Honda Pilot Vs. Acura MDX: Key Differences And Features
Key Takeaways From Our Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Analysis
- The 2026 Honda Pilot can seat up to eight people, while the 2026 Acura MDX accommodates seven.
- Both SUVs feature a similarly powerful 3.5-liter engine that can help you tow either 3,500 pounds or 5,000 pounds,1,2 depending on your choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
- The Honda Pilot with FWD is more efficient than the equivalent Acura MDX, specifically on the highway.
- The Honda Pilot is slightly longer than the Acura MDX, while the Acura MDX is slightly wider.
- The Honda Pilot has a maximum cargo capacity of 112.4 cubic feet; the Acura MDX has a maximum cargo volume of 95 cubic feet behind its first-row seats.
Compare three-row SUVs head-to-head with this Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX review. Both vehicles feature standard 3.5-liter V-6 engines and go toe-to-toe in other categories, such as towing capacity. However, the ways they differ can have a big impact on your day-to-day life. For one thing, you'll notice when you stop by DARCARS Honda of Bowie that the newly refreshed Honda Pilot offers much more significant cargo room than its competitor. Let us give you a tour of the other differences.
2026 Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Specs
| Performance Chart | 2026 Honda Pilot Sport | 2026 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 (Cty / Hwy)3 | 19 / 26 MPG (Cty / Hwy)4 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| # of Passengers | Up to 8 | Up to 7 |
2026 Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Performance
From the table above, we can see that the difference between the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX in terms of horsepower in their introductory trims is very slight. While there is an Acura MDX Type S variant that offers up to 355 horsepower for a quicker 0-60 time, it, too, only has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and is notably less efficient. For those who are primarily concerned with acceleration, you might want to compare the Acura model against the Honda CR-V Hybrid instead.
If you're interested in saving money at the gas pump, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX offer identical MPG ratings in their standard trims with 4WD. However, the Honda Pilot with FWD wins the overall point for efficiency.
Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Dimensions
Here's where things get interesting. The 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Acura MDX are both midsize SUVs. While the Honda model is slightly longer, the Acura model is slightly wider. Think about where you usually park. The slimmer Honda Pilot will be better at navigating traditional parking spaces, while the Acura model might have a tiny advantage when parallel parking.
Still, their exterior dimensions are very similar. It would be natural to expect the inside to echo this pattern, but the two models utilize their interior space very differently. While the Acura MDX offers 41.6 inches of front-seat legroom, 0.6 inches more than the Honda Pilot, this half-inch is more than made up for in the second row. The Honda Pilot provides 2.3 inches more room to stretch out; its third row provides 3.4 inches more than the Acura model's – enough room that adults could sit back there if necessary. The Acura MDX has a third row that is truly suited only for children.
To lay it out more plainly:
| Specifications | 2026 Honda Pilot Sport | 2026 Acura MDX |
| Length | 200.1 in | 198.4 in |
| Width | 78.5 in | 78.7 in |
| Height | 71 in | 67.9 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 exceeds the Acura MDX in headroom across all three rows and matches or overcomes the Acura model in shoulder room, even though it's the thinner SUV. This disparity is especially noticeable in the third row.
However, the deciding factor for many people looking for a family-friendly vehicle is the cargo room. How much can you fit inside the Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX? Let's see:
| Specifications | 2026 Honda Pilot Sport | 2026 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 - 21.8 cu ft | 16.3 - 18.1 cu ft |
| Cargo Room Behind 2nd Row | 48.5 - 59.5 cu ft | 39.1 - 48.4 cu ft |
| Cargo Room Behind 1st Row | 87 - 111.8 cu ft | 71.4 - 95 cu ft |
An extra 16.8 cubic feet is available to you with the Honda Pilot, which could prove profoundly useful if you're helping someone move, bringing furniture home, or planning an epic party.
Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Trims
Your experience behind the wheel of either SUV will depend a lot on the trim that you select. The 2026 Honda Pilot has seven trims:
- Sport
- EX-L
- TrailSport
- Touring
- Touring Blackout
- Elite
- Black Edition
We recommend the TrailSport trim for those with an adventurous spirit. This version comes with standard AWD with Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand driving modes. All-terrain tires, durable synthetic leather upholstery with Orange stitching, and an added inch of ground clearance contribute to its rugged appeal. The TrailWatch system is especially useful for knowing your surroundings when cresting hills.
The 2026 Acura MDX has six trims:
- MDX
- Technology Package
- A-Spec Package
- Advance Package
- A-Spec Advance Packages
- Type S Advance
Most people wouldn't preferentially choose this model for off-roading. Although the Type S has the best ground clearance, its goal is to be muscular, fast, and stylish when passing other people on the roads rather than when going off the beaten path.
In just a moment, we'll look closer at the features associated with these vehicles' various trims.
Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Features
When considering features, you must first factor in price. The Honda Pilot has a significantly lower MSRP than the Acura MDX. In fact, its highest-tier trim costs less than the Acura MDX Technology Package, which is only one step removed from the introductory model. With that being said, the Honda Pilot still offers a tremendous amount of standard perks, including:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Ten-way power adjustable driver's seat
- 12.3-inch touchscreen display
- Google built-in
- 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 SUV also has tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, and similar safety features. However, you can adjust the driver's seat 12 ways, and the audio system has 11 speakers. But let's turn our eyes to what happens if you compare the Honda Pilot Black Edition against the Acura MDX Technology Package, as they are more closely priced trims.
The new Honda Pilot SUV gains perforated leather-trimmed front seats that can be either heated or cooled, a heated steering wheel, a multi-view camera system, TrailWatch, and a Head-Up Display. A Conversation Mirror and the CabinTalk PA system help you include the whole family in conversations, including those in the back row. Highlighting all this beautiful gear are touches like front door courtesy lights, LED door trim lighting, and a panoramic moonroof.
The Acura MDX Technology Package does not gain as much. You won't have the luxury of ventilated front seats at this trim level, nor the heated steering wheel. You will have a multi-view camera but not a Head-Up Display.
To dive deeper into a comparison of amenities and trims, such as Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX infotainment features, reach out to our team.
Test-Drive the Honda Pilot at DARCARS Honda of Bowie
If you're looking for a vehicle that satisfies the whole family, we invite you to bring them to our dealership so they can see how truly comfortable, intuitive, and flexible the Honda Pilot is for themselves. At the same time, we know that every family is unique, so if you're after something a bit smaller, we can walk you through the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot differences to see if this five-seater is better for your needs.
FAQ About 2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Acura MDX SUVs
What is the difference between the Honda Pilot engine and the Acura MDX engine?
Both the 2026 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Acura MDX rely on a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The Honda Pilot engine makes 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, while the standard Acura MDX engine delivers up to 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This means the Acura model boasts slightly better acceleration than the Pilot but also falls a bit behind on fuel efficiency.
Is the Acura MDX the same as the Honda Pilot?
No, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX aren't the same vehicle. They both utilize 3.5-liter V-6 engines that help them tow up to 5,000 pounds when the SUVs are properly equipped, but the horsepower output is slightly different. The Honda Pilot is less expensive, longer, and has more cargo room than the Acura MDX. The two SUVs also offer different amenities and design aesthetics.
Which has a smoother ride: the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX?
The Honda Pilot generally offers a smoother ride, as this vehicle – particularly the TrailSport trim – boasts greater off-roading chops than the Acura MDX. An SUV that can tackle rocky trails and crest hills with confidence has an even easier time in the city or on the highway. The Pilot relies on a fully independent suspension system and careful body composition that helps evenly and smoothly distribute weight.
Discover More About The New Honda Pilot
1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
2Towing 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.
3Based on 2026 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.
4Based on 2026 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.