2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Kia Sorento

When shopping for a new Acura MDX in 2023, buyers could choose between standard and Type S versions, with various trim packages enhancing the equipment levels. The base MDX came in a standard specification with optional Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was available in its standard trim or with an Advance package. The price ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. Our specific test vehicle was a Type S Advance trim, featuring an extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) soared to $74,995, setting high expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamics, which Acura did not fully meet. This fourth-generation MDX was Acura's first SUV to wear the Type S badge—an emblem of subtlety that avoided extravagant displays of its capabilities. The MDX Type S was equipped with chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and restrained badges. Its 21-inch wheels provided a robust stance, while quad exhaust outlets framed a rear diffuser panel. Every MDX model came with a standard panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting themes inspired by iconic racetracks and roads worldwide. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a sport appearance package with a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance further added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite the appealing design, the MDX Type S had some aesthetic challenges. The way the body narrowed at the doors could make it look dented from certain angles. Moreover, gloss black plastic on the dashboard complicated the operation of some controls. The confusing electronic transmission switchgear was also a point of contention for some drivers. In 2024, Kia Sorento received its first significant visual update since its 2021 debut. Lessons learned from the popular Telluride and EV9 inspired this update, which brought the Sorento more in line with Kia's SUV family. It featured a rugged new front end, more attractive taillights, and a contemporary, upscale cockpit. Externally, the Sorento boasted a large new grille flanked by vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, making the SUV appear larger and more intimidating. Subtle updates in the back included higher trims with attractive LED taillights and new bumpers for all versions. Most models also got new wheel designs. Trim levels—LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige—remained unchanged, though the rugged-looking X-Line packages were only available on EX and above, while the new X-Pro trim offered a similar look with smaller wheels and all-terrain tires. Both trims featured blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint colors, offering a visually cleaner yet equally rugged aesthetic compared to competitors like Subaru's Outback Wilderness. Inside, the new dashboard and interior tweaks included a vast horizontal expanse reminiscent of the EV9, presenting a cleaner design than before. The gauge cluster and infotainment displays were housed under a single glass pane, with SX and SX-Prestige benefiting from twin 12.3-inch displays. Though base models lacked all the luxury touches, the materials used in the cabin felt notably improved. Even the faux open-pore wood grain looked convincingly luxurious, and the quality stitching on optional leather wondered the senses. Sophisticated green and brown interior colors were available at an extra cost, adding character to the Sorento. Overall, the 2024 Sorento felt solidly built and more upscale than some rivals like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out due to its engine. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque—an increase of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard AWD MDX. This twin-scroll turbo V6 engine paired well with a 10-speed automatic transmission using paddle shifters and powered all four wheels via Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The sophisticated torque-vectoring system could channel up to 70% of total engine output to a single rear wheel, demonstrating exemplary performance, especially in hard cornering. Additionally, the MDX used Agile Handling Assist to tighten cornering lines. The Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, plus a separate Sport mode for the transmission. The MDX Type S had an exclusive Lift mode, leveraging the adaptive air suspension to increase ground clearance from 7.3 inches to 9.4 inches. However, the 21-inch wheels and 275/40 all-season performance tires weren't suited for true off-roading. Type S exclusives included a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brake system, and larger 14.3-inch front brake rotors with upgraded Brembo front calipers. While these enhancements aimed to transform the MDX into a thrill ride, the results were mixed. Inconsistent transmission behavior, lack of ride compliance, squealing tires, and poor brake pedal modulation left the vehicle feeling disjointed, making its dismal fuel economy harder to accept. During testing, the MDX Type S averaged just 16.9 mpg, disappointing compared to the EPA's 19 mpg rating. Switching between driving modes did not significantly improve the experience. Using Normal mode in city and highway driving and a mix of Individual and Sport+ modes for mountain driving resulted in unsatisfactory performance and lower fuel efficiency. Additionally, the harsh suspension response to speed bumps or rough terrain and the lack of suspension compliance in Sport and Sport+ modes detracted from the driving experience. Acura's choice of Continental performance all-season tires on the MDX Type S led to early squeals and contributed to the overall lack of cohesion among the dynamics components. The largest issue was that the MDX Type S felt like it couldn't work together as a single unit, which eroded the driver's trust and diminished its appeal as a performance model. In contrast, the performance updates for the 2024 Kia Sorento were less dramatic but more balanced. The Sorento retained its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, taking nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph and leaving the base LX model feeling underpowered. The EX and higher models featured a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While these turbocharged versions had mid-seven-second zero-to-60 times and felt lively off the line, they produced noticeable noise when pushed hard. The Sorento was primarily a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, but AWD was an option ($2,000 on the S and higher, $3,700 on the EX and SX trims). Opting for AWD on EX and SX trims also included the entire X-Line setup, significantly boosting both styling and 1.2 inches of additional ground clearance (totaling 8.2 inches), enhancing usability without affecting on-road performance. The Sorento felt big from behind the wheel but agile on the road, cornering with confidence and offering well-weighted steering and powerful brakes. All trims provided a soft and quiet ride, though the X-Line’s large wheels could transmit vibrations on rough surfaces. In contrast, the X-Pro trim offered a smoother ride with its 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, handling off-road duties adeptly. For instance, during a drive up a 9,800-foot mountain pass in near-blizzard conditions, the X-Pro performed excellently. Various drive and terrain modes, along with hill descent control, were available on the Sorento. Although not as advanced as Subaru’s X-Mode, the Sorento’s X-Pro rose to the occasion. With improved engine cooling, the X-Pro offered a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the X-Line and 2,000 for the standard Sorento. While hybrid and PHEV versions of the Sorento provided excellent fuel economy, the gas-powered versions achieved average ratings for the class. The non-turbo models received 25 or 26 mpg combined from the EPA, while turbo models rated only 23 mpg combined. Over 300 miles of testing, the X-Pro closely matched this figure.

Acura's 2023 MDX offered plenty of functionality with three-row seating and the choice of two or three second-row seating positions, plus a generous cargo area. Our fully equipped test MDX featured all available upgrades, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in luxurious quilted leather upholstery. Despite notable features like power-adjustable thigh and side bolsters and a heated steering wheel, the seats were somewhat firm and failed to provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's seven-passenger seating configuration was standard, with a removable center section in the second-row seat for a pass-through to the third row. While the second-row seats slid for more legroom, they didn't provide as much space as expected in their rearmost position. with the third-row, the MDX was better suited for children than adults. Storage inside the MDX was somewhat limited due to design choices that prioritized style over space. The center console lacked ample storage, particularly with the touchpad interface's large presence. However, the cargo area was practical, offering 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Thoughtful touches like underfloor storage bins and grocery bag hooks enhanced the cargo area's functionality, and the hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close was a convenient feature. The 2024 Kia Sorento's updated cabin remained upscale and modern, offering a similar first and second-row comfort level as before but still tight in the third row. Despite the limited third-row space, the Sorento provided more legroom in the first and second rows than many two-row SUVs in its class. Front seats had 41.4 inches of legroom, while the second row offered 41.7 inches with either a bench or optional captain's chairs. The third row had only 29.6 inches of legroom, tighter than larger vehicles like the Telluride but comparable to the Toyota Highlander and better than the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander. While adults wouldn’t be comfortable for long in the Sorento's third row, it was adequate for short trips with children. The optional captain's chairs in the second row allowed for easier access and better supervision of the third row. Storage and ergonomics in the Sorento were well-thought-out. The new dashboard design didn’t provide a convenient space to stash personal items like a purse, but the controls and layout were user-friendly. The Sorento offered ample conventional storage for small items. Cargo capacity did suffer when using the third row, with only 12.6 cubic feet available. However, folding the third row down revealed a more spacious 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on trim and configuration. With all seats down, the Sorento offered up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

Our specific test vehicle was a Type S Advance trim, featuring an extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) soared to $74,995, setting high expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamics, which Acura did not fully meet. This fourth-generation MDX was Acura's first SUV to wear the Type S badge—an emblem of subtlety that avoided extravagant displays of its capabilities. The MDX Type S was equipped with chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and restrained badges. Its 21-inch wheels provided a robust stance, while quad exhaust outlets framed a rear diffuser panel. Every MDX model came with a standard panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting themes inspired by iconic racetracks and roads worldwide. