2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Acura MDX

SUVs with ample space, high-end performance, and cutting-edge technology just don’t come around that often, which is why the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX are so coveted. Which model comes out on top when we start comparing specs? To answer that question, Honda of Bay County put together this 2021 Honda Pilot vs. 2022 Acura MDX comparison. If you’re looking for an SUV to complement your growing family around Panama City, Springfield, or Callaway, Florida, keep reading to learn about these two popular models.

Honda Pilot vs Acura MDX: Engine Specs & Performance

Reliable performance is a must for any family vehicle, and the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX each deliver strength and efficiency. The 3.5L V6 engine found in the Pilot is a good place to start. This dynamic motor can tow up to 5,000 pounds with available all-wheel drive, making it a tremendous choice for families who like to hitch up the trailer and hit the open road. You can also take on a variety of weather conditions because the Pilot sports an available Intelligent Traction Management system. Using this advanced technology, you can tackle various terrain with four selectable modes, including Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. Looking under the hood of the Acura MDX, you’ll find a 3.5L V6 engine, which has plenty of strength and is capable of hauling up to 5,000 pounds. However, the lack of an advanced driving system—such as Intelligent Traction Management—limits the overall performance of this SUV.

Pilot vs MDX: Interior Dimensions & Cargo Space

The cabins of the 2021 Honda Pilot and 2022 Acura MDX are spacious enough to fit all the necessary cargo, while also making sure each passenger is comfortable. The Pilot, for instance, sports 38.4 inches of legroom in the second row and 31.9 inches in the third row. If you really need to maximize space for each member of the family, you can do so, thanks to a seating capacity of up to eight people and 152.9 cubic feet of total passenger volume. Plus, you’ll have the necessary cargo space behind each row. If you fold all the seats down, there’s up to 109 cubic feet of room. If you keep the second-row seats up, you’ll have up to 55.9 cubic feet, and if all eight passengers are buckled in, there’s room for their supplies with up to 18.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The MDX has a comfortable cabin, but it’s a little tighter than the Pilot. Though the second-row legroom of this model measures about the same as the Pilot, the third row is just 28.1 inches. Overall, the total passenger volume peaks at 139.1 cubic feet. Cargo room in the MDX doesn’t offer much improvement. With the second and third rows down, you’ll have a standard cargo space of only 71.4 cubic feet. Behind the second row, you’ll get 39.1 cubic feet, and finally, with all the seats in place, you’ll have just 16.3 cubic feet in the back.

Pilot vs MDX: Media & Technology

Driving the Pilot or MDX is a real treat, thanks to the many advanced technology features available in the cabin. The Honda SUV sports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. These integration systems allow you to sync your smartphone with your SUV, and then access apps or music by using the touchscreen located on the dashboard. It also has HondaLink®, which amplifies your phone’s connectivity and presents drivers with a range of added features. The Acura MDX also sports similar advanced integration systems found in the Pilot. However, it doesn’t have a feature that can compete with the user-friendly HondaLink® system.