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Honda Pilot Vs Acura Mdx: Choosing The Ideal Suv For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The MDX gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
  • The MDX gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
  • The MDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are two popular three-row SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. Both vehicles have spacious interiors, plenty of features, and good safety ratings. But there are also some key differences between the two SUVs that you should consider before making a purchase.

In this blog post, we’ll compare the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX in detail. We’ll look at their performance, fuel efficiency, features, safety, and price. We’ll also give you our recommendation on which SUV is the better choice for you.

Performance

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX both offer a variety of engine options. The Pilot comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The MDX comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

Both SUVs are available with all-wheel drive. The Pilot’s all-wheel drive system is standard on the EX-L and Touring trims, while it’s optional on the LX and EX trims. The MDX’s all-wheel drive system is standard on all trims.

In terms of performance, the MDX has a slight edge over the Pilot. The MDX’s engine is more powerful, and it has a quicker acceleration time. The MDX also handles better than the Pilot, thanks to its stiffer suspension and more responsive steering.

Fuel Efficiency

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX have similar fuel economy ratings. The Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The MDX gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.

With all-wheel drive, the Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The MDX gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.

Features

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX both come with a long list of standard features. The Pilot comes standard with features like a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 5-inch touchscreen display. The MDX comes standard with features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display, and a navigation system.

Both SUVs are also available with a variety of optional features. The Pilot can be equipped with features like a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The MDX can be equipped with features like a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system.

Safety

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX both have good safety ratings. The Pilot received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The MDX received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Both SUVs come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Pilot and MDX are also available with a variety of optional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Price

The Honda Pilot has a starting price of $39,150. The Acura MDX has a starting price of $49,050.

The Pilot is the more affordable option, but the MDX offers more features and a more luxurious interior. The MDX is also the better choice for performance and handling.

Which SUV is Right for You?

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are both great choices for families who need a three-row SUV. The Pilot is the more affordable option, while the MDX offers more features and a more luxurious interior. The MDX is also the better choice for performance and handling.

Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly SUV with plenty of features, the Honda Pilot is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more luxurious SUV with better performance and handling, the Acura MDX is a great choice.

The Verdict

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are both excellent three-row SUVs. The Pilot is the more affordable option, while the MDX offers more features and a more luxurious interior. The MDX is also the better choice for performance and handling.

Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly SUV with plenty of features, the Honda Pilot is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more luxurious SUV with better performance and handling, the Acura MDX is a great choice.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which SUV has more cargo space?

The Honda Pilot has more cargo space than the Acura MDX. The Pilot has 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows folded down. The MDX has 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 90.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows folded down.

2. Which SUV has better fuel economy?

The Honda Pilot has better fuel economy than the Acura MDX. The Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. The MDX gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.

3. Which SUV has more features?

The Acura MDX has more features than the Honda Pilot. The MDX comes standard with features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display, and a navigation system. The Pilot comes standard with features like a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 5-inch touchscreen display.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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