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    A Tough Comparison Between Honda Pilot And Acura MDX

    Image Source: moonfish8 / Shutterstock

    Are high-end variants worth the cost? This dilemma has puzzled vehicle buyers for a long time, particularly when deciding between vehicles from the same lineage that share identical platforms and similar components, such as the Honda Pilot and the more luxurious Acura MDX. These sibling models offer three rows of seating, optional all-wheel drive, and the newest in smart car technology. So, what sets these three-row crossover SUVs apart?

    The distinctions are glaring. The 2025 Honda Pilot can accommodate up to eight occupants and comes with an off-road-ready TrailSport version. In contrast, the updated 2025 Acura MDX leans towards a more sophisticated utility with its sleek design, seating for seven in its upscale cabin, and a performance-oriented Type S variant featuring an air suspension system that maximizes its impressive handling capabilities.

    The variance between the base models is not just $13,000, and it widens at the top end, with a price disparity exceeding $20,000 between them. The question that ensues is whether we believe it’s justifiable and how the Pilot and MDX stack up.

    Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX cost and alternative configurations

    • Base Pilot Sport is priced around $41,000
    • Base Acura MDX starts at approximately $52,000
    • Pilot AWD carries an additional cost of $2,100; whereas, it’s $2,200 for the MDX
    • Top selections: Honda Pilot EX-L, Acura MDX A-Spec

    Which Honda Pilot model should I opt for?

    The Pilot is available in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims. Priced at $41,295, the Sport comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, heated power-adjustable front seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 20-inch alloy wheels. We recommend upgrading to the $44,595 Pilot EX-L for its 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, leather interior, power tailgate, and 18-inch wheels. Enthusiasts destined for off-road adventures will find the TrailSport edition appealing at $50,495, featuring an off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, various off-road driving modes, off-road camera views, and synthetic leather upholstery.

    Once you reach the $55,675 Pilot Black Edition, you’re stepping into MDX territory. This model is adorned with black accents and a plethora of amenities, including a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, navigation, a head-up display, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seating, second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center seat, a surround-view camera system, a hands-free tailgate, and 20-inch wheels.

    Which Acura MDX model should I select?

    The MDX is presented in base, Tech Package, Advance Package, A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and Type S Advance editions. All variants come standard with all-wheel drive, except for the base and Tech Package trims, where it costs an additional $2,200 to include.

    Priced at $52,250, the base MDX comes equipped with synthetic leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front sport seats, a removable center seat in the second row, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring Google Built-in software, Amazon Alexa integration, a wifi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, an 11-speaker audio system, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

    We recommend opting for all-wheel drive and stepping up to the MDX Tech Package, priced at $59,850. This variant provides leather upholstery, driver’s seat memory function, ambient lighting, a premium 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, remote start, two rear USB-C ports, a hands-free tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, and 20-inch wheels. Moreover, it incorporates laminated rear glass and additional insulation in the fenders and door linings for enhanced noise reduction.

    The urge for increased performance may lead you to the $76,300 Type S Advance model. This variant not only boasts a 355-hp turbocharged V-6 engine but also features adaptive dampers, an air suspension system, larger Brembo front brakes, 21-inch wheels, opulent quilted Milano leather upholstery with synthetic suede inserts, 16-way cooling and massage front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a deluxe 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a host of additional safety technologies.

    Does the Honda Pilot or Acura MDX offer superior warranty coverage?

    The Acura MDX provides a more extensive warranty package. Its 4-year/50,000-mile warranty includes two years or 24,000 miles of pre-arranged maintenance. In comparison, the Pilot’s basic warranty extends for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

    Advantage: The Pilot EX-L and the MDX Tech Package result in a tie.

    Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX powertrain, all-wheel drive, and off-road capabilities

    • TrailSport editions grant the Pilot an advantage in off-road conditions
    • Type S editions give the MDX the upper hand in performance
    • The Honda Pilot is equipped with a 285-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission
    • On the other hand, the Acura MDX features a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox
    • The Acura MDX Type S adopts a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine
    • Both models can tow up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive engaged

    Do the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX share the same engine configuration?

