2024 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Acura MDX

The 2024 Kia Telluride had been offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, with options to add rugged X-Line and X-Pro packages depending on the trim level. The Telluride boasted a sturdy yet refined appearance. The X-Line package enhanced its off-road capabilities, featuring standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential, nearly half an inch more ground clearance (8.4 inches), and specialized 20-inch wheel designs. The X-Pro package further amplified its rugged appeal with 18-inch matte-black wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, enhanced engine cooling, and an increased towing capacity of 5,500 pounds.

Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX base model up to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, not including the destination charge. The SX Prestige X-Line model, tested with additional Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, stood at an MSRP of $54,270, including the $1,365 destination charge.

Aesthetically, the Telluride's design updates remained fundamentally attractive, even if some of last year’s styling tweaks didn’t resonate with everyone. Its Wolf Gray paint combined with blacked-out X-Line styling added a distinctive appeal, enhanced by the sleek black interior with premium Nappa leather seats. Buyers had various cabin color options, including rich Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, and a unique Sage Green, all of which complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim, adding to its luxury feel. Despite these high-end touches, some cheap glossy plastic elements detracted from the overall premium impression.

The 2024 Acura MDX had nailed its visual appeal with a prominent shield grille flanked by sharp headlights and accented intake vents. Its lower bumper area presented a modern, refined look. Inside, although high-tech, the center console’s plethora of controls could initially feel overwhelming and somewhat cumbersome to operate.

The MDX came in several trims, referred to as packages: the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. The Type-S and Type-S Advance models provided enhanced features. Standard across the MDX lineup were tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats.

Higher trim packages offered additional luxuries. The Technology Package introduced ambient lighting, navigation, a 12-speaker ELS premium stereo, and genuine leather upholstery. The A-Spec trim featured a sportier appearance, a 16-speaker ELS audio system, and ventilated front seats with an in-cabin intercom for easy communication. The Advance Package included a heated steering wheel, extra USB ports, remote start, and heated second-row seats.

The Type-S Advance model featured top-tier amenities such as a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, adding opulence and comfort. Although the MDX’s overall interior may not have rivaled the likes of a Mercedes-Benz GLS, its massaging seats stood out for their firmer, more invigorating action, ideal for long drives and vastly preferable to softer alternatives that might induce sleepiness.

The 2024 Kia Telluride had been powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, all managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride could distribute its power to either the front wheels or all four wheels. Standard towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, extendable to 5,500 pounds with the X-Pro package's heavy-duty engine cooling.

AWD Telluride models came with a locking center differential, offering a balanced power split between the front and rear wheels. This model also provided various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, adapting to different terrains and conditions. Ground clearance was decent at 8.0 inches, increasing to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. Its acceleration to freeway speeds was smooth and had ample passing power.

However, fuel efficiency was a concern as the AWD Telluride achieved just 20 mpg in combined driving, and our real-world tests in mountainous terrain revealed an average of 17.5 mpg. Despite this, the Telluride presented itself as a quick and refined SUV with responsive steering, effective brakes, and a firm yet compliant ride. Its off-road capability, while not Jeep-beating, was more than adequate for most needs.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type S variant, driven for this review, packed a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This model utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to either the front wheels or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System (AWD).

The MDX Type-S Advance had robust acceleration without head-whipping force, making it ideal for smooth, confident driving. The adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes provided a light yet comfortable ride, balancing sportiness and comfort well. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered multiple driving modes, including Sport, Sport+, Snow, Comfort, Normal, and Individual, catering to various driving preferences.

On city streets and highways, the MDX remained refined and comfortable, albeit with a somewhat firm ride expected from a luxury SUV with sporty aspirations. It handled corners efficiently for a large SUV, with responsive steering and a tight turning radius. Properly equipped MDX models had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, with front-wheel-drive models towing up to 3,500 pounds.

Inside the Kia Telluride, comfort was paramount, especially evident in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line. This model featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar massage, and heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seats were surprisingly accommodating for adults. The dual sunroof panel brightened the cabin, which was otherwise dark.

The Telluride's design included horizontal control layouts, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and multiple physical controls for ease of use. Thoughtful details like the changing landscape on the digital instrumentation panel were appreciated, adding an aesthetic appeal tied to the time of day.

Storage was abundant, with a covered cubby for small items, a tray for smartphones, and sizable door panel bins. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient, and cargo space behind the third row was generous at 21 cubic feet, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded and maxing out at 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro offered practical roof rails for additional storage needs, making the Telluride one of the roomiest options in its segment.

The Acura MDX's standard configuration included three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, and the third row better suited for children due to its smaller size. Cargo space was somewhat limited with 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. However, it expanded to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and reached a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. Additional storage was available under the cargo load floor. The power liftgate came standard, and a hands-free power liftgate was offered on the base model but came standard in the Advance Package.

Our Type-S Advance test vehicle featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console offering additional convenience and a fold-out middle section for third-row access. However, there was no option for second-row captain’s chairs. The center console provided ample storage space, but the shifter's design, with its row of buttons and cumbersome touchpad for controlling the infotainment system, detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was a bit outdated compared to rivals. Voice recognition and other advanced features required a Kia Connect subscription, with four plans available ranging from complimentary to an annual fee of $199.

During testing, Bluetooth streaming worked seamlessly even without the needed cable for a wired connection. The infotainment display included thoughtful features like a blue-light filter to reduce eye strain and a Quiet Mode that limited sound to the front speakers. The driver’s voice could also be amplified to the rear seats for easier communication.

Additional tech included a digital key, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display. The 360-degree camera system with surround and side views added another layer of convenience. The Telluride's tech suite was robust, even if some of its functionality required an additional subscription.

The Acura MDX had a clumsily designed infotainment interface. The 12.3-inch display atop the dash wasn’t a touchscreen; instead, it was controlled by a awkward touchpad. The system’s usability issues overshadowed the suite of positive features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Despite the unintuitive interface, Acura did integrate clever touchpad packaging with hidden charging ports and a leather handrest. The hope was that future models would adopt the more intuitive touchscreens as seen in the new Integra. Until then, the current system remained a weak point and deterred from an otherwise feature-rich technology offering.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive set of standard Kia Drive Wise driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Higher trims offered additional safety technologies like cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.

Highway Driving Assist 2.0 was another upgrade providing semi-autonomous capabilities, including automatic lane changing. The system excelled in certain conditions but lagged in moderating traffic and on inclines. The basic lane-keeping system was found to be overly intrusive. However, the Telluride's robust safety credentials were underscored by a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package added parking sensors and rain-sensing windshield wipers, while the Advance Package came with a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display.

Although the 2024 MDX hadn't been tested yet by major safety organizations, the identical 2022 model’s five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top marks in IIHS evaluations were applied to the current model. The distraction caused by the cumbersome infotainment system remained a concern, as it took longer to operate safely while driving.