2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Acura MDX

When you shopped for a new 2023 Acura MDX, you could choose between the standard and Type S versions, each with various 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 its base spec or with an Advance package. With prices ranging from $49,550 to $73,200 plus a $1,195 destination charge, the MDX set high expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, though it occasionally missed the mark.

The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim, adorned with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, bringing its MSRP to $74,995. Stylish yet subtly athletic, the fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge. Sporting chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, minor front styling modifications, and muted badges, it maintained a subdued yet sophisticated appearance. The Type S also flaunted 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel, instilling a proper stance.

Inside, the Type S Advance featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package with a black headliner and stainless-steel pedal covers. Additional touches included open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite its luxurious ambiance, the gloss black plastic on parts of the dashboard made some controls hard to find and use. Acura's electronic transmission switchgear could also be confusing, even for seasoned MDX owners.

On the contrary, the 2024 Kia Telluride offered five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The rugged X-Line treatment was available for all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. With prices ranging from $35,990 to $53,185 (excluding the destination charge), the Telluride presented a more budget-friendly yet appealing option.

We tested the SX Prestige with the X-Line package, which included extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, bringing its MSRP to $54,270, including the $1,365 destination charge. The Telluride's good looks were a significant draw, with recent styling updates maintaining its attractive forms and proportions. The Wolf Gray paint beautifully contrasted with the blacked-out X-Line styling, elevating its rugged elegance.

Inside, the Telluride boasted a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats. While not the most visually appealing cabin color, alternatives such as Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black, dark blue, and Sage Green complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim and helped hide the shiny plastic covering lower interior portions. Despite this, the plastic in the SX Prestige was a letdown, especially next to its luxurious elements like soft leather, artificial suede headliner, dual-screen digital display panel, metallic accents, and thoughtful details that nearly met luxury SUV standards.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6, although the Type S weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive. The engine, connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powered all four wheels via Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This torque-vectoring system could allocate up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel, providing enhanced handling, especially when accelerating hard out of corners. An Integrated Dynamics System offered Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, while an exclusive Lift mode used adaptive air suspension to increase ground clearance from 7.3 to 9.4 inches.

Though the MDX Type S offered numerous performance upgrades, they didn’t coalesce into a cohesive driving experience. The vehicle often called attention to itself through an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, squealing tires, and poor brake pedal modulation. Despite its turbocharged engine, the Type S’s fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving against an EPA rating of 19 mpg. During spirited drives in Sport+ mode, fuel economy further plummeted to 14.1 mpg.

Conversely, the 2024 Kia Telluride employed a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most Tellurides could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing this to 5,500 lbs. Equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Telluride featured a locking center differential, Snow driving mode, and Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. Its ground clearance was a respectable 8.0 inches standard, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages, including a self-leveling rear suspension.

The Telluride excelled in everyday driving scenarios, offering smooth and easy acceleration, effective passing power, and a decent ride. Despite a less fuel-efficient performance, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving and 17.5 mpg with extensive city driving, the Telluride's driving experience was more refined, athletic, and free of significant complaints beyond fuel economy. Equipped with brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control, 20-inch wheels, and exceptional steering responsiveness, the Telluride delivered an engaging drive with confidence-inspiring braking performance.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered plenty of functionality, with three rows of seats and various upgrades available. Our test model, a Type S Advance, provided numerous amenities, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage wrapped in quilted leather upholstery, and adjustable bolsters. Despite these features, the seats lacked the expected hold for enthusiastic driving. The MDX could seat seven passengers, with the second-row middle seat removable to create a pass-through to the third row. Although the second-row seats were comfortable and could slide forward for easier third-row access, the third row was best suited for children due to its tight space.

Interior storage prioritized style over space, with a small bin under the front center armrest and a center console taken up by the Integrated Dynamics Control knob and transmission buttons. The cargo area offered decent space behind the third-row seat, totaling 18.1 cubic feet, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The hands-free power liftgate with Walk Away Close added convenience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, contrastingly, provided a highly comfortable interior with premium Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row suitable for adults. The horizontally oriented controls and an easy-to-use 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls enhanced usability, although the metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright light. Thoughtful features included extensive storage options, a well-appointed digital instrumentation panel, and various tech enhancements.

Regarding cargo space, the Telluride outperformed the MDX, offering 21 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87 cubic feet. The availability of roof rails in the X-Line and X-Pro packages added utility for additional cargo.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured the Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an infotainment display, operated via the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. This system, despite good intentions, presented usability challenges due to its non-touch-sensitive nature, learning curve, and center console space consumption. However, the system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In for enhanced interaction, supplemented by SiriusXM, navigation, and AcuraLink connected services, including a complimentary three-year subscription to specific features. The MDX also boasted an impressive Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering exceptional sound quality with uncompressed music files.

In comparison, every 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, although it required a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice recognition system necessitated an active Kia Connect subscription, which also unlocked various remote features, safe driver settings, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Telluride featured satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and additional conveniences like a blue-light filter, Quiet Mode, driver’s voice broadcast, and a camera-based rearview mirror.

While the MDX's audio system was superior, the Telluride had more intuitive and practical tech features, enhancing overall usability.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and centering assist, adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and surround-view camera. Although these systems were generally accurate, issues like lane-departure notifications, slow adaptive cruise control resumption, and a unique error with the traffic sign recognition system marring an otherwise comprehensive safety suite. Nevertheless, the MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star protection in frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered the Kia Drive Wise suite, including extensive collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection features. Higher trims added front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and automatic rear braking. The offering included systems like the Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist with lane-changing capabilities, and Highway Driving Assist 2.0. Despite some performance inconsistency, the safety technology was comprehensive. The Telluride also achieved a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.