VS
At a Glance
Power
355hp @ 5500
285hp @ 6100
Torque
354lb-ft @ 1400
262lb-ft @ 5000
Fuel
19 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
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 355hp @ 5500 while the Honda Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Mdx returns 19 mpg est. while the Pilot uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $75,850 for the Mdx and $53,495 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 MdxType S SH-AWD w/Advance Package 2026 - From $75,850
Honda PilotElite AWD 2026 - From $53,495
Performance
Power Output (hp)
355hp @ 5500
285hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 1400
262lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.5 L/212ci
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
19 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
21mpg
25 (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)
67.9in
71in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4776lbs
4678lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
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
✓ 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
Mdx
Fuel Economy
Pilot
Value
Pilot
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Mdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (19 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Honda Pilot
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($53,495)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mdx or Pilot?
The Mdx gets 19 mpg est. and the Pilot gets 22 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 355hp @ 5500 and 354lb-ft @ 1400 of torque while the Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque. The Mdx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mdx and Pilot?
The Mdx starts from $75,850 and the Pilot from $53,495. The Pilot is cheaper by $22,355 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 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.