Suv showdown: gmc acadia vs honda pilot – which family hauler reigns supreme?

What To Know

  • If you plan on towing a trailer or boat, the GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine and 6,000 pounds with the V6 engine.
  • The Honda Pilot with the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
  • The Acadia offers a more agile handling and a slightly larger interior, while the Pilot offers a smoother ride and a higher towing capacity.

When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, the GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot are two top contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive performance, and a host of advanced features. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison guide.

Performance and Handling

The GMC Acadia comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. A 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque is available as an upgrade. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard on both vehicles.

When it comes to handling, the GMC Acadia feels more agile and responsive than the Honda Pilot, thanks to its lighter weight and more responsive steering. The Pilot, on the other hand, offers a smoother ride and is better suited for long-distance driving.

Towing Capacity

If you plan on towing a trailer or boat, the GMC Acadia has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds with the four-cylinder engine and 6,000 pounds with the V6 engine. The Honda Pilot has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine.

Fuel Economy

The GMC Acadia with the four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Honda Pilot with the V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space

The GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot offer spacious interiors with seating for up to eight passengers. The Acadia has a slightly larger interior than the Pilot, with 122.9 cubic feet of passenger space compared to 119.5 cubic feet in the Pilot. Both vehicles offer plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows of seats.

Cargo Space

The GMC Acadia has 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, which expands to 79 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Honda Pilot has 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, which expands to 83.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

Features

The GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot offer a wide range of standard and available features, including:

  • GMC Acadia: GMC IntelliLink infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, remote start, power liftgate, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Honda Pilot: HondaLink infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, remote start, power liftgate, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control

Safety

The GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot have both received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features on both vehicles include:

  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Traction control
  • Stability control
  • Airbags
  • Lane departure warning
  • Forward collision warning

Price

The GMC Acadia has a starting price of $33,800, while the Honda Pilot has a starting price of $34,550. The price of both vehicles will vary depending on the trim level and options selected.

Which One is Right for You?

The GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot are both excellent choices for families looking for a spacious and versatile SUV. The Acadia offers a more agile handling and a slightly larger interior, while the Pilot offers a smoother ride and a higher towing capacity. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

FAQs

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The GMC Acadia with the V6 engine has a more powerful engine than the Honda Pilot.

Q: Which SUV has a larger cargo space?
A: The Honda Pilot has a slightly larger cargo space than the GMC Acadia.

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The GMC Acadia with the four-cylinder engine has a better fuel economy than the Honda Pilot.

Q: Which SUV has a higher safety rating?
A: Both the GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot have received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable ride?
A: The Honda Pilot offers a smoother ride than the GMC Acadia.