Key Differences Between the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot
- Seating Capacity: The Honda Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers, while the Acura MDX accommodates seven.
- Engine Performance: Both SUVs are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing similar power output and towing capabilities (3,500 to 5,000 pounds, depending on drivetrain).
- Fuel Efficiency: The Honda Pilot, in its front-wheel-drive configuration, achieves slightly better highway fuel economy compared to the equivalent Acura MDX.
- Dimensions: The Honda Pilot is marginally longer, whereas the Acura MDX is a bit wider.
- Cargo Space: The Honda Pilot boasts a larger maximum cargo capacity of 113.7 cubic feet, outperforming the Acura MDX’s 95 cubic feet (behind the first row).
When exploring three-row SUVs, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX often appear on the consideration list. Both models share a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine and demonstrate comparable towing prowess. However, the nuances between these vehicles significantly impact everyday usability and driver experience. A key distinction, immediately apparent at DARCARS Honda of Bowie, is the Honda Pilot’s superior cargo volume compared to its Acura counterpart. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to highlight these crucial differences. For those wondering about an Acura Equivalent To Pilot, the MDX is often considered, but understanding their distinct characteristics is essential.
Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX: Performance Metrics
| Performance Chart | 2025 Honda Pilot Sport | 2025 Acura MDX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or SH-AWD |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| EPA-estimated MPG w/ FWD | 19 / 27 MPG (City / Hwy)1 | 19 / 26 MPG (City / Hwy)2 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| # of Passengers | Up to 8 | Up to 7 |
Performance Comparison: Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX
Analyzing the specifications, it’s evident that the base trims of the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX exhibit minimal horsepower variation. While Acura offers a high-performance MDX Type S variant with 355 horsepower for enhanced acceleration, it maintains the same 5,000-pound towing limit and suffers in fuel efficiency. For drivers prioritizing rapid acceleration, exploring the Acura lineup against models like the Honda CR-V Hybrid might be worthwhile.
For those conscious of fuel costs, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX with 4WD achieve identical MPG ratings in their standard configurations. However, the front-wheel-drive Honda Pilot emerges as the more fuel-efficient option overall, particularly on highways.
Dimensional Differences: Honda Pilot and Acura MDX
The dimensions reveal intriguing contrasts. Both the 2025 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are classified as midsize SUVs. Although the Pilot is slightly longer, the MDX is marginally wider. Consider your typical parking scenarios. The Honda Pilot’s narrower profile might be advantageous in standard parking spaces, while the Acura MDX could offer a slight edge in parallel parking situations.
Despite similar exterior dimensions, their interior space utilization diverges significantly. While the Acura MDX provides 41.6 inches of front legroom, a mere 0.6 inches more than the Honda Pilot, the Pilot compensates substantially in the second and third rows. The Honda Pilot offers an extra 2.3 inches of second-row legroom and a significant 3.4 inches more in the third row – sufficient for adult comfort. In contrast, the Acura MDX’s third row is more realistically suited for children.
For clarity, here’s a detailed dimensional breakdown:
| Specifications | 2025 Honda Pilot Sport | 2025 Acura MDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.9 in | 198.4 in |
| Width | 78.5 in | 78.7 in |
| Height | 71 in | 67.1 in |
| 1st Row Legroom | 41 in | 41.6 in |
| 2nd Row Legroom | 40.8 in | 38.5 in |
| 3rd Row Legroom | 32.5 in | 29.1 in |
The Honda Pilot also surpasses the Acura MDX in headroom across all rows and matches or exceeds it in shoulder room, despite being the narrower vehicle. This difference is particularly pronounced in the third row, enhancing passenger comfort.
However, for many families, cargo capacity is paramount. Let’s compare the cargo volume of the Honda Pilot against the Acura MDX:
| Specifications | 2025 Honda Pilot Sport | 2025 Acura MDX |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Row Headroom | 40.5 in | 38.5 in |
| 2nd Row Headroom | 40.2 in | 38.1 in |
| 3rd Row Headroom | 39.3 in | 36.2 in |
| 1st Row Shoulder Room | 61.9 in | 61.9 in |
| 2nd Row Shoulder Room | 61.7 in | 60.3 in |
| 3rd Row Shoulder Room | 59.5 in | 55.2 in |
| Cargo Room Behind 3rd Row | 18.6-22.4 cu ft | 16.3-18.1 cu ft |
| Cargo Room Behind 2nd Row | 48.5-60.1 cu ft | 39.1-48.4 cu ft |
| Cargo Room Behind 1st Row | 86.5-113.7 cu ft | 71.4-95 cu ft |
The Honda Pilot provides an additional 18.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, a significant advantage for tasks like moving, furniture transport, or accommodating large event supplies. This substantial cargo difference underscores why, for practical needs, the Honda Pilot could be considered the more versatile option, even when considering an Acura equivalent to Pilot.
