VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
285hp @ 6100
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
262lb-ft @ 5000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
3.5 L/212ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the Honda Pilot is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Honda Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Rdx returns 24 mpg est. while the Pilot uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,850 for the Rdx and $44,295 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 RdxSH-AWD w/A-Spec Advance Package 2026 - From $54,850
Honda PilotSport AWD 2026 - From $44,295
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
285hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
262lb-ft @ 5000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
3.5 L/212ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
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.)
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
25 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
200.1in
Width (in)
74.8in
78.5in
Height (in)
65.7in
71in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4058lbs
4513lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
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
—
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
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Rdx
Value
Pilot
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Honda Pilot
Lower starting price ($44,295)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Pilot?
The Rdx gets 24 mpg est. and the Pilot gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rdx 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 Rdx or Pilot?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Pilot?
The Rdx starts from $54,850 and the Pilot from $44,295. The Pilot is cheaper by $10,555 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Pilot?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Pilot can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx 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.