2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2020 Acura MDX showcased understated aesthetics with its well-executed Jewel Eye LED headlights enhancing a trapezoidal grille and a sleek, low-slung profile that spoke of subtle luxury rather than opulence. This visual appeal was complemented by a high-quality interior that favored simplicity and modern design over excessive elaboration, a trait that might appeal to those who appreciate understatement in their luxury vehicles.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Kia Telluride impressed with its striking exterior lines and a robustly designed front end that commanded attention. Internally, it boasted a crafted environment that did not shy from contemporary luxurious cues, integrating modern technologies smoothly into its cabin. The Telluride's available trim levels, including the luxe-oriented Prestige package in the SX trim, provided options for heightened luxury at competitive pricing, making it a standout in both design and function.

The 2020 Acura MDX was available with a 3.5-liter V6 offering 290 horsepower or a more potent hybrid configuration yielding 321 horsepower. Its performance was noted for good acceleration and exceptional cornering ability, thanks partly to the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system.

On the other hand, the Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that put out 291 horsepower and came standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered several driving modes to optimize performance under different conditions. Notably, the Telluride provided a ride almost devoid of head-toss, a common discomfort in many SUVs, due to its adept suspension system. Both SUVs offered distinctive driving dynamics suitable for different preferences — the MDX for a more engaged driving experience and the Telluride for comfort and stability.

In terms of functionality, the MDX utilized its interior space efficiently, offering up to 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space with a smartly designed storage system. This made it highly practical without sacrificing the luxury feel typical of the segment.

The Telluride, however, proved to be equally pragmatic with a slightly larger maximum cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet and added features like a hands-free liftgate which user testing found to be exceptionally useful for families on the go. Also, it provided comfortable seating even in the third row, which is commendable for a vehicle of its class.

Technology-wise, Acura's MDX had a robust offering with the Technology and Advance Packages, enhancing connectivity and comfort through sophisticated navigation systems and premium audio selections. However, its approach was more traditional compared to Kia's implementation.

The Telluride came loaded with tech features that were intuitive and user-friendly, such as a larger touchscreen in higher trims and advanced connected services that were complimentary for the first year. It excelled in integrating technology that offered both functionality and ease of use, making it appealing for tech-savvy consumers.

Both SUVs came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The MDX featured the AcuraWatch along with optional extras like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera available in higher trims. It scored well in both IIHS and NHTSA ratings, showcasing its commitment to safety.

The Telluride also had a full array of safety technologies and was particularly notable for including several advanced features as standard across all trims. Although its IIHS headlight rating was not optimal, its overall safety provisions and technology integration like the Blind-Spot View Monitor provided substantial preventive and protective safety measures.