2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running lights reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its well-proportioned and grounded appearance. Inside, the Sportage embraced a Germanic aesthetic with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The interior offered a high-contrast look with color options like black, gray, and beige. The Sportage's controls were user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy access to the stereo, climate, and infotainment systems, contributing to an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S aimed for subtlety with its design. The Type S badge marked the first appearance on an Acura SUV, and the styling was understated, avoiding overt displays of power. The MDX featured chicane-design LED lights, automatic high-beam headlights, and 21-inch wheels for a solid stance. The Type S Advance trim added luxury touches like perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the MDX's design had its quirks, such as a body taper that could appear dented from certain angles and gloss black plastic that complicated control usage. Despite these issues, the MDX Type S maintained an appealing luxury SUV presence.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, boasted a more powerful 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment, especially for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system featuring a locking center differential. The SX Turbo delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, offering a spirited driving experience. The Sportage's suspension, with MacPherson struts and multi-link rear, provided a smooth ride, though it exhibited some body roll and lateral rocking. While fun to drive, the Sportage SX Turbo lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the standard V6. However, the Type S was heavier, impacting its performance. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), offering impressive torque distribution. The MDX featured various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were inconsistent. The MDX's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 16.9 mpg, below the EPA rating. While the MDX Type S offered a thrilling ride, it fell short of expectations, making the standard MDX with the A-Spec package a more predictable choice.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though compact, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V. The Sportage featured a smart liftgate for hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Acura MDX excelled in functionality, offering three rows of seats and ample cargo space. The Type S Advance trim included luxurious features like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The MDX's seating configuration allowed for flexibility, with a removable second-row center section for easier access to the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the center console. The cargo area was spacious, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, though the UVO Link system lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was less intuitive than a touchscreen. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2022 Kia Sportage included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received good crash-test ratings, with the SX Turbo earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with Acura Watch, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false collision warnings.