Which is Better? The 2019 Honda Pilot or 2019 Acura MDX?

Serving Capitol Heights, Washington D.C., and Arlington

With the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX debuting in the early 2000s, both vehicles have always mirrored each other. Sure, the MDX is a product of Honda’s Acura premium-car division, so it is a tad more luxurious than its cousin. However, both are midsize crossover SUVs, and they provide customers with shared qualities expected from the class: sturdy ride quality, lots of interior space, and remarkable fuel efficiency. Even with the 2019 model year—as both continue their third production cycles, and the Pilot (in particular) receives a major facelift—you can expect the following attributes they have in common:

Fuel Efficiency

The 2019 Honda Pilot and 2019 Acura MDX share the same 3.5-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission (ZF 9HP). With this powertrain configuration coupled with the available all-wheel drivetrain, both vehicles can attain a peak fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg* on the highway. On the Pilot, those numbers are average for the class. For the MDX, those are better-than-average numbers as a midsize luxury SUV.

Performance

Both the 2019 Honda Pilot and the 2019 Acura MDX are singled out for their smooth rides. A lot of the credit goes to their MacPherson strut front suspensions and multi-link rear suspensions, which eat up virtually any turbulence from less-than-smooth surfaces; and electric power-assisted steering, which ensures sharp, precise turns and cornering. Also worthy of mention is the 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque on the Pilot and 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque on the MDX; and provