Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride
Having an SUV to get adventures accomplished is a satisfying luxury. With models like the Acura MDX and Kia Telluride, you’ve got options. At IRA Acura Westwood, we’ve gone ahead and written up a thorough MDX vs. Telluride comparison for all our customers in Westwood, Dedham, Needham, and Norwood, MA, to read and lean from.
Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride: Performance
The MDX comes out strong with a standard 3.5L Aluminum Alloy 24-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC® V6 engine that’s paired with a 10-Speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters. Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) is incorporated as well. Idle Stop technology makes an appearance here, which further helps fuel economy, a topic we’ll tackle in the next section. This engine configuration generates the following power outputs of 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.
In comparison, the Telluride comes standard with a 3.8L Lambda DOHC, 4-Valve per cylinder V6 with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). It is paired with an Electronically Controlled 8-Speed automatic transmission. It has four different drive modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart. This engine configuration generates power outputs of up to 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque.
While the Telluride is the bigger engine, that it is only one point ahead in horsepower makes the case that these vehicles are on equal footing for the most part. The MDX has the stronger amount of torque to be generated which can prove to be the difference on tougher terrain.
Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride: MPG
Fuel economy is an important element of performance and to many fuel-conscious drivers, a deciding factor. The MDX steps into the ring with an EPA-estimated MPG of 19 City / 26 Highway / 22 Combined1. As mentioned previously, the Idle Stop technology that’s onboard increases the efficiency by a significant amount, stretching your fuel farther. The numbers here tell us that the MDX is capable of making the morning commute but is at home on the open road, ferrying your friends and family to the next adventure.
Looking at the Telluride, the story is a bit different. It has an EPA-estimated MPG of 19 City / 24 Highway / 21 Combined. Unlike the MDX, there is no fuel saving technology present, limiting you to the hard numbers mentioned above. That said, it does a fine job of city driving, navigating the commute with ease. On the open road is where it shines with it’s higher MPG and drive modes. Although in comparison it lags a few points behind the MDX, it still has good performance but just limited.
Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride: Exterior Colors
Sometimes it’s all about style! Here we’ll look at the coloring options between both vehicles.
The MDX has Performance Red Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Phantom Violet Pearl, the exclusive Apex Blue Pearl, and Tiger Eye Pearl. These colors are also available as premium paint finishes which is applied in a series of tinted clear coats for the results of brilliant chromatic color that has a deep, rich finish.
In comparison, the Telluride has the following exterior colors: Everlasting Silver, Ebony Black, Glacial White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Sangria. No premium paint opportunities are present.
While at first glance these are on equal footing, the Telluride’s monochromatic aesthetic is heavily challenged by the MDX’s colorful pallet. There’s more room for self-expression in the offerings of the MDX.
Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride: The Verdict
Now that our customers in Westwood, Dedham, Needham, and Norwood, Massachusetts, have read through our MDX vs. Telluride comparison, we think you’ll agree that the Acura MDX is the superior vehicle. But don’t just take our word for it, schedule an MDX test drive for yourself with us at IRA Acura Westwood!
- Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.