    Although similar, the 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the Honda Pilot produces slightly less power. It generates 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, functioning in conjunction with a seamless 10-speed automatic transmission.

    Most Acura MDX trims are outfitted with a comparable 3.5-liter V-6 tuned to 290 hp and 267 lb-ft, paired with the same 10-speed automatic transmission. However, the MDX Type S incorporates something that the Pilot lacks: exceptional acceleration from its turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which produces 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

    What is the acceleration like for the Acura MDX?

    The Type S model holds the performance crown between both models, leveraging its turbocharged V-6 engine to achieve impressive speeds

    to 60 miles per hour in approximately six seconds, achieving this speed one second faster compared to the standard V-6. The MDX offers various driving modes like Normal, Comfort, Sport, and Snow, which adjust the throttle response and steering feel, providing a broader range between being a comfortable highway cruiser and offering a bit more acceleration off the line.

    Is the Acura MDX equipped with 4WD?

    Yes, the base and Technology Package models come with front-wheel drive, while other models feature all-wheel drive. Most buyers opt for the $2,200 AWD upgrade where it’s not included as standard. One notable difference between the Type S and the base versions of the MDX and the Pilot is the handling. With the ability to direct up to 70% of power to the rear axle and distribute torque between the rear wheels, all MDX models can exhibit a sporty driving character akin to a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The MDX Type S enhances this setup with adaptive dampers and an air suspension system that offers different modes for balancing ride comfort and improved handling.

    The air suspension can raise the SUV by up to 2.0 inches from the standard 7.3-inch ground clearance or lower it by 0.6 inches in Sport+ mode. By leveraging the independent suspension for lateral stability and the adaptive damping in the air suspension for vertical control, the MDX Type S maintains excellent traction and stability.

    Does the Honda Pilot come with 4WD?

    Similar to the MDX, front-wheel drive is standard on the Pilot, and AWD is available for an additional $2,100 on most trims. The AWD system in the Pilot features variable power distribution between the axles and torque distribution to the rear wheels to enhance grip. The Pilot focuses more on comfort and quietness, utilizing MacPherson struts at the front, which allow for a bit more body roll during turns compared to the MDX.

    The ground clearance on the Pilot TrailSport model increases by an inch to 8.3 inches, with 18-inch all-terrain tires included as standard. It is also equipped with hill descent control for better control on downhill terrains and offers genuine off-road capabilities on moderate trails, along with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

    Advantage: The MDX offers more features for a higher price point.

    Are the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX fuel-efficient?

    Both the Pilot and MDX, without hybrid options and weighing approximately 4,500 pounds, do not excel in fuel efficiency. The Pilot TrailSport models, with their added weight, raised height, and robust tires, achieve 18/23/20 mpg. The MDX Type S has a slightly lower fuel efficiency, rated at 17/21/19 mpg, down by 2 mpg compared to other AWD models.

    Advantage: It’s a tie.

    Concerning design, the Honda Pilot boasts a more squared-off appearance with a retro vibe, while the MDX exhibits a sleeker and sportier profile. In terms of interior design, the MDX shines brighter compared to the more conservative Pilot, though both offer appealing aesthetics.

    Is the Acura MDX visually appealing?

    Acura has elegantly styled its flagship SUV with a wide and low design theme, resembling luxury European brands. The front features a shield-shaped grille merging into LED headlights, while Trim S and A-Spec models sport a distinctive front design with chunky air intakes and 21-inch wheels, giving them a muscular presence. Inside, the aesthetics are enhanced by a wide center console housing a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen, creating a modern and luxurious feel.

    Is the Honda Pilot visually appealing?

