Acura MDX Vs. Kia Telluride: Which Three-Row SUV Is Right For You?

Acura MDX Vs. Kia Telluride
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Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride at a Glance

  • The Acura SUV has stronger engines and better AWD MPG ratings.
  • The Kia Telluride does score a win on dimensions, but the Acura MDX keeps things competitive with the front row.
  • An Acura MDX heightens your technological satisfaction, thanks to standard features that outdo the Kia Telluride available features.
  • Both models are safe, but the Acura MDX provides slightly stronger standard systems and some exclusive available assistance features.

Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride: Your Guide to Family-Friendly Three-Row SUVs

If you're considering a value-driven three-row SUV, an Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride comparison is a must-see guide. Both models have unique advantages, but the Acura SUV sports additional comfort, convenience, and safety features that it leaves the Kia Telluride firmly behind. At Muller's Woodfield Acura, you'll quickly see how the Acura MDX stands out in the three-row market.

Acura MDX vs. Kia Telluride: Your Guide to Family-Friendly Three-Row SUVs
 

Acura MDX Vs. Kia Telluride Specs: Which One Performs the Best?

Specifications Acura MDX Kia Telluride
Engine Options
  • 3.5L V-6
  • 3.0L Turbo 6-cyl
 2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower 290 - 355 274
Torque 267 - 354 lb-ft 311 lb-ft
Transmission 10-speed automatic 8-speed auto
Drivetrain FWD, SH-AWD avail FWD, AWD avail
EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) 19 / 26 / 221 20 / 26 / 222
Max Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs3 5,000 lbs4

Summary

The maximum Acura MDX towing capacity matches that of the Kia Telluride3,4 and they share combined MPG rating.1,2 But, the Acura MDX has more available horsepower and torque, and even better AWD gas mileage.1,2

 

Acura MDX Vs. Kia Telluride Dimensions: Side-By-Side Size Comparison

Specifications Acura MDX Kia Telluride
Seating Capacity 7 7-8
Wheelbase 113.8 in 116.9 in
Length 198.4 in 199.2 in
Width 78.7 in 78.3 in
Height 67.9 in 69.5 - 69.9 in
Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) 41.6 / 38.5 / 29.1 in 41.4 / 43 / 32.1 in
Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) 38.5 / 38.1 / 36.2 in
  • 41.2 / 40.4 / 37.4 in
  • 40 / 40.4 / 37.4 in (Sunroof)
  • 40 / 38.9 / 37.4 in (Dual Sunroofs)
Cargo Space (Standard / Max) 16.3 / 71.4 cu ft 22.3 / 89.3 cu ft

Summary

While the Acura MDX does have slightly more front-row legroom, the Kia Telluride sports more rear-row legroom and cargo space.

 

Acura MDX Vs. Kia Telluride Interior: Technology, Explored

Specifications Acura MDX Kia Telluride
Standard Tech / Interior Highlights
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Ambient LED cabin lighting
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • Heated front seats
  • Three-position driver memory
  • 12-way front row seats w/ power lumbar support
  • Leatherette-trimmed upholstery
  • 11-speaker sound system
  • Amazon Alexa® Built-in
  • Wireless charging pad
  • 12.3-in touchscreen, 12.3-in instrument cluster
  • Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
  • LED interior lighting
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • 6-way manual driver's seat
  • SynTex & Cloth seat trim
  • 8-speaker audio system
  • Dual wireless phone charger
  • 12.3-in touchscreeen, 4.2-in instrument display
Available Tech / Interior Highlights
  • Quilted and perforated Milano leather upholstery
  • 16-way power seats w/ 9-way massage
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats (outboard)
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 27-color ambient lighting system
  • Authentic wood pore trim
  • Ebony headliner
  • 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen® ultra sound system
  • SynTex seating
  • 10-way driver's seat
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated and ventilated rear seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Multicolor ambient mood lighting
  • Engineered wood interior
  • SynTex suede headliner
  • 14-speaker Meridian™ audio system

Summary

The Acura MDX dominates the competition across all trim levels. Where the Kia Telluride upgrades for 10-way seating, the Acura MDX starts with 12-way front seats and can upgrade to 16-way seats. Plus, the Acura SUV offers more standard screen space, a much stronger 31-speaker sound system, and impressive styling features. See our Acura MDX trim level comparison for more specifics.

