2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2020 Acura MDX was a good-looking crossover SUV, though its styling was neither groundbreaking nor breathtaking. It didn't attract much attention in parking lots or from valets at country clubs, but it didn't shame its driver either. It simply fit in, which was sometimes good enough. Acura's early adoption of LED headlights, particularly the Jewel Eye headlights, added a rich look to the front of the vehicle. The MDX's sleek and low-slung design, with chiseled details and a fast roofline, was complemented by flawless paint and chrome. Inside, the modern and simple look, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials, made the MDX feel solid and well-built.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured a design that some might describe as frog-like due to its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights, while Kia described it as "Euro-focused." This two-row crossover SUV had a relatively short wheelbase and short overhangs, making it ideal for city driving. The headlights carried over from 2020, and the Sportage could be equipped with 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen display served as a stylish centerpiece, flanked by air vents and physical buttons and knobs for tuning and volume. The interior, though not the most tech-forward, was still a pleasant place to sit, especially with the inclusion of features like heated and ventilated seats in the SX Turbo trim.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, producing a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system displayed good straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with torque-vectoring technology. The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long drives.

The 2021 Kia Sportage was available in LX, EX, or SX Turbo trims with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, while the SX Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All Sportages had a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the FWD Sportage with the 2.4-liter engine was 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined, while AWD models saw slightly lower numbers. The Sportage’s McPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left something to be desired. The SX Turbo trim offered a rewarding drive, particularly for those prioritizing a sporty experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX, a three-row SUV, offered sliding and reclining second-row seats for easier access to the third row and adjustable legroom. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX featured a recessed cubby hole, covered underfloor storage, a large glove box, a flexible center console, and various storage options for passengers in all rows. Tri-zone climate control allowed separate heating and cooling options for the driver, front-seat passenger, and rear cabin.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, along with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited to 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, which was less competitive compared to other compact crossovers.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features like the Active Damper System suspension, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera system, and more. The Entertainment Package offered a DVD rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard equipment. Most trims also included Kia’s UVO Link connected services. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Sportage’s technology was user-friendly, with logical menus, physical buttons, and handy knobs, making it easy to use without frustration.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. Additional safety features included a rearview camera, front airbags, side airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX’s ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb impact and protect occupants. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered a strong suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS for the SX Turbo trim and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.