiple USB ports, SiriusXM, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added rain-sensing wipers, navigation with updated traffic features, GPS-linked climate control, remote start, and an enhanced 10-speaker audio system. The Advance Package further upgraded the tech with a surround-view camera system, heads-up warning, and additional USB charging points. Entertainment options, like a rear DVD system with significant screen improvements, were available with an additional package.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a similarly robust array of technology. The standard 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims included hard buttons and knobs, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with haptic touch buttons—a sophisticated touch that complemented the larger display. However, wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a physical connection on the larger display, which was a notable limitation. The Sorento included multiple USB ports (though lacking USB-C), and while its Bose audio system wasn’t top-tier, it added value to the overall tech package. Integrated navigation had room for improvement, particularly in terms of voice search accuracy and point-of-interest functionality.

Acura’s commitment to safety was evident through its standard AcuraWatch suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view camera (Advance Package), and head-up warning. A robust body structure designed to absorb crash impact further enhanced safety. The MDX earned excellent ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, solidifying its reputation as a safe luxury SUV.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered advanced safety features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and departure assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A surround-view camera system simplified parking, and lane-keeping assist provided reliable, though sometimes overzealous, corrections. The Sorento earned strong safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though lower trims with specific headlight setups had mixed reviews. Both vehicles represented a robust commitment to passenger safety.