2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. All trims except the Seltos S included standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails, with an MSRP of $28,045, including the destination charge.

Inside, the Seltos displayed a stylish interior with a contrast-color dashboard panel, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap, despite excellent build quality. The controls were logically arranged, with a collection of knobs and matte-black buttons for commonly adjusted features. The infotainment system's purple accent color was a minor drawback. Overall, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals, making it easy to forget it competed against the Toyota Corolla Cross rather than the Toyota RAV4.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, a Type S Advance, featured extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, with an MSRP of $74,995.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The Type S had 21-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, and a rear diffuser panel. Inside, it boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, a Sport Appearance package, and open-pore wood with a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite its appealing design, the MDX Type S had some drawbacks, such as gloss black plastic on the dashboard and confusing electronic transmission switchgear. Overall, it was a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The LX and EX included standard AWD, while the S offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD. The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

The turbocharged engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. However, the suspension tuning was the least appealing aspect, as the Seltos struggled with speed humps, speed bumps, and uneven pavement. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, but the Seltos was better suited for light off-roading conditions. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the Seltos Nightfall Edition was 27 mpg in combined driving, which matched our test results.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, with an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. The Type S also had a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, an Electro-Servo brake system, and larger front brake rotors with upgraded Brembo calipers.

Despite these performance enhancements, the MDX Type S fell short of expectations. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, resulting in dismal fuel economy. On our evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, below the official EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with issues such as on/off brake pedal response and squealing tires. Overall, the performance upgrades did not create a cohesive driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. However, the seatback angle was slightly too reclined for comfort. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with the option of two or three second-row seating positions. Our test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat could slide forward and back, but its rearmost position did not provide as much legroom as expected. The third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cabin prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and a wrist rest partially blocking the wireless charging pad. Cargo space measured 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a cable connection. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LX and S trims offered wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was intuitive to use, with volume and tuning knobs and physical buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating to use, and we recommended using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design was not user-friendly, as it required hand-eye coordination and reduced center console storage space. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription. Our test vehicle had the Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering clear and distortion-free sound. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions, driving assistance status, and current vehicle speed.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an overall four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Acura MDX featured Acura Watch, a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA.