Regarding midsize SUVs, the 2017 Honda Pilot and 2017 Acura MDX are standout contenders. Built on a shared platform, these two vehicles cater to different audiences. While the Pilot aims to provide families with a versatile, practical, and value-packed vehicle, the MDX targets those seeking luxury, sophistication, and advanced technology. Despite their similarities, these SUVs have unique strengths that set them apart. This detailed comparison delves deeper into the design, performance, interior features, technology, safety, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX: Exterior Design
The 2017 Honda Pilot and 2017 Acura MDX share a common platform but cater to different audiences with their distinct exterior designs. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot offers a clean, contemporary design that balances functionality and modern aesthetics. Its smooth curves and wide stance make it visually appealing without appearing too aggressive, a trait many families may appreciate. The large front grille and LED taillights add a touch of modernity, while the wide-opening doors and low step-in height ensure accessibility for all passengers, including children and older adults.
Honda designed the Pilot with versatility in mind. Its excellent ground clearance suits it for light off-road adventures or snowy conditions. Its understated yet practical styling perfectly complements its focus on being a reliable family SUV.
Acura MDX
In contrast, the Acura MDX boasts a more dynamic and premium design. Acura’s signature diamond pentagon grille, Jewel Eye LED headlights, and sharper body lines give the MDX a distinctly upscale look. The MDX is sportier in proportions, making it stand out in urban environments and conveying a sense of elegance often missing in family-oriented SUVs.
The A-Spec Package enhances the MDX’s visual appeal with larger alloy wheels, unique colour options, and additional exterior accents that make it a head-turner. This focus on design reflects the MDX’s status as a luxury SUV.
2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX: Engine Performance
The 2017 Honda Pilot and 2017 Acura MDX share a similar engine platform, but the tuning and additional powertrain options set them apart. Here’s a detailed comparison of their engine performance and driving dynamics:
Honda Pilot
Under the hood, the 2017 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is designed for reliability and delivers a smooth driving experience, especially suited for everyday commuting and family trips.
Most trims feature a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Elite trims feature a nine-speed automatic for improved efficiency and performance. The Pilot’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is capable and includes Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system, which adjusts to various driving conditions such as snow, mud, and sand.
While the Pilot’s performance isn’t overly sporty, its power is sufficient for towing up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped, making it a practical choice for families with small trailers or boats.
Acura MDX
The 2017 Acura MDX shares the same basic engine configuration but adds enhancements to deliver a more refined performance. Its 3.5-litre V6 engine generates slightly more power, with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The MDX exclusively uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering smoother gear shifts and better fuel efficiency than the Pilot’s six-speed.
A significant advantage of the MDX is the availability of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which provides superior handling and stability in everyday and challenging conditions. The MDX Sport Hybrid model is an excellent choice for those prioritising efficiency. It combines a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors to produce 321 horsepower. This hybrid version offers an impressive blend of performance and fuel economy, making it a standout option.
2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX: Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality
The 2017 Honda Pilot and 2017 Acura MDX share a similar platform, but their driving dynamics and ride quality cater to different priorities. The Pilot focuses on comfort and practicality, while the MDX offers a more refined and engaging experience. Here’s how they compare:
Honda Pilot
The Pilot is tuned for comfort and practicality. Its suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride for passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making the SUV easy to manoeuvre despite its size.
While the Pilot isn’t designed for spirited driving, it offers enough stability and confidence for typical family use. It performs admirably on highways, delivering a quiet and composed ride. However, during more dynamic driving, it becomes evident that the Pilot prioritises comfort over agility.
Acura MDX
True to its luxury roots, the MDX offers a more engaging driving experience. With its SH-AWD system and more refined suspension tuning, the MDX feels agile and confident, even on winding roads. Its steering is more precise than the Pilot’s, adding to the sporty feel.
The hybrid model takes ride quality to another level, delivering seamless power transitions between the petrol engine and electric motors. The MDX strikes an excellent balance between comfort and performance, making it a great choice for those who enjoy driving without compromising practicality.
2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX: Interior Design and Comfort
The 2017 Honda Pilot and 2017 Acura MDX share a platform but diverge significantly in interior design and comfort, reflecting their focus on practicality versus luxury. Here’s how they compare:
Honda Pilot
The interior of the Honda Pilot is designed with practicality at its core. It offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. The second row features a sliding and reclining mechanism, allowing easier access to the third row. The cabin is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers, even in the back.
