2021 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Its base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S was noted for its value, but many opted for the luxurious SX trim, which could be enhanced with a Prestige package. This package added features like premium Nappa leather, a suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, offered a blacked-out aesthetic with unique design elements. The Telluride's styling was widely praised, with its exterior and interior design receiving high marks for quality and execution. However, the limited interior color options and some lower-quality plastic were minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, was recognized for its sporty and appealing design. It avoided excessive off-road styling cues, focusing instead on a sleek, road-oriented appearance. The RDX A-Spec was positioned mid-range in the trim hierarchy, with base prices starting at $38,200 and reaching $46,000 with the Advance Package. The SH-AWD system was an additional option, enhancing handling capabilities. The A-Spec interior featured sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique lighting and trim elements, contributing to its sporty ambiance. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered various driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with optional all-wheel drive featuring a low-speed Lock function for enhanced traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces. It featured a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, with self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims. The Telluride's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a tested average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and an optional SH-AWD system, which significantly improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec model had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its sporty handling. Despite some body motion in spirited driving, the RDX was praised for its predictable handling and precise steering.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a 14-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic glass for a quieter cabin. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with sunshades and separate climate controls. The third-row seat was accessible and usable for adults, though not as spacious as some competitors. The Telluride offered ample storage solutions, including smartphone bins and USB ports. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with folded seats.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The A-Spec trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, affecting leg support. Storage space was limited, with a large but inaccessible tray under the center console. The RDX provided 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with folded seats. A deep storage well and underfloor compartments added utility, though the maximum cargo volume was based on an unrealistic loading method.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard 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 features, including remote engine start and climate control, though a WiFi hotspot was unavailable. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and voice recognition. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with comprehensive information.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While an improvement over similar systems, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered physical controls for stereo and climate functions, smartphone integration, and voice assistant compatibility. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system was not ideal for minimizing driver distraction.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid. The SX trim also featured front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact results were four stars.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX lacked some features found in the TLX sedan, such as pedestrian detection and Traffic Jam Assist. Despite this, the RDX's safety systems were refined and user-friendly. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.