VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 6200
285hp @ 6100
Torque
267lb-ft @ 4700
262lb-ft @ 5000
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212cc
3.5 L/212cc
Choosing between the Acura Mdx and the Honda Pilot is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Mdx delivers 290hp @ 6200 while the Honda Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100. Pricing starts at $51,800 for the Mdx and $50,395 for the Pilot. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 6200
285hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
267lb-ft @ 4700
262lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212cc
3.5 L/212cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
18 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
23 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.4in
200.4in
Width (in)
78.7in
78.5in
Height (in)
67.9in
72in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4268lbs
4722lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Honda Pilot
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Pilot
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
Acura Mdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Honda Pilot
Lower starting price ($50,395)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Mdx or Pilot?
The Mdx produces 290hp @ 6200 and 267lb-ft @ 4700 of torque while the Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Pilot?
The Mdx starts from $51,800 and the Pilot from $50,395. The Pilot is cheaper by $1,405 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mdx or Pilot?
The Mdx has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Pilot can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mdx or the Pilot?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.