Acura MDX Vs. Honda Pilot: Key Features, Specs & Size
As three-row SUV cousins, any Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot comparison seems like a close match. The Honda Pilot shares a wheelbase, engine, and transmission with the Acura MDX, and both SUVs were recently redesigned, too – so what sets them apart? The 2024 Acura MDX offers a refined design, incredible power, elevated technology, modern cabin luxuries, and increased safety that the Honda Pilot just can't match.
In short, the MDX is a luxury SUV with powerful performance and desirable standard features, while the Honda Pilot is a typical all-purpose SUV. As a result, the Acura MDX offers you much more than the budget-minded Honda Pilot. Are you ready to see the details?
Explore our "At a Glance" section below for a brief overview of how these SUVs differ, then scroll down for a more detailed comparison of the Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot specs, features, dimensions, and style. Once you're ready for a test drive, visit Muller Acura of Merrillville to get your favorite 2024 Acura MDX trim out on the open road!
Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot at a Glance
- Both SUVs are equipped with 3.5-liter V-6 engines, but the 2024 Acura MDX takes the crown with top horsepower, torque, and 0-60 mph specs.
- If you're looking to go off-roading, the new Acura SUV gives you up to 9.4 inches of ground clearance – the Honda Pilot only sits up to 8.3 inches off the ground.
- The 2024 Acura MDX doesn't withhold standard features: You'll find a power liftgate and a panoramic moonroof on every trim, while these options are only available on the Pilot SUV.
- Enjoy dual 12.3-inch touch screens in the Acura MDX cabin, or choose a Honda trim for smaller standard 7-inch displays.
- Stay secure in an Acura MDX trim with a standard Blind Spot Information System and Advanced Pedestrian Detection – the Honda Pilot doesn't offer the Blind Spot Information System as standard or the Advanced Pedestrian Detection system at all.
- If you often take long road trips, choose the new Acura MDX for its extra front-seat legroom and hip room.
| 2024 Acura MDX | 2024 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.5-Liter V-6 / Available Type S 3.0-Liter Turbo V-6 | 3.5-Liter V-6 |
| Horsepower: | 290 / 355 (Type S) | 285 |
| Torque: | 267 lb-ft / 354 lb-ft (Type S) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission: | 10-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain: | FWD or SH-AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity: | 5,000 lbs.1 | 5,000 lbs.2 |
| EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined) w/ AWD: | 19/25/213 | 19/25/214 |
| 0-60 MPH (Car and Driver Test Results): | 6.4 Seconds5 / 5.5 Seconds (Type S)5 | 6.9 Seconds6 |
| Exterior Length: | 198.4 in | 199.9 in |
| Exterior Width: | 78.4 in | 78.5 in |
| Exterior Height: | 67.1 in | 70.9 in |
| Exterior Ground Clearance | Up to 9.4 in | Up to 8.3 in |
| Seats: | Up to Seven | Up to Eight |
| Passenger Volume: | 139.1 cu ft | 158.4 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo Volume: | 71.4 cu ft | 87.0 cu ft |
| Power Liftgate: | Standard | Available |
| Panoramic Moonroof: | Standard | Available |
| Standard Front-Seat Adjustability | 12-Way Power w/ Power Lumbar | Six-Way Manual Driver's Seat / Four-Way Manual Front Passenger's Seat |
| Adaptive Cruise Control: | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring: | Standard | Available |
| Standard Technology Features: | - 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit Digital Instrument Cluster - 12.3-inch HD Dual-Content Center Display - Acura Premium Audio System with Nine Speakers - Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Wireless Android Auto™ - Amazon Alexa® Built-In - Wireless Charging Pad - AcuraLink Connected Services - Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability - Active Sound Control |
- 7-inch Driver Information Interface Screen - 7-inch Infotainment Touch-Sceen - Audio System with Seven Speakers - Wired Apple CarPlay® / Wired Android Auto™ - HondaLink - Active Noise Cancellation |
2024 Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Engine & Performance Specs
The Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot comparison begins with a similarity: Both models have a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
However, the 2024 Acura MDX delivers 290 horsepower, while the 2024 Honda Pilot provides 285 horsepower. Both have a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. If on-road performance fun is what you're after, though, the Acura MDX goes a lot farther than the Honda Pilot.
How so? Firstly, Car and Driver tests give great insight into the performance side of the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot comparison: They found that the standard-engine Acura MDX goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds,5 while the new Honda Pilot makes the 0-60 mph run in 6.9 seconds.6
The Acura MDX can go faster, though: Its Type S trim has a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 with 355 horsepower, plus a Car and Driver tested 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds.5 The Acura MDX is the clear choice for fun, but the Honda Pilot positions itself as a more off-road-oriented SUV.
And yet, the Acura MDX can use its available air suspension to reach 9.4 inches of ground clearance. The Honda Pilot tops out at 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Air suspension is also not available in the Honda Pilot.
Both models can tow 5,000 pounds,1, 2 and when both models are equipped with available AWD, Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot fuel efficiency ties with an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3, 4
It's also worth noting that the available AWD in a 2024 Acura MDX is Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which intelligently uses vehicle data (including G-force, steering angle, wheel speed, and more) to balance the power delivery for thrilling on-road performance. SH-AWD is meant for on-road fun but can be tailored to trickier terrain with options like Snow Mode or the customizable Individual Mode. A custom drive mode option is not available in the Honda Pilot.
Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot performance is a straightforward battle: The Acura MDX offers more fun on your daily drive and doesn't make you compromise.
Compare Acura MDX and Honda Pilot Interior Features
So the Acura MDX is more fun. But when drivers want to see the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot side-by-side, they also want to know how much more luxury accompanies the extra performance thrills. The answer is a long list of standard excellence that outshines the Honda Pilot.