The materials used in the Pilot are high-quality but not luxurious. Honda prioritised durability and ease of cleaning, making the cabin family-friendly. Features like multiple USB ports, cup holders, and storage compartments cater to the needs of busy families.
Cargo space is another strong suit of the Pilot. You get 16.5 cubic feet of boot space with all seats in place. Folding down the third row expands it to 46.8 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, you have a cavernous 83.9 cubic feet of space—perfect for hauling large items or luggage for a family holiday.
Acura MDX
The MDX offers a more luxurious cabin experience with premium materials such as leather upholstery, wood accents, and brushed metal finishes. The second-row seats are available as captain’s chairs, providing greater comfort and a sense of spaciousness, though this reduces the seating capacity to six passengers.
The overall ambience of the MDX’s cabin is quieter and more refined than the Pilot’s, thanks to superior insulation and active noise cancellation. Acura’s attention to detail extends to the ergonomics, with well-placed controls and comfortable seating.
While the MDX’s cargo space (maximum 68.4 cubic feet) is slightly less than the Pilot’s, it remains practical for most families. The trade-off for reduced space is a more sophisticated and luxurious interior.
2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX: Technology and Infotainment
The 2017 Honda Pilot and 2017 Acura MDX offer advanced technology and infotainment systems, with the Pilot prioritising family-friendly practicality and the MDX focusing on premium features and innovation. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Honda Pilot
The Pilot’s infotainment system is straightforward. It features a standard 5-inch display on base models and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included from the EX trim onward, making smartphone integration seamless.
Other features include a rear-seat entertainment system (available on Touring and Elite trims), satellite navigation, and tri-zone automatic climate control. While functional, the system’s interface can feel slightly dated and less intuitive than rivals’.
Acura MDX
The MDX takes technology to the next level with its dual-screen infotainment system. The upper screen displays navigation and vehicle settings, while the lower touchscreen controls audio and climate settings. While visually appealing, the setup can be somewhat confusing for first-time users.
Standard tech includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system. Additional features such as a surround-view camera system, advanced navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system make the MDX more tech-savvy.
2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX: Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many buyers. The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX deliver similar figures for their standard V6 engines, with slight differences depending on drivetrain configuration.
Honda Pilot
The 2017 Honda Pilot provides competitive fuel efficiency for a midsize SUV equipped with a powerful V6 engine. The Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) version achieves 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 23 mpg, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long-distance trips.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models, while slightly less efficient due to the added weight and drivetrain demands, deliver 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 22 mpg. These figures ensure the Pilot remains a reliable option for families seeking both power and decent fuel economy.
Acura MDX
The 2017 Acura MDX delivers similar fuel efficiency to the Honda Pilot for its standard V6 engine configurations, with the FWD version achieving 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined, mirroring the Pilot’s performance. However, the MDX distinguishes itself with its available hybrid option.
The MDX Sport Hybrid, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a three-motor electric system, significantly enhances efficiency, achieving an impressive 26 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 27 mpg. This hybrid powertrain not only provides better fuel economy but also delivers smoother performance, making the MDX an appealing choice for buyers seeking efficiency without sacrificing luxury or capability.
2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX: Safety Features and Ratings
Both SUVs excel in safety, earning Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.
Honda Pilot
The Pilot includes standard safety features such as a rearview camera, stability control, and advanced airbags. Honda Sensing, available on higher trims, adds features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation.
Acura MDX
The MDX comes standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems similar to Honda Sensing. Additional features include road departure mitigation, pedestrian detection, and optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Conclusion: 2017 Honda Pilot vs 2017 Acura MDX
The 2017 Honda Pilot and 2017 Acura MDX are two exceptional midsize SUVs with different strengths. The Pilot is an excellent choice for families prioritising space, practicality, and value, offering more cargo space and seating capacity. On the other hand, the MDX stands out for its luxurious interior, advanced technology, and refined performance, appealing to buyers seeking a premium experience.
Your choice depends on what you value most—affordability and functionality (Pilot) or luxury and sophistication (MDX). Both SUVs deliver impressive reliability and versatility, ensuring satisfaction regardless of your path.