2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Its base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX trim with the Prestige package, which added luxury features like premium Nappa leather and a head-up display. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, offered a blacked-out look with gloss black 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's design was praised for its exterior styling and quality interior, though it had some glossy hard plastic. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space, and the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you chose the SX trim.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, with updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included the base model and packages like Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with starting prices from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Advance package, with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, was priced at $53,645. The RDX was known for its high-quality interior materials and quieter cabin, though some design elements like the vertical air inlets were less favored. It offered more style than many rivals, but the control layout required some acclimation.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology with modes like Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. AWD was optional, with a low-speed Lock function for better traction. The Telluride's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a firm and connected ride at lower speeds and a more compliant feel at higher speeds. It offered commendable grip with 20-inch wheels and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control. The AWD Telluride had an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 20.5 mpg during testing.

The 2022 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. The RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard on higher trims and optional on others, providing torque-vectoring capabilities. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. The RDX averaged 20.6 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 23 mpg. It was praised for its driving dynamics, though it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge.

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 sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with sunshades and separate climate control. The third-row seat was usable for adults, and the smart hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX offered ample room for four adults and luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, though the control layout required adjustment. The front seats were 12-way power-adjustable and heated, with available ventilation. The back seat was less comfortable, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor. The RDX had a power liftgate with hands-free operation, revealing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX and SX trims had a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. Kia’s UVO Link offered connected services, including remote engine start and climate control. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Acura RDX used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) with a 10.2-inch display and touchpad controller. It included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims. The Technology package added a navigation system, and the RDX featured a 10.5-inch head-up display on select trims.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included standard safety features like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Highway Drive Assist was available on higher trims, offering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety. It included AcuraWatch driver-assist systems with pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The RDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.