The Acura MDX comes with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, while the Honda Pilot has standard 7-inch displays in both areas. Even if you upgrade the Honda Pilot, you can only reach a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch infotainment display.
The rest of the tech continues this trend. The Acura MDX has a standard nine-speaker premium sound system and wireless Apple CarPlay®; the Honda Pilot has a standard seven-speaker sound system and wired Apple CarPlay®. The Acura MDX also has a standard wireless smartphone charging pad and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which the Honda Pilot lacks.
The difference between Acura MDX and Honda Pilot seats is another clear way to see the advantages of an Acura MDX.
The Honda Pilot has a standard six-way manual driver's seat and cloth upholstery, and the Acura MDX has standard 12-way power front sports seats with power lumbar support and leatherette upholstery. With available perforated Milano premium leather upholstery featuring contrast stitching and piping in the MDX and top upholstery options like available perforated leather in the Pilot, it's easy to see that the Acura MDX is the more luxurious SUV.
The lead continues for Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot safety features. While both models were given the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award,7, 8 the new Acura MDX offers standard blind-spot detection with a cross-traffic monitor and the Advanced Pedestrian Detection assist, while the Honda Pilot does not. Otherwise, these two models have equal standard assists like adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, a lane-keeping system, a lane-departure warning, a forward collision warning, and more.
Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Size & Cargo
Both the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot were born on the same platform, which is easy to see thanks to a 113.8-inch wheelbase appearing on both sides of the Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot comparison. This is the end of their shared dimensions.
The Honda Pilot has a larger body than the Acura MDX. While both models are three-row SUVs, the Acura MDX takes a sportier, more embracing approach to interior luxury. This, and its smaller body, gives it a lower seating capacity of up to seven, as the Honda Pilot uses a more open style for its interior and can seat up to eight occupants.
The wonderful atmosphere created by the Acura MDX SUV's design philosophy must be felt to be truly appreciated. However, the Honda Pilot does use its colder interior design approach to store more cargo. It can hold up to 87 cubic feet of cargo, while the Acura MDX can store up to 71.4 cubic feet. Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot passenger volume is also won by the Pilot, but the Acura MDX does offer more front-seat legroom and hip room.
It's important to note that the Acura MDX is not designed to feel like a practicality-first machine that values on-paper specs above real-world interaction; it's designed to surround you with premium materials and intricate designs so that you can feel like you're in command of something truly special. The Honda Pilot certainly has a well-designed interior, but it can't spoil you with every touch and glance at your surroundings.
Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Styling
While this is a more subjective area of comparison, the looks of your next SUV matter a lot. Its interior is where you'll spend your time on the road, and when the vehicle is parked, its exterior will be the familiar face that greets you.
Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot exterior styling is a clear comparison. The Acura MDX is sleek, sporty, and styled with smooth, flowing lines that are differentiated by razor-sharp accents. The Honda Pilot looks totally different: It is a more angular, rugged design. The visual intrigue of the Acura MDX SUV's intricate details cannot be found on the Honda Pilot.
As we mentioned when comparing interiors, the Acura MDX interior design is more of a luxurious embrace that creates a first-class atmosphere. It also is a more driver-focused space up front. The Honda Pilot is a more utility-focused vehicle with less intricate interior styling. Some details, like the shape surrounding the gauge cluster, are nearly identical, but otherwise, the 2024 Acura MDX for sale prioritizes luxury through its unique, well-tailored interior design.
Discover the 2024 Acura MDX Today
From thrilling performance to standard luxury features, it's clear to see how the Acura MDX offers more than the Honda Pilot. Whether you want to learn more about its technology or its safety, our team is here to help you discover your next 2024 Acura MDX. Visit Muller Acura of Merrillville today to take a new Acura MDX on a test drive and explore our Acura MDX lease deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is less expensive to maintain, the Acura MDX or the Honda Pilot?
The Acura MDX and Honda Pilot share a standard engine and transmission, giving them near-equal maintenance costs. However, while RepairPal.com estimates an average annual repair cost of $571 for the Acura MDX9 and $542 for the Honda Pilot,10 they rated the Honda Pilot 3.5 out of 5.010 and the Acura MDX 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability.9
Is the Honda Pilot bigger than an Acura MDX?
Yes, the Honda Pilot is bigger than the Acura MDX, measuring 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 70.9 inches tall. The Honda Pilot is bigger across every exterior dimension but does share a 113.8-inch wheelbase with the Acura MDX. While the Honda Pilot offers an extra seat inside, the Acura MDX provides spacious appointments for seven.
Which is faster, the Acura MDX or the Honda Pilot?
The Acura MDX is significantly faster than the Honda Pilot, going from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds,5 while the Honda Pilot has a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds.6 However, the Acura MDX can go even faster, still; its high-performance Type S trim goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.5
Should I buy an Acura MDX or a Honda Pilot?
If you want more power, thrills, luxury features, safety assistance, and style, the Acura MDX is the better buy. This luxury SUV shares its basis with the Honda Pilot but enhances it all with higher-end appointments and higher-performance specs. With almost everything on a modern driver's wish list coming standard, the 2024 Acura MDX is an even more satisfying choice.
1Towing requires the addition of the Acura accessory trailer hitch and hitch ball. Please see your Acura dealer for details. Added cargo weight in the vehicle may reduce max towing capacity, see Owners Guide for details.
2Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
3Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
4Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/acura/mdx
6This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/pilot
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Acura/mdx-4-door-suv/2023
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/pilot-4-door-suv/2023
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/mdx
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/pilot