2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a striking midsize SUV that captivated consumers with its muscular design and balanced proportions. It featured trendy blacked-out wheels and trim, maintaining its handsome appeal. Kia made minimal changes for 2022, only altering the grille pattern slightly and adding new badges. The Telluride's interior was well-regarded for its logical arrangement of controls and attractive design, though the glossy plastic in the lower cabin detracted from its overall upscale feel. The SX Prestige trim, with its Nappa leather upholstery and simulated suede headliner, offered a luxurious contrast to the shiny plastic panels. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Telluride was not considered a high-priced SUV, and Kia compensated with numerous new standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, and advanced driving aids.

The 2023 Acura RDX stood out with its sharp, angular style, though it remained conventional enough to blend in with other small SUVs. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile featured a distinctive character line, while the rear design was more conventional. Inside, the RDX took a different approach with a vertical dashboard layout, emphasizing performance with gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. The 10.2-inch infotainment display and digital center display with analog gauges added to its sporty intent. While the interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar feel for those averse to new glass cockpits. However, those seeking the latest edgy design might have found it lacking.

The 2022 Kia Telluride was a satisfying drive, powered by a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered a single engine choice, which some might have found limiting in a market moving towards electrification. The eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD with Lock mode provided good power distribution. With eight inches of ground clearance, the Telluride handled snow and muddy roads well, though limited wheel articulation suggested sticking to less challenging paths. On dry pavement, the Telluride excelled with its brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and selectable driving modes. The SX trim's 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires offered good grip, and the ride quality was smooth, with a bit of body roll in corners. The Telluride was an excellent long-distance driver, achieving 21.1 mpg in testing, close to the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered standard FWD and available SH-AWD. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The transmission was adept at selecting the right gear, and the brake pedal provided reassuring firmness. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and ample traction from the advanced AWD system. It cornered with sporty prowess while maintaining ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections with ease. The RDX's performance range and comfortable ride made it appealing to many shoppers.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior that prioritized utility. Thoughtful details included overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in the front seatbacks. Dual-zone automatic climate control served front-seat occupants, while a single-zone panel catered to the rear. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, enhancing the interior's luxurious feel. All three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride offered ample storage, with 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded. Its folding seats and flat load floor made it practical for hauling large items.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample front-seat space, with additional power adjustments in top trims. Generous cushioning ensured comfort on long drives, and heated and ventilated seats quickly adjusted temperatures. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, with ample legroom and space under the front seats. A large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open feel. The RDX offered 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor for wet items. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 79.8 cubic feet, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had various storage options, though the center stack's design took up unnecessary space.

For 2022, the Kia Telluride featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, though it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. USB charging ports were available in all three rows, and a wireless smartphone charging pad was standard in most trims. Kia Connect offered a range of connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride also had standard Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions, enhancing its family-friendly appeal. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitoring system.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience. The system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, but the interface was one of the least user-friendly. The RDX came with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim included a 16-speaker ELS audio system with excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard safety features under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, though it required driver attention. The Telluride also had Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura RDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The systems worked well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist better suited for straight highways.