2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, featuring a beamy, imposing grille and rakish headlights. The large logo within the grille, though comically oversized, worked well within the overall design. The upper character line swooped from the windshield to the rear hatch, intersected by another line that gave the appearance of a large spoiler. Inside, the RDX boasted sharp, precise styling with eye-catching red leather upholstery, creating a strong red-and-black interior aesthetic. Standard features included synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The A-Spec model added unique 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof, while the Advance Package offered rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, and ambient cabin lighting.

The 2021 Kia Telluride, available in four trim levels, offered a stylish and contemporary design both inside and out. The top-of-the-line SX trim, especially with the Prestige package, transformed it into a luxury SUV with premium stitched Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition added a popular blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Telluride featured a well-designed transmission shifter, ample storage space, and high-quality materials. The SX trim provided heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated with the Prestige package, offered comfort and convenience, while the third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults.

The 2020 Acura RDX came equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid acceleration and a great engine note. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available with front-wheel drive or Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus drive modes, adjusting throttle response, shift patterns, and steering feel. The RDX delivered an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined, though it required premium fuel. The RDX excelled in both acceleration and handling, offering a comfortable yet performance-oriented driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Kia’s Drive Mode Select offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Optional AWD included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with eight inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Telluride’s suspension tuning minimized head-toss and provided a firm, connected sensation at slower speeds, while softening up at higher speeds for a smooth ride. The Telluride achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, ample head- and legroom, and a well-designed interior. The second row provided great headroom and decent legroom, with a fold-down center console and in-door cup holders. The RDX had 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The cargo area was easily accessible, with a helpful cubby and a hidden cargo area under the load floor.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated with the Prestige package, offered convenience and comfort, while the third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults. The Telluride provided ample storage for smartphones and other items, with airline-style USB ports, grocery bag hooks, and large cupholders. The smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2020 Acura RDX’s infotainment system was a letdown, operated via a touchpad that lacked intuitive functionality. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 9-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, real-time traffic updates, and the ELS premium audio system. The A-Spec model featured the ELS Studio 3D premium sound system with 16 speakers, while the Advance Package added a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia’s UVO Link connected services offered various plans, including remote engine start, climate control operation, and vehicle alerts. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, while the Prestige package added a head-up display. Driver Talk and Quiet Mode were available with EX and SX trims, enhancing communication and comfort within the vehicle.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, LATCH child-seat mounting systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, and a rear-view camera. It also included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The Advance Package included a 360-degree surround-view camera and a washer nozzle for the rear-view camera. The 2019 RDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-monitoring system. Highway Drive Assist, standard with EX and SX trims, provided semi-autonomous driving aid. Additional safety features included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim offered front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.