Honda Pilot Vs. Acura MDX: Top Full-Size SUVs Compared
If you're choosing between three-row Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot SUVs, the Phil Smith Acura team is here to help. View detailed specs about these large, V-6-powered models and take a glimpse inside their cabins, then visit us for a test drive.
Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Comparison: At a Glance
- The 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Acura MDX are both spacious three-row SUVs with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds each.1,2
- The Acura MDX is more powerful than the Honda Pilot, offering up to 70 more horsepower from its available 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
- The Acura MDX is also the more reliable vehicle according to J.D. Power, earning a "Great" Quality & Reliability score of 83,3 while the Honda SUV's reliability is considered "Average."4
- Both vehicles offer six trim levels for the 2025 model year, giving you ways to personalize your SUV to your tastes.
- While the Acura MDX has a standard 12.3-inch color touchscreen and 12.3-inch HD Precision Cockpit Digital Instrument Cluster, the introductory trim of the Honda Pilot comes with a 7-inch color touchscreen and a 7-inch Driver Information Interface.
With the Acura MDX release date being very recent, we are eager to show off these premium performance SUVs to you in person.
Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Powertrains
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| 2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Acura MDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 285 | 290 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or SH-AWD |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters | 10-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters |
| Towing Capacity w/ AWD | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Comb.) | Up to 22 MPG5 | Up to 22 MPG6 |
New Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Specs
The Acura MDX lineup comprises the following trims:
- MDX (Base)
- Technology Package
- A-Spec Package
- Advance Package
- A-Spec Advance
- Type S Advance
The five entry-level trims are built with a 3.5-liter aluminum alloy V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, but the Type S Advance relies on a 3.0-liter V-6 that yields 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Either option is capable of reaching the maximum Acura MDX towing capacity of 5,000 pounds – however, you must select SH-AWD over standard FWD.2
The biggest advantage of choosing the more intense engine will be felt in your MDX 0-60 mph time. The Type S Advance can hit this mark in 5.5 seconds, which is 0.9 seconds faster than the other trims.7
The Honda Pilot has an equal number of trims, having removed the entry-level option from the 2024 model year. The current trims are:
- Sport
- EX-L
- TrailSport
- Touring
- Elite
- Black Edition
All of the above trims are equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. At its fastest, this can get you to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds if you opt for the TrailSport trim.8Not only is the base model of the Acura MDX more powerful, but the robust engine found in the Type S Advance trim leaves the Honda Pilot horsepower and torque figures in the dust.
The MPG specs on the Acura MDX vary due to the engine and drivetrain options. Still, the base model of the 2025 Acura MDX with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG (Combined).6 Comparing that to the base model of the 2025 Honda Pilot with two-wheel drive, we see that it also gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG (Combined).5
From this data, it's clear that despite the advanced power, the Acura MDX does not sacrifice fuel efficiency to provide it, making it an excellent choice.
We encourage you to take the time to get to know the new Acura MDX for sale better by browsing our available options. Our team can also help you configure a trim to your preferences.
Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX Size Comparison
The 2025 Honda Pilot has identical wheelbase and width measurements across its trim lineup, checking in at 113.8 and 78.5 inches, respectively. The tallest model of the Honda Pilot is the TrailSport at 72 inches. It's also the longest at 200.2 inches. The others are 199.9 inches long and 71 inches tall.
The 2025 Acura MDX also has a 113.8-inch wheelbase. However, it is 198.4 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 67.9 inches tall. Both vehicles are classified as full-size SUVs, so it makes sense that these dimensions are similar. Being slightly smaller, you might find the Acura to be a little easier to parallel-park.
Despite being slightly smaller, you'll have more first-row legroom in the Acura model:
- Acura MDX: 41.6 inches
- Honda Pilot: 41 inches
Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Reliability
Both Honda and Acura are known for their reliable vehicles that have the ability to last hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care and maintenance. Pairing high-quality materials with expert engineering means you can probably count on both models to perform for 200,000 miles.
That said, the Acura model received a "Great" Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power,3 while the Honda Pilot was rated "Average."4 The service team at Phil Smith Acura can help you maintain this vehicle's peak performance with regular oil changes and other essential maintenance.
2025 Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Features
You will most likely spend hours inside your new SUV every week – and those hours add up over the years. Therefore, we want to make sure that you consider the features of Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX models, so you can spend your time behind the wheel as comfortably and confidently as possible. Here's what you can expect from both competitors:
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| 2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Acura MDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Color Touchscreen | 7 in | 12.3 in |
| Standard Driver Information Cluster | 7 in | 12.3 in |
| Standard / Available Audio System | 7 / 12 speakers | 11 / 19 / 31 speakers |
| Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Standard |
| CabinTalk PA System | Available | Standard |
| Driver's Seat Memory | 2-position (Available) | 3-position (Standard) |
| Standard Upholstery | Cloth | Leatherette |
| Massage Functionality | N/A | Available |
| Wireless Charging | Available | Standard |
If you have any other questions that will help you decide between the Acura MDX or Honda Pilot, please bring them to our staff.
Find Your Acura SUV at Phil Smith Acura
Now that you've learned the differences between these two vehicles, it's time to schedule a test drive with the Phil Smith Acura team. We're proud to offer competitive financing options, as well as Acura MDX lease specials for those who qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Acura MDX Versus Honda Pilot
Which is bigger: the Honda Pilot or the Acura MDX?
The 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Acura MDX have similar dimensions. While both models have a wheelbase of 113.8 inches, the Honda Pilot has a max length of 200.2 inches and has a 72-inch tall model as well. The Acura MDX is 198.4 and 67.9 inches long and tall, respectively, making it slightly easier to park and maneuver.
Does the Acura MDX have more horsepower than the Honda Pilot?
Yes. Across every trim in the lineup of both the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Acura MDX, the Acura MDX has superior horsepower. In addition to a more powerful standard engine, the Acura MDX has a trim, the Type S Advance, that utilizes a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 355 horsepower. That's 70 more horsepower than the Honda Pilot.
Which vehicle has a more luxurious interior?
The Acura MDX has an arguably more luxurious interior. Its standard amenities include a 12.3-inch color touchscreen and 12.3-inch HD Digital Instrument Cluster, while the equivalent screens in the entry-level Honda Pilot are 7 inches. Do you love music? The Honda Pilot has a standard seven-speaker sound system, while the Acura MDX offers 11 speakers and jumps to 19 speakers in its second trim.
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Continue Your Acura MDX Research:
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.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/acura/mdx
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/honda/pilot
5Based 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.
6Based 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.
7This 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
8This 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
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