2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Acura RDX

$36,390 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Acura RDX is the initial Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Telluride positioned $8,710 lower at $36,390 compared to the RDX's $45,100. Performance metrics show the naturally aspirated Telluride producing 291 hp, exceeding the RDX's 272 hp, although the Acura compensates with higher torque output at 280 lb-ft versus the Kia's 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the RDX slightly, achieving 23 MPG combined versus the Telluride's 22 MPG combined, necessitating premium fuel for the Acura while the Kia runs on regular unleaded. Dimensionally, the Telluride is significantly longer at 196.9 inches and wider at 78.3 inches, but paradoxically offers substantially less cargo volume, measuring 21 cu ft against the RDX's superior 29.5 cu ft. The RDX utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, whereas the Telluride features an 8-speed automatic and standard FWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

Budget constraints necessitate prioritizing a lower MSRP, specifically aiming for the $36,390 entry point.
Drivers prefer the higher peak horsepower rating of 291 hp from a naturally aspirated engine.
Access to premium unleaded fuel is not guaranteed, as the Telluride operates efficiently on regular unleaded.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum available cargo volume is a requirement, given the RDX's 29.5 cu ft capacity.
A standard All-Wheel Drive configuration is mandatory for anticipated driving conditions.
The driver values the higher torque output (280 lb-ft) and the increased gear count of the 10-speed transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Acura RDX
Length	196.9"	187.4"
Width	78.3"	74.8"
Height	68.9"	65.7"
Wheelbase	114.2"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Acura
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2026 Acura RDX.

How does the difference in fuel type affect long-term ownership costs?

The 2025 Kia Telluride utilizes regular unleaded fuel, which is typically less expensive per gallon than the premium fuel required by the 2026 Acura RDX, suggesting lower ongoing refueling expenses for the Kia.

Which vehicle is better suited for tight urban parking situations?

The 2026 Acura RDX is physically smaller in all dimensions, measuring 187.4 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, making it easier to maneuver than the larger 2025 Kia Telluride (196.9 inches long, 78.3 inches wide).

What is the measurable performance trade-off between horsepower and torque?

The Telluride generates 19 more horsepower (291 hp vs 272 hp), but the RDX provides 18 more lb-ft of torque (280 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft), potentially offering better low-end pulling power for the Acura.

Is the drivetrain configuration significantly different between these models?

Yes, the baseline configurations differ substantially; the Telluride ships with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the RDX includes All Wheel Drive as standard equipment.

Why is the RDX cargo capacity larger despite the vehicle being shorter?

Although the RDX is 9.5 inches shorter in length than the Telluride, its specific aerodynamic and interior packaging result in 29.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, outperforming the Kia's 21 cubic feet.