A three-row SUV makes for a smart family vehicle, giving you a stylish alternative to the family-friendly minivan. If you've been on the hunt for the perfect model, many are worth considering. However, two of the most impressive are the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX.
To help you decide which will better suit your driving needs in Marlton, Mt Laurel, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Burns Honda is here to help. With this Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX comparison, you'll learn what these two have to offer, allowing you to make an educated decision for yourself.
Pilot vs MDX: Performance & MPG
Two of the most crucial factors to consider when shopping for a family SUV are performance and fuel economy. You need something that will seamlessly keep up with your busy life, and luckily, both the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX deliver.
Each is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that achieves similar power ratings. With either model, you'll have around 280 horsepower and more than 260 lb-ft of torque. The Pilot and MDX both also come with available all-wheel drive, ideal for elevating traction on more challenging road conditions.
When it comes to fuel economy, however, there are some differences to be noted. If you're looking to stay on the road for longer, the Honda Pilot may be the way to go. Though the Acura MDX is still efficient, the Pilot boasts better ratings as well as a larger fuel tank at 19.5 gallons compared to 18.5 in the MDX. Let's take a look:
| Â | Honda Pilot | Acura MDX |
| EPA-estimated MPG with 2WD | 20 city / 27 highway1 | 19 city / 26 highway |
| EPA-estimated MPG with AWD | 19 city / 26 highway1 | 19 city / 25 highway |
Honda Pilot vs Acura MDX: Interior Space
When in the market for a three-row SUV, you're looking for ample space for you and yours. Whether you're piling in passengers or loading up the cargo area, the Pilot and MDX offer a roomy interior perfect for your growing family.
If you're looking for the most spacious SUV, though, the Honda Pilot comes out on top again. In its three rows of seats, your riders can stretch out in 153.1 cubic feet of passenger volume. The Acura MDX, on the other hand, comes in a bit short with 139.1 cubic feet.
Cargo room is also larger in the Honda Pilot. When the seats are upright, you'll have 18.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The Acura SUV offers a similar cargo rating at 18.1 cubic feet, but when you fold the seats down, there is a larger difference:
| Â | Honda Pilot | Acura MDX |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 55.9 cubic feet | 48.4 cubic feet |
| Cargo Behind 1st Row | 109.2 cubic feet | 95 cubic feet |
Honda Pilot vs Acura MDX: Which SUV is Your Favorite?
The Acura MDX is a stylish model that does well on the streets of Marlton, Mt Laurel, and Cherry Hill, NJ. However, if you're looking for an efficient three-row SUV with plenty of passenger and cargo space, we think you'll love driving the Honda Pilot.
To see if this family SUV is right for you, schedule a test drive at Burns Honda so you can try out this model in person. Contact us to test drive the Honda Pilot today!
1Â 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
