VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 6200
285hp @ 6100
Torque
267lb-ft @ 4700
262lb-ft @ 5000
Fuel
22 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
3.5 L/212ci
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. On fuel, the Mdx returns 22 mpg est. while the Pilot uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,900 for the Mdx and $42,195 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.
Specification
Acura MdxSH-AWD w/Technology Package 2022 - From $54,900
Honda PilotSport 2WD 2026 - From $42,195
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 6200
285hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
267lb-ft @ 4700
262lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
3.5 L/212ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.4in
200.1in
Width (in)
78.7in
78.5in
Height (in)
67.1in
71in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4529lbs
4336lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
3500lbs
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
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Mdx
Fuel Economy
Pilot
Value
Pilot
Practicality
Mdx
Pros & Cons
Acura Mdx
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Honda Pilot
Better fuel economy (23 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($42,195)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mdx or Pilot?
The Mdx gets 22 mpg est. and the Pilot gets 23 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Pilot is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
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 closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Pilot?
The Mdx starts from $54,900 and the Pilot from $42,195. The Pilot is cheaper by $12,705 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 5000lbs and the Pilot can tow 3500lbs. 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.