Trim Levels: Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX
The driving experience in both SUVs is heavily influenced by the chosen trim level. The 2025 Honda Pilot offers six distinct trims:
- Sport
- EX-L
- TrailSport
- Touring
- Elite
- Black Edition
For adventure enthusiasts, the TrailSport trim is highly recommended. It includes standard AWD with multiple driving modes (Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport, and Trail & Sand), all-terrain tires, durable synthetic leather upholstery with orange stitching, and an extra inch of ground clearance. The TrailWatch system is particularly beneficial for navigating challenging terrains.
The 2025 Acura MDX also presents six trim options:
- MDX
- Technology Package
- A-Spec Package
- Advance Package
- A-Spec Advance
- Type S Advance
The Acura MDX lineup leans towards on-road performance and luxury. While the Type S trim offers increased ground clearance, its primary focus is delivering a powerful and stylish driving experience on paved roads rather than off-road trails.
Let’s further examine the features associated with each model’s trim levels to understand the value proposition.
Feature Highlights: Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX
Price is a crucial factor when considering features. The Honda Pilot has a notably lower starting MSRP compared to the Acura MDX. Remarkably, the top-tier Honda Pilot Black Edition trim is priced below the Acura MDX Technology Package, which is positioned only slightly above the base MDX model. Despite its more accessible price point, the Honda Pilot comes generously equipped with standard features, including:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Seven-speaker audio system
- Driver Attention Monitor
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Adaptive Cruise Control
The Acura MDX also includes tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, and comparable safety technologies. However, it enhances the driver’s seat adjustability to 12 ways and upgrades the audio system to 11 speakers. For a more direct comparison, let’s examine the Honda Pilot Black Edition against the Acura MDX Technology Package, given their closer price proximity.
The new Honda Pilot SUV Black Edition gains perforated leather-trimmed front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, a multi-view camera system, TrailWatch, and a Head-Up Display. Features like a Conversation Mirror and CabinTalk PA system enhance family communication throughout the vehicle. Luxury touches include front door courtesy lights, LED door trim lighting, and a panoramic moonroof.
The Acura MDX Technology Package, in contrast, offers fewer upgrades at a similar price point. It lacks ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Head-Up Display, although it does include a multi-view camera system.
To explore more detailed aspects, such as Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX infotainment systems and specific trim features, we encourage you to contact our team.
Experience the Honda Pilot at DARCARS Honda of Bowie
For families seeking a versatile and comfortable SUV, we invite you to visit our dealership to test drive the Honda Pilot and experience its intuitive design and spaciousness firsthand. If a slightly smaller SUV suits your needs, we can also guide you through the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot comparison to determine if the five-seater Passport is a better fit. While the Acura MDX aims for a luxury segment, the Honda Pilot often presents a more practical and value-driven proposition for families seeking a reliable and spacious SUV, making it a strong consideration even when looking for an Acura equivalent to Pilot in terms of functionality and space.
FAQ About 2025 Honda Pilot vs. 2025 Acura MDX SUVs
Engine Differences: Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX?
Both the 2025 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX utilize a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Honda Pilot’s engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the standard Acura MDX engine delivers 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This results in slightly enhanced acceleration for the Acura MDX, but potentially reduced highway fuel efficiency compared to the Pilot.
Are the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot the Same Vehicle?
No, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are distinct vehicles. While both feature 3.5-liter V6 engines and offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped, their horsepower outputs differ slightly. The Honda Pilot is generally more affordable, longer, and provides greater cargo space than the Acura MDX. They also offer different feature sets and cater to slightly different market segments despite both having six trim levels.
Ride Comfort: Honda Pilot or Acura MDX?
The Honda Pilot typically provides a smoother ride, attributed to its enhanced off-road capabilities compared to the Acura MDX. An SUV designed to handle rough terrains and inclines generally offers superior comfort in urban and highway driving. The Honda Pilot’s fully independent suspension and optimized body construction contribute to balanced weight distribution and a smoother ride experience.
Explore the New Honda Pilot Further
| New Honda Pilot For Sale | New Pilot Lease Deals | Honda Pilot Vs Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot Trims | Honda Pilot Towing Capacity | All Honda Model Research |
1Based on 2025 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.
2Based on 2025 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.
3Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
4Towing 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.
