2023 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, reminiscent of French automaker designs. Its styling was a departure from previous generations, featuring bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and a distinctive grille that drew attention. The interior of the Sportage was modernized with synthetic leather upholstery, offering a durable and animal-friendly alternative to traditional leather. The driver’s seat provided excellent visibility, and the dashboard was dominated by an impressive display, although some interior elements were more typical of the compact-crossover class.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX maintained a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in with its class. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. Inside, the RDX featured a vertical cockpit layout with a focus on performance, highlighted by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial. The interior design was more traditional, with a mix of digital and analog elements, appealing to those who preferred a familiar setup over the latest tech trends.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Sportage delivered a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with FWD, and 23/28/25 with AWD. While the engine was more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the punch of the discontinued turbocharged option. The Sportage's X-Line and X-Pro trims added rugged visual cues and off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro featuring all-terrain tires and specific drive modes.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard FWD, with Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) available. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of performance and comfort.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered increased dimensions compared to its predecessor, providing more interior space. Rear-seat legroom was an impressive 41.3 inches, and the trunk offered 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front seats provided ample storage options, though the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating to use.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided generous front-seat space with additional power adjustments in top trims. The rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults, with ample legroom and a large panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's open feel. Cargo space was 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RDX offered various storage options for smaller items, though the center stack design was less efficient in space utilization.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface on EX-and up trims, paired with a panoramic driver information display on higher trims. While the technology was impressive, the wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on top trims were a downside. The Sportage included wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, and a Harman Kardon stereo on select trims, offering advanced tech at a reasonable price.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. The system improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing easier navigation. Despite the interface issues, the RDX offered sharp graphics and quick responses. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring, with premium audio options available on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Sportage came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Acura RDX received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with standard features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The RDX's safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keep assist.