2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Acura RDX exhibited subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX model. Acura made adjustments to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling for a more sophisticated look. Additionally, it introduced new wheel designs and paint colors. Notably, the limited-production PMC Edition returned in an exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with an Orchid white interior. This elite edition was named after the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, adding a touch of exclusivity to the lineup. Prices for the RDX ranged from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding the destination charge.

Our test vehicle, featuring the A-Spec Advance package, was equipped with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior. Priced at $53,645 including the destination charge, the RDX A-Spec Advance aimed to justify its cost with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a more subdued cabin feel.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Kia Telluride received a notable facelift. Every model benefited from fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The X-Line and X-Pro models, which we tested, featured additional distinctions. New paint colors such as Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with fresh interior colors including Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to the overall appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition and included a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires for a more rugged appearance.

Internally, the Telluride's updates were less striking but still impactful with the inclusion of a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Minor trim updates, a new steering wheel design, and improved functionality of the center console rounded off the changes.

The 2022 Acura RDX packed a punch with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, churning out 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This made for an enjoyable driving experience, though heavy-footed drivers saw a noticeable dip in fuel economy, averaging 20.6 mpg against an EPA rating of 23 mpg. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was a standard feature, contributing to a smooth ride. The SH-AWD system was a standout, delivering up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel, enhancing the driving dynamics, especially on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension offered a smoother and more comfortable ride, with a quiet interior thanks to improved sound insulation and Active Sound Control enhancements.

Conversely, the 2023 Kia Telluride retained its reliable 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes. The AWD system also had a low-speed Lock setting to evenly distribute power between front and rear wheels. We averaged 24.1 mpg on the Telluride X-Line and 20.4 mpg on the X-Pro, which was lower partly due to half an hour of off-roading with the drivetrain in Lock mode.

Kia enhanced the Telluride's off-road capabilities with a raised suspension, increased ground clearance, and improved traction control. The new Downhill Brake Control system performed admirably during our test, providing stability on steeper descents. The Telluride X-Pro offered additional off-roading features including 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a self-leveling rear air suspension.

Despite its off-road capabilities, the Telluride excelled on highways, offering a smooth ride and minimal wind noise. The only drawback was a slightly squishy feel in turns because of the all-terrain tires, but the overall driving experience remained delightful.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, all under a standard panoramic sunroof. The sporty driving position and the dramatic placement of the IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard added to its aesthetic appeal. However, the control layout, especially the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, required a learning curve. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, but the back seats lacked sufficient support and thigh cushioning. Cargo capacity was generous, with 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet when folded flat.

On the other hand, the 2023 Kia Telluride was spacious enough for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The second-row captain's chairs were extremely comfortable, featuring ventilation and heating options. The third-row seats, while not the most spacious in the segment, were better than many competitors. Cargo space was also generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet with all rear rows down. The Telluride also provided ample storage throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Acura RDX took a unique approach with its TTI infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller. While innovative, it added complexity and distraction compared to standard touchscreens. However, the system was complemented by new wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-in, and a wireless charging pad. Acura offered three premium sound systems: a standard nine-speaker setup, a 12-speaker ELS Studio system with the Technology package, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D system for higher trims.

Conversely, the 2023 Kia Telluride featured a more straightforward 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a new Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition was impressive, but it didn’t control climate settings. Kia’s technology suite also featured Driver Talk, Quiet Mode, and a new digital-key technology for integrating smartphones and smartwatches as vehicle keys. Additional upgrades included a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, a Full Display Mirror, and an improved head-up display.

The 2022 Acura RDX aimed to continue its Top Safety Pick+ rating with structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety. It included a rear seatbelt reminder system and an enhanced AcuraWatch suite, adding pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking for higher trims. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems performed reasonably well but showed occasional inaccuracies.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an expansive list of standard safety features. This included forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping aids. New features included Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with Lane Change Assist and crash avoidance systems for oncoming traffic. The Telluride also had a thoughtful Rear Occupant Alert system, which notified the driver of any movement in the rear seats after locking the vehicle.