2022 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a visually appealing SUV. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-road vehicle, focusing instead on its daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges, enhancing the overall sporty look and feel of the cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular design with balanced proportions and trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges for 2022, maintaining the Telluride's handsome appearance. The interior was upscale and organized, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, and USB ports embedded into the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige Package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, making the interior feel more luxurious.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the option to add the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. This system could deliver up to 70% of total engine output to the rear wheels, improving handling and making the RDX fun to drive. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec models featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and larger performance all-season tires, enhancing handling.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a satisfying driving experience. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the wheels, with an AWD option that included a Lock mode for even power distribution. The Telluride featured a brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. The SX trim came with 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires, providing good grip. The Telluride's ride quality was smooth, and it performed well on both dry pavement and in challenging conditions like snow and mud. The Telluride's fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need to maximize utility, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable recline angle. Cargo volume measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The trunk was accommodating, with a deep storage well and three separate storage compartments under the cargo floor.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. The SX Prestige Package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, enhancing the luxurious feel. All three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride offered plenty of storage space, with 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet. The folding seats and flat load floor made it easy to haul large items.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While this system mirrored the screen and was an improvement over similar systems from other manufacturers, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific. The RDX also offered smartphone projection, physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, and integrated voice-recognition technology.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition technology. However, the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality required a wire. Kia provided USB charging ports in all three rows and a wireless smartphone charging pad in all trims except the LX. Standard equipment included Kia Connect, a connected services platform with features like 911 Connect, remote engine start, and home-to-car smart speaker integration. The Telluride also had a Quiet Mode and Driver Talk function, making it family-friendly. The SX trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies under Kia Drive Wise. These features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also had Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control-Curve, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim featured Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS.