2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party fake mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-style symmetry at the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage embraced a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The use of buttons and knobs made it user-friendly, enhancing the upscale feel of the SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S aimed for a more subtle yet luxurious appearance. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to sport the Type S badge, and it did so with understated elegance. The Type S featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, giving it a proper stance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S maintained an overall attractive luxury SUV appeal.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a choice between a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and a more robust 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the SX trim, delivering 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The SX's engine provided ample power for a compact crossover, especially beneficial for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX impressed with its quick acceleration and smooth ride, thanks to its MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension. However, the steering could have been sharper, and the tires offered limited grip.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6. The Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could distribute up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were inconsistent. Additionally, the fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though compact, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded down. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seats could be adjusted for more legroom, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo area offered 461 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. While the MDX excelled in passenger comfort, its interior design prioritized style over storage space, limiting practicality.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. While the TTI aimed to improve driver interaction, it fell short of expectations, adding complexity and reducing storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. A head-up display was available on higher trims, providing essential driving information.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. While the safety systems generally performed well, there were occasional false alerts and issues with lane-departure notifications. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.