 

Acura MDX Vs. Kia Telluride Safety: Sensors, Driver Assistance & More

Specifications Acura MDX Kia Telluride
Standard Safety Highlights
  • Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
  • Advanced Pedestrian Detection
  • Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Low-Speed Follow
  • Lane Keeping Assist System
  • Road Departure Mitigation System
  • Traffic Jam Assist
  • Traffic Sign Recognition
  • Blind Spot Information System
  • Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
  • Auto High-Beam Headlights
  • Day/Night Rearview Mirror
  • Forward Collision Avoidance 1.5
  • Smart Cruise Control 2
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist
  • High Beam Assist
Available Safety Highlights
  • 10.5-in Head-Up Display
  • Cornering Speed Assist
  • Lane Change Collision Mitigation
  • Active Lane Change Assist
  • Surround-View Camera System
  • Front Cross Traffic Warning
  • Low Speed Braking Control
  • Head-Up Warning
  • Parking Sensors (Front and Rear)
  • Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
  • Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror
  • Forward Collision Avoidance 2
  • 12-in Head-Up Display
  • Blind-Spot View Monitor
  • Highway Driving Assist 2
  • Park Distance Warning (Side)
  • 360 Degree Monitor
NHTSA Rating 5/55 5/5 (2025)5
RepairPal Reliability Rating 4/56 3.5/57
Warranty 4-yr / 50,000-mi8 5-yr / 60,000-mi8

Summary

Both models have an elegant array of comprehensive safety features, though the Kia Telluride offers slightly more convenient assist measures, such as Traffic Jam Assist or the Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror, as standard features. The Kia Telluride does have incredible safety technology, but much of it is locked behind higher-end trim levels. An Acura MDX comparison by year will showcase just how much this SUV prioritizes safety.

 

See the Winner of the Acura MDX Vs. Kia Telluride Comparison at Muller's Woodfield Acura

Ready to enter a world of luxury? At our dealership, you can shop all available Acura models, including the three-row MDX, and choose the favorite for your family.

Please contact us with any questions about our inventory! We'll be happy to show you around the varied trim levels, add-ons, and body styles.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV has more horsepower, the Acura MDX or Kia Telluride?

The Acura MDX has access to the 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which offers a maximum of 355 horsepower, while the Kia Telluride can only offer a maximum of 274 horsepower. Even the standard Acura MDX engine, the 3.5-liter V-6, produces 290 horsepower.

Which SUV has better gas mileage, the Acura MDX or Kia Telluride?

Both the Acura MDX and Kia Telluride have essentially equal MPG ratings, at 22 MPG (Combined).1,2 However, in AWD ratings, the Acura MDX pulls ahead, with an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 compared to the Telluride AWD rating of 18/24/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2

Is the Acura MDX more luxurious than the Kia Telluride?

Yes, the Acura MDX is more luxurious than the Kia Telluride. Standard features for the Acura model include 12-way seats, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, an 11-speaker sound system, and significantly more screen space. Considering the Kia Telluride's upgrades to get 10-way seats and how its available 14-speaker sound system falls short compared to the 31-speaker array of the MDX, the Acura SUV is definitely more luxurious.

1Based on 2026 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.

2Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.

3Towing requires the addition of the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Please see your Acura dealer for details. Added cargo weight in the vehicle may reduce max towing capacity, see Owners Guide for details.

4Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.

5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov

6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/mdx

7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/telluride

8Whichever time/mileage designation comes first. Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.