2023 Acura MDX vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of trims, including the standard and Type S versions. The Type S, in particular, was designed to offer a subtle yet sporty appearance, featuring chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a quad exhaust setup. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, with the Type S Advance adding open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Despite its appealing design, some aspects, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, were less user-friendly. The MDX Type S aimed to deliver a high level of luxury and driving dynamism, but it occasionally fell short of expectations.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in minor but effective updates to its exterior, such as new headlight and grille designs and a connecting light strip between the taillights. The test model in "Pluton Blue" paint added a sharp look to the vehicle. Inside, the Seltos offered new interior colors and a large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, enhancing the cabin's modern feel. The Seltos came in various trims, each adding features like larger infotainment screens, upgraded upholstery, and additional convenience options. The SX trim, in particular, offered a premium experience with features like a Bose stereo system and a power sunroof package.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S also featured an adaptive air suspension with a Lift mode, increasing ground clearance to 9.4 inches. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were difficult to modulate. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the vehicle averaging 16.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 195 horsepower. The latter, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, provided noticeable improvements in acceleration. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The turbocharged engine delivered strong acceleration, particularly in 40-to-60 mph situations, although there was some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos also featured multiple drive modes, including Sport, which improved performance. Overall, the Seltos provided a balanced and engaging driving experience, with the turbocharged engine offering a significant performance boost.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the cabin prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was practical, with 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured practical storage solutions, including in-door cupholders and cubbies. The SX trim also came with a removable cargo cover, adding versatility to the cargo area.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be distracting and reduced center console storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, although the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim, with higher trims upgrading to a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Seltos retained physical controls for volume and climate settings, enhancing usability. The SX trim featured an eight-speaker Bose stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch, allowing smartphone-based access to the vehicle.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered standard driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and smart cruise control. The SX trim included advanced features like traffic sign recognition and highway driving assist. The Seltos provided a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, enhancing driver confidence.