2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured what some might call a frog-like appearance due to its prominent tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights. Despite various opinions, Kia marketed the design as “Euro-focused.” This two-row crossover SUV sported a relatively short wheelbase and short overhangs, a perfect recipe for urban driving. The headlights were carried over from the previous model year, providing consistency in style. This model was available with 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels.

Inside, a chic 8-inch touchscreen was the central point of the dashboard, bordered by air vents. Beneath this screen were physical buttons and knobs for tuning and volume control. The layout was practical with two cupholders between the front seats and the old Kia logo firmly placed on the steering wheel. The cabin, while not groundbreaking in terms of tech or fashion, still managed to offer a pleasant atmosphere.

In contrast, the redesigned 2022 Acura MDX reflected its pioneering spirit in the luxury three-row SUV segment. Built on a new dedicated platform, its proportions featured a longer wheelbase, extended length, and a wider body, conveying a modern and sporty appeal. The emphasis on the critical dash-to-axle ratio connoted an elegant design. Standard Jewel Eye LED headlights, accompanied by linear LED daytime running lights, underscored its forward-looking aesthetic.

Inside, the MDX boasted a restructured and refined space. The dashboard was layered to accentuate the cabin’s width and sat lower to enhance spaciousness. Use of authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather uplifted the ambiance, despite some quirky control layouts. The center console featured an aircraft-inspired gear selection and a square touchpad for infotainment control. These elements, combined with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in landscape orientation, placed the MDX ahead in terms of sophistication.

The 2021 Kia Sportage came in LX, EX, or SX Turbo trims, available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Powering the LX and EX trims was a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the SX Turbo offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine generating 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All trims utilized a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy for the FWD 2.4-liter engine measured 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined. AWD variants saw these numbers drop to 21/25/23. The FWD turbo models achieved 20/28/23, while AWD variants dropped to 19/24/21. The Sportage provided a smooth ride courtesy of its McPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, with enhanced sporty driving in SX Turbo trim, though steering and tire grip left some room for improvement.

The 2022 Acura MDX initially launched with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission managed power delivery to the front wheels in base and Tech trims or to all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). SH-AWD, standard on other trims, featured torque vectoring capable of directing up to 100% of torque to either side during cornering, enhancing control and performance.

The MDX’s suspension improvements included a new double-wishbone front setup and revised multi-link rear suspension, improving ride quality and sporty handling. Enhanced braking performance stemmed from larger, more powerful disc brakes. Steering was refined with a variable gear ratio for better maneuverability.

For evaluation, the 2022 MDX delivered significant improvements in stiffness and rigidity, eliminating body flex and enhancing overall ride quality. The new 10-speed transmission seamlessly aligned engine performance with driving conditions via five customizable drive modes. During comparison drives, the MDX held its own against competitors like Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90, showcasing superior driving dynamics closer to the benchmark Audi Q7.

The 2021 Kia Sportage was on the smaller end of the compact crossover segment but offered commendable interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way power adjustment for the front passenger, with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were sufficient, yet the cargo space was less competitive. The Sportage provided 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to only 60.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded, falling short compared to rivals.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX managed multiple roles from family hauler to utility vehicle. It offered dual bucket seats in the front row, an adjustable, removable center section in the second row, reclining seats, and easy access to the third row. While the third row was more suited for smaller passengers, overall flexibility was a standout feature. Cargo capacity ranged from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with both rear rows down, far surpassing the Sportage.

The MDX also included smart features like a power tailgate with "Grab ‘N Go" functionality, hands-free access, and programmable opening heights. Interior lighting with 27 themes added to the cabin's versatility and appeal.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen managing the infotainment system with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. Higher trims included Kia’s UVO Link connected services, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The user-friendly technology with physical buttons and logical menus made it easy to operate, though lacking groundbreaking features.

In comparison, the 2022 Acura MDX offered a wealth of advanced tech. The ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, included in the A-Spec and Advance Packages, featured 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification, lauded for its superior sound quality. Even the base MDX included Premium Audio with nine speakers and 350 watts, expanding upwards in higher trims.

Standard navigation on Tech and above trims, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel highlighted the infotainment offerings. Built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless device charging, and features like CabinTalk, a head-up display, and a WiFi hotspot marked it as technologically superior. OTA updates ensured the MDX's system remained current.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2021 Kia Sportage. Standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) included forward-collision warning with 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 and earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS along with high crash test ratings from the NHTSA.

While crash-test ratings for the 2022 Acura MDX were not yet available, the outgoing model’s excellent ratings set a high expectation. The new MDX included structural safety improvements and engineered front-end pedestrian safety enhancements. Its AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies comprised collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, expanded pedestrian detection, and traffic-jam assist.