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a sport appearance package with a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance further added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite the appealing design, the MDX Type S had some aesthetic challenges. The way the body narrowed at the doors could make it look dented from certain angles. Moreover, gloss black plastic on the dashboard complicated the operation of some controls. The confusing electronic transmission switchgear was also a point of contention for some drivers. In 2024, Kia Sorento received its first significant visual update since its 2021 debut. Lessons learned from the popular Telluride and EV9 inspired this update, which brought the Sorento more in line with Kia's SUV family. It featured a rugged new front end, more attractive taillights, and a contemporary, upscale cockpit. Externally, the Sorento boasted a large new grille flanked by vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, making the SUV appear larger and more intimidating. Subtle updates in the back included higher trims with attractive LED taillights and new bumpers for all versions. Most models also got new wheel designs. Trim levels—LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige—remained unchanged, though the rugged-looking X-Line packages were only available on EX and above, while the new X-Pro trim offered a similar look with smaller wheels and all-terrain tires. Both trims featured blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint colors, offering a visually cleaner yet equally rugged aesthetic compared to competitors like Subaru's Outback Wilderness. Inside, the new dashboard and interior tweaks included a vast horizontal expanse reminiscent of the EV9, presenting a cleaner design than before. The gauge cluster and infotainment displays were housed under a single glass pane, with SX and SX-Prestige benefiting from twin 12.3-inch displays. Though base models lacked all the luxury touches, the materials used in the cabin felt notably improved. Even the faux open-pore wood grain looked convincingly luxurious, and the quality stitching on optional leather wondered the senses. Sophisticated green and brown interior colors were available at an extra cost, adding character to the Sorento. Overall, the 2024 Sorento felt solidly built and more upscale than some rivals like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport. Acura's Digital Precision Cockpit in the 2023 MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, relying on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) for operation. This touchpad took up significant space on the center console, leading to criticism. The TTI came with accompanying buttons, a stereo volume knob, and a radio tuning rocker switch, as well as a padded wrist resting pad. While Acura intended the True Touchpad Interface to offer a superior user experience, it posed several challenges. The design required users to learn a new system, taking up valuable center console space and partially obstructing the wireless charging pad. Additionally, the native voice recognition felt less effective than modern conversational systems. Thankfully, the MDX's infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling drivers to use familiar Siri and Google Assistant functions. Amazon Alexa Built-In further enhanced convenience, although remembering to use Alexa instead of the vehicle's native voice recognition was important. The MDX included SiriusXM satellite radio, native navigation, and AcuraLink connected services, with a complimentary three-year subscription for features like remote engine starting and automatic collision notification. Our test vehicle's top-tier Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system boasted 25 speakers, producing exceptional sound quality with high-quality music files. Despite occasional mismatches between content quality and system capability, the overall audio experience was excellent. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with real-time information, though there were occasional misreads from the traffic sign recognition system. The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a more streamlined approach, aligning with Kia's evolution towards single-pane, twin-screen setups. The Sorento’s new infotainment software, Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCnC), offered a clean interface prioritizing popular features on the home screen. The learning curve was minimal, thanks to intuitive operation, although voice commands remained a weak point. All trims utilized a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen, with higher trims featuring a second 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard across the board, and the system supported over-the-air updates to keep it current. The Sorento offered generous USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack for older devices. Most Sorento trims came with a decent six-speaker audio system, but SX-Prestige models had a 12-speaker Bose surround sound setup, delivering satisfying audio quality. Additionally, SX-Prestige models featured Digital Key 2.0, enabling keyless vehicle operation via compatible smartphones or NFC smart cards.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured the Acura Watch suite, a comprehensive collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. This suite included forward-collision warning with 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. A blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims, with higher trims adding front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. While effective, some Acura Watch systems had flaws. Lane-departure warnings involved a steering wheel wobble rather than a vibration, and false lane-departure notifications were common. Adaptive cruise control needed a quicker speed resumption after lane changes. Additionally, the collision warning system occasionally issued unnecessary alerts, such as misinterpreting an overhead exit sign as an obstacle. In 2024, the Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite expanded its range of active safety features. Standard systems included adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assistance, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit warnings. More advanced features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes on the SX-Prestige. Kia's adaptive cruise control systems promised better sensor accuracy and machine-learning capabilities, but adverse weather conditions occasionally blocked sensors during testing. Available options like surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror added convenience and safety for off-road enthusiasts and frequent travelers.