    The Pilot’s exterior styling is more upright and utilitarian, with boxy proportions and LED lighting elements. Inside, the Pilot features a cleaner and simpler design compared to the MDX, with an easy-to-use 9.0-inch touchscreen integrated into the dashboard and various upscale touches throughout the cabin.

    Advantage: The MDX stands out slightly in terms of design.

    In terms of size, seating capacity, and cargo space, both the MDX and Pilot offer three rows of seating. The MDX accommodates up to seven passengers, whereas the Pilot can seat up to eight individuals.Pilot is more spacious and ample

    What is the size of the Honda Pilot?

    18.6 cubic feet behind the third row; 48.5 cubes behind the second row; 87.0 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded flat
    Legroom in the second row is 40.8 inches; while in the third row, it reduces to 32.5 inches

    It is substantial. At a length of 199.9 inches, it surpasses the MDX by 1.5 inches, and it stands nearly four inches taller, yet it shares the same wheelbase. Its square form enhances its practicality and functionality compared to the sleeker MDX, with Honda excelling at maximizing the interior layout.

    The 2023 Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers, along with ample space for luggage. Front occupants enjoy supportive seats with power adjustment, including lumbar support and heating on all versions except the base model. Options for leather upholstery and a wireless smartphone charger are available, and there is a convenient storage shelf provided in front of the passenger for items such as smartphones and sunglasses.

    In the second row, the Pilot provides a split bench seat divided into three sections, which can be replaced with twin captain’s chairs on EX-L trims and above. Touring and Elite models feature a removable middle seat that can be stowed in the cargo area, making it much easier to access the third row. The third row comfortably accommodates two adult passengers.

    How large is the Acura MDX?

    Up to 71.4 cubic feet behind the front row, 39.3 cubes behind the second row, and 16.3 cubes behind the third row
    Legroom in the second row is 38.5 inches; while in the third row, it decreases to 29.1 inches

    The Acura MDX has seating for up to seven individuals, featuring a clever middle seat in the second row that can fold down to form a console with cupholders, similar to the setup in the Pilot. Standard amenities in the MDX include heated front seats with 12-way power adjustment, power lumbar support, and leather upholstery, except for the base model. The MDX provides ample headroom for tall passengers, even those measuring six feet, under the standard sunroof.

    The middle-row seats in the MDX can slide nearly six inches to enhance comfort for six passengers, but the third row lacks the headroom found in the Pilot, making it more suitable for children. Both models feature push-button second-row seats for easy access to the back rows.

    Advantage: The Pilot accommodates more passengers and cargo.

    MDX vs. Pilot safety

    The previous MDX achieved a five-star crash rating and earned Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS
    The Pilot also received five stars and a Top Safety Pick+
    Both models are equipped with numerous active safety technologies

    How safe is the Acura MDX?

    While the updated MDX has yet to undergo testing, its structure remains unchanged, indicating that it should maintain its NHTSA five-star rating. It is likely to retain its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, although the organization’s criteria may evolve.

    The MDX comes standard with automatic emergency braking both front and rear, active lane control, traffic-jam assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additionally, front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system are optional.

    How safe is the Honda Pilot?

    The NHTSA awarded the Pilot with five stars, and the IIHS recognized it with a Top Safety Pick+ accolade, the highest distinction available. All trims feature automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high beams. Except for the base version, which lacks front and rear parking sensors, all other models include them, in addition to the option for a surround-view camera system.

    Advantage: Tie.

    Which is preferable: Honda Pilot or Acura MDX?

    The Pilot boasts various advantages, such as its practical design, larger interior, and comprehensive standard safety features. While its TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10 falls slightly behind the MDX’s rating of 7.2 out of 10 due to its loaded features, cabin comfort, and superior handling, even without the Type S variant. However, considering the significant $11,000 price difference, opting for the Pilot would require a strong preference for it. Our editorial team remains divided between practicality and luxury, mirroring many car shopping couples.

    Winner: The MDX for its design and rich feature set.

    Image Source: moonfish8 / Shutterstock

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