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Battle Of The Suvs: Honda Pilot Vs Acura Mdx – Which One Will Dominate The Road?

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

  • In terms of fuel efficiency, the Pilot has a slight edge over the MDX, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the MDX’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
  • In terms of features, the Pilot and MDX come well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • The Honda Pilot has a slight edge over the Acura MDX in terms of fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the MDX’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

When shopping for a used three-row SUV, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are two popular choices. Both offer spacious interiors, comfortable rides, and plenty of features. But how do they compare in terms of price, reliability, and performance? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the used Honda Pilot vs Acura MDX to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Engine

Both the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX offer powerful engines that provide ample acceleration and passing power. The Pilot comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The MDX, on the other hand, gets a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Pilot has a slight edge over the MDX, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the MDX’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Features

When it comes to interior space, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are both quite spacious. The Pilot has seating for up to eight passengers, while the MDX can accommodate up to seven. Both SUVs offer comfortable seats and plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows. In terms of features, the Pilot and MDX come well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels add features such as a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, and heated and ventilated seats.

Safety

Both the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Pilot earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Both SUVs come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Higher trim levels add features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Reliability

When it comes to reliability, the Honda Pilot has a slight edge over the Acura MDX. The Pilot has been ranked as one of the most reliable SUVs by Consumer Reports, while the MDX has had some issues with its transmission and infotainment system. However, both SUVs are generally considered to be reliable and should provide years of trouble-free service.

Cost

The Honda Pilot is typically less expensive than the Acura MDX, both in terms of initial purchase price and long-term ownership costs. The Pilot has a starting price of around $35,000, while the MDX starts at around $45,000. In terms of maintenance and repair costs, the Pilot is also typically less expensive than the MDX.

Resale Value

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX both hold their value well over time. However, the Pilot typically has a slightly higher resale value than the MDX. This is likely due to the Pilot’s lower initial purchase price and its reputation for reliability.

Which One is Right for You?

The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are both great choices for families looking for a used three-row SUV. The Pilot is a more affordable option with a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and plenty of features. The MDX is a more luxurious choice with a more powerful engine and a more upscale interior. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget, your needs, and your preferences.

Final Note:

Whether you prioritize affordability, reliability, or luxury, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX offer distinct experiences. The Pilot excels in practicality and value, while the MDX delivers a more refined and premium driving experience. By carefully considering your requirements and preferences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and budget.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX?

The Honda Pilot has a slight edge over the Acura MDX in terms of fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to the MDX’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX?

The Honda Pilot has a slightly more spacious interior than the Acura MDX, with seating for up to eight passengers compared to the MDX’s seven.

3. Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX?

Both the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX have received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. The Pilot earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

4. Which SUV is more reliable, the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX?

The Honda Pilot has a slight edge over the Acura MDX in terms of reliability, according to Consumer Reports.

5. Which SUV is more affordable, the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX?

The Honda Pilot is typically less expensive than the Acura MDX, both in terms of initial purchase price and long-term ownership costs.

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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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