2023 Acura MDX vs. 2022 Honda Pilot

2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

2023 Acura MDX

vs.

2022 Honda Pilot
290-hp 3.5L V6

Standard Engine

280-hp 3.5L V6
10-speed automatic transmission

Transmission

CVT
AcuraWatch™

Safety System

Honda Sensing®
19 MPG city/26 MPG highway*

Fuel Efficiency

20 MPG city/27 MPG highway
95.0 cubic feet

Max Cargo Space

109.2 cubic feet

Are you trying to decide whether the 2023 Acura MDX or the 2022 Honda Pilot is the best fit with your San Carlos-area driving needs? It’s a tough choice, as both of these mid-size SUVs offer powerful and efficient V6 performance, seating for up to eight, and the latest tech and safety features. However, there are some key differences between the two that could determine which is the better pick for you. Learn more about how the performance specs, safety systems, and interior features of each vehicle match up in this Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot comparison from Hopkins Acura, then visit our dealership in Redwood City to explore our new MDX inventory in person today!

MDX vs. Pilot: Performance & Fuel Economy

We’ll start our Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX comparison by taking a look at the performance specs and mpg ratings for each. Here you’ll find that the standard powertrain of the Pilot is slightly more fuel efficient, while the standard MDX engine offers more horsepower and torque. Review the performance specs of the MDX vs. Pilot to see which can provide the combination of power and efficiency you want on Belmont-area roads:

2023 Acura MDX specs:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 290 hp
  • 267 lb-ft of torque
  • 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway*

2022 Honda Pilot specs:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • CVT
  • 280 hp
  • 262 lb-ft of torque
  • 20 city MPG/ 27 hwy MPG with 9-speed automatic transmission

If you’re looking for even more power, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S and Type S Advance models come equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine that delivers 355 hp with 354 lb-ft of torque.

MDX vs. Pilot: Safety Technology

Safety is a major concern for anyone in the market for a family-friendly SUV. While both the Pilot and MDX come with their own branded suite of advanced safety systems, the MDX includes more driver-assist technology to help keep you aware and protected on the roads in and around Sunnyvale. Compare the Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot safety features to see which can provide more peace of mind below:

AcuraWatch™

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
  • Advanced Pedestrian Detection
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System
  • Road Departure Mitigation RDM) System
  • Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition
  • Additional safety and driver-assist systems include Blind Spot Information (BSI) System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines

Honda Sensing®

  • Collision Mitigation Braking System
  • Road Departure Mitigation System
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Traffic Sign Assist

MDX vs. Pilot: Features

Inside each of these SUVs you’ll find three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The Pilot provides a bit more storage space, with 109.2 cubic feet compared to the 95.0 cubic feet of storage in the MDX. Despite offering a little less cargo room, the MDX provides the following high-end features and amenities:

  • Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and Streaming Audio
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Integration
  • Amazon Alexa Built-In
  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
  • AcuraLink® Connected Services
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability
  • CabinControl®
  • Sports Seats with Leatherette-Trimmed Interior
  • Front 12-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Multi-Functional 2nd-Row with Removable Middle Seat
  • 3rd-Row Access One-Touch Smart Slide Walk-In
  • Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration

Test Drive the 2023 Acura MDX Today at Hopkins Acura!

Now that you’ve compared the Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX, head down to Hopkins Acura to take the 2023 Acura MDX out for a road test. We’re certain you will be impressed by all that this confident and comfortable SUV has to offer. Make sure to browse our new vehicle specials and current MDX lease deals. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

MDX vs. Pilot: Engines & Fuel Economy 

Comparing the Honda Pilot vs. Acura MDX in terms of performance shows that each of these SUVs comes with a V6 engine that delivers a similar output and fuel economy ratings. However, the MDX engine generates more horsepower and torque to help get you up to speed in a hurry on Belmont highways. Check out the performance specs of the 2022 MDX vs. Pilot below:

2022 Acura MDX specs:

  • 3.5L V6 engine 
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • 290 hp
  • 267 lb-ft of torque
  • 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway*

2022 Honda Pilot specs:

  • 3.5L V6 engine
  • CVT
  • 280 hp
  • 262 lb-ft of torque
  • 20 city MPG/ 27 hwy MPG with 9-speed automatic transmission

MDX vs. Pilot: Safety Features 

Whether you’re cruising around town in Sunnyvale or heading out on a family road trip, you want a vehicle that has been built with your safety in mind. Each of these SUVs comes with its own branded suite of safety systems, but the MDX includes more driver-assist technology to improve and enhance control, alertness, and visibility wherever you drive. Compare the 2022 MDX vs. Pilot safety features to see which can provide more peace of mind below:

AcuraWatch™

  • Adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability
  • Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance
  • Multi-angle reversing camera
  • Road Departure Mitigation system 
  • Driver monitoring system
  • Traffic-sign recognition system
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System 
  • Traffic-jam assistance

Honda Sensing®

  • Collision Mitigation Braking System 
  • Road Departure Mitigation System
  • Adaptive Cruise Control 
  • Lane Keeping assist
  • Traffic Sign assist

MDX vs. Pilot: Interior Features 

The new Acura MDX and Honda Pilot are roomy and spacious SUVs, and both offers expanded third-row seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The Pilot provides a bit more storage space, with 109.2 cubic feet compared to the 95.0 cubic feet of storage in the MDX. Despite offering a little less cargo room, the MDX provides the following high-end features and amenities: 

  • SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
  • Bluetooth® Streaming Audio
  • Siri® Eyes Free
  • Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™
  • AcuraLink®
  • Sports seats with premium leather trim
  • 12-Way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support
  • Heated front seats
  • 3rd-Row Access One-Touch Smart Slide Walk-In
  • Split-folding 2nd and 3rd-row seats
  • Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control

 

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*Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.
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