Head To Head: The 2024 Acura MDX Takes On The Kia Telluride
Drivers who want a sleek new three-row SUV will be very interested to find out which SUV wins the 2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride battle. While both of these cars are spacious, only one of them is going to be the ideal fit for you and your loved ones.
The Muller's Woodfield Acura team has put together this comparison in order to help you decide which of these SUVs is right for you and yours. Please read on to learn about the 2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride specs, interior, safety technologies, and more.
Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride Specs
While the Kia Telluride has a single engine, there are two choices for the Acura MDX. Both vehicles are available with front- and all-wheel drive, so there are several fuel economy ratings for each model. We'll start by detailing these SUVs' engine options.
The standard Acura MDX engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It is available with front- and all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line Type S trims feature a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that puts out 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes mated to an all-wheel drive setup.
The 2024 Kia Telluride comes with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that gets 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. What the Kia Telluride lacks is an upgraded engine option for drivers who value sporty performance. Now, we'll move on to the question of these powertrains' fuel efficiency.
Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride Gas Mileage
There are three EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for the Acura MDX:
- 3.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- 3.5-liter engine and all-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- 3.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive: EPA-estimated 17/21/19 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
The 2024 Kia Telluride has two gas mileage scores:
- 3.8-liter engine and front-wheel drive: 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
- 3.8-liter engine and all-wheel drive: 18/24/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
As you can see, these vehicles have very similar gas mileage ratings. Only the Acura MDX, however, offers drivers the option of an upgraded engine that features a twin-scroll turbocharger.
Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride Interior
Both the Acura MDX and the Kia Telluride are three-row SUVs that offer copious seating and cargo space. The Acura MDX, however, offers more impressive standard features than the Kia Telluride. The entry-level 2024 Acura MDX sports heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, three-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. While the Kia Telluride has some of these features, such as the leather-wrapped steering wheel, it does not come standard with heated front seats nor three-zone climate control.
The 2024 Acura MDX can store 18.1 cubic feet of cargo behind its third row. If you put those seats down, you'll unlock a 48.4-cubic-foot cargo capacity. Folding down the second and third rows allows you to transport up to 95 cubes. The Kia Telluride has less storage space – it can only hold a maximum of 87 cubic feet worth of cargo.
With its more compelling standard features and larger cargo capacity, the Acura SUV is beginning to pull ahead in our 2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride comparison. A few categories remain, however.
2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride Comparison Chart
| 2024 Acura MDX | 2024 Kia Telluride LX |
Engine |
|
| 3.5L V-6 | 3.8L V-6 |
Horsepower |
|
| 290 | 291 |
EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined) |
|
| 19/26/221 | 20/26/222 |
Seating Capacity |
|
| 7 | 8 |
Maximum Cargo Capacity |
|
| 95 cu ft | 87 cu ft |
Maximum Towing Capacity (when properly equipped) |
|
| 5,000 lbs | 5,500 lbs |
2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride Trims
The 2024 Acura MDX is available in six trims, while the 2024 Kia Telluride is available in 10 different trim levels. While more choice can be a good thing, it's not ideal for vehicle trims – each time you step up a trim level (increasing the price of the vehicle), you'll only get a few additional features. The Acura MDX, however, makes more significant leaps with more goodies added at each level. The Acura MDX trims are:
- Acura MDX
- Acura MDX Technology Package
- Acura MDX A-Spec Package
- Acura MDX Advance Package
- Acura MDX Type S
- Acura MDX Type S Advance
The Kia Telluride options are:
- Kia Telluride LX
- Kia Telluride S
- Kia Telluride EX
- Kia Telluride EX X-Line
- Kia Telluride SX
- Kia Telluride SX X-Line
- Kia Telluride SX X-Pro
- Kia Telluride SX Prestige
- Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Line
- Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro
Kia Telluride vs. Acura MDX Trim Comparison
We'll compare and contrast a few trim levels to give you an idea of what to expect – drivers who want to learn more can check out our Acura MDX trim levels comparison page. As noted above, the entry-level trim of the Acura MDX offers more value to drivers than that of the Kia Telluride.
The 2024 Acura MDX Advance is a mid-tier option that features a Milano leather- and Ultrasuede-trimmed cabin, 16-way power front seats with lumbar support, and heated second-row outbound seats. The Kia Telluride SX X-Line is a comparable trim level that sports leather seating trim and a 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar support. It does not have heated second-row seats and offers fewer front-seat configurations.
The top-of-the-line Acura MDX Type S Advance has perforated Milano leather with contrast piping and stitching throughout the cabin, 16-way power front seats with a massage function, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row outbound seats, three-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The top-tier Kia Telluride Prestige X-Pro lacks a massage function and comes with dual-zone climate control. The Acura MDX offers better value for your hard-won money.
Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride Safety Features
This section of the 2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride battle is a close call. Both of these vehicles are well-equipped with modern safety technologies. The 2024 Acura MDX boasts:
- Advanced Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Blind Spot Information System
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Forward Collision Warning System
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Multi-View Rear Camera
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
While the Kia Telluride comes standard with many analogous technologies, it has no answer to the Acura MDX SUV's Traffic Sign Recognition or Traffic Jam Assist. The Acura MDX cruises to victory in this section of the Kia Telluride vs. Acura MDX comparison, too.
2024 Acura MDX vs. 2024 Kia Telluride Conclusion
The Acura MDX is the clear winner of the Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride matchup. It boasts an available engine upgrade, a better lineup of standard features, more maximum cargo space, and a more comprehensive lineup of safety technologies. The new Acura special offers we have available for drivers in our community can make it even easier to start driving one of these sleek new three-row SUVs.
Whether you have questions about the Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride exterior or you want to browse our wide-ranging new Acura inventory, we hope you'll come to visit us at Muller's Woodfield Acura. Our knowledgeable staff is excited to help you start driving the sleek new Acura vehicle you've always wanted. Please stop by our store today for an Acura MDX test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Acura MDX bigger than the Kia Telluride?
The 2024 Acura MDX is 198.4 inches long, 78.4 inches wide, and 67.1 inches tall. The 2024 Kia Telluride is 68.9 inches tall, 196.9 inches long, and 78.3 inches wide. Thus, the Kia Telluride is a little bit longer and taller than the Acura MDX and 0.1 inches thinner. Visit us at Muller's Woodfield Acura today to see the Acura MDX for yourself.
What are the starting prices of the Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride?
A 2024 Acura MDX Base FWD trim has a higher starting MSRP than the 2024 Kia Telluride LX. While the Acura SUV costs more than the Kia vehicle, it also brings more to the table. It offers standard heated front seats, three-zone climate control, and more safety technologies than its competitor. Talk to our team to learn more about everything the Acura MDX has to offer.
Which SUV has more cargo space: the Acura MDX or the Kia Telluride?
The Acura MDX has more maximum cargo space than the Kia Telluride. With the second and third rows folded down, the Acura MDX is able to haul up to 95 cubic feet worth of cargo. The Kia Telluride, on the other hand, caps out at 87 cubic feet. You'll notice the difference on moving day when you're trying to fit the last odds and ends into your new SUV.
1Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition. Learn more about Kia fuel economy at kiampginfo.com.