2026 Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot Comparison with Price, Specs, & Photos

Obviously, since they are built on the same platform, these two SUVs are similar in size. The Pilot is a little bit larger, while the more handling-focused MDX sports a slightly lower center of gravity. On the subject of handling, ground clearance is one area where some explanation is needed. Both SUVs come with 7.3 inches of ground clearance as standard, but each one also has one trim that’s different. For the MDX, that trim is the Type S, which comes with adjustable air suspension that can be set anywhere from 6.7 to 9.4 inches. For the Pilot, the different trim is the off-road-focused TrailSport, which comes with a non-adjustable 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

Although both the Pilot and the MDX come with a 3.5-liter V6, and the same engine block architecture is used, there are a few key differences between the engines. The Pilot uses a dual-overhead cam valvetrain, while the MDX comes with a single-cam layout for improved throttle response. The MDX makes a bit more power, but obviously, it’s the MDX Type S that packs the biggest punch. The displacement of the V6 in the Type S might be smaller, but the twin-scroll turbocharger significantly increases the power output. All three engines come mated to a highly advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that can be manually shifted using paddles.

Both SUVs come with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, and standard on some trims. For the Pilot, the only trim with standard AWD is the TrailSport, but there are four trims of the MDX that come with it, including the Type S. Handling is another area where you’ll feel the difference between these two SUVs, since the MDX has a double wishbone front suspension setup, allowing for more precise control than the strut setup in the Pilot. Brakes are the same for all trims of both vehicles, with the sole exception of the MDX Type S, which comes with bigger front rotors and Brembo® 4-piston calipers. Towing capacity is the same for both vehicles, 3,500 pounds for FWD models and 5,000 pounds for AWD models.

With the Pilot starting at $41,695 and the MDX starting at $53,150*, there is obviously going to be a difference when it comes to equipment. All of the advantages here belong to the MDX, which comes with far more standard equipment, including things like a panoramic moonroof, a power tailgate, and heated side mirrors. But the more noticeable differences are found on the interior. Both SUVs come with heated front seats, but the MDX also comes with driver seat memory, and more comprehensive lumbar support for both the driver and passenger.

Infotainment is a major difference between the two vehicles, starting with the digital gauge cluster. This is a 7-inch screen in the Pilot and a 12.3-inch screen in the MDX. The touchscreen is a similar story, with a standard 12-inch unit in the MDX, and the Pilot coming with a 7-inch one, upgradable to a 9-inch screen. The MDX also comes with standard navigation and a wireless phone charging pad. But one of the more dramatic differences is the stereo. The Pilot comes with a 7-speaker system, while the MDX comes with one that has 11 speakers. But both of those are only for the base trims. With the Pilot, moving up one trim gets you a 9-speaker system, and the top two trims have a 12-speaker Bose premium system. The middle four trims of the MDX feature a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, and upgrading to the Type S takes the speaker count up to 31. In all, the MDX offers a much more premium experience than the Honda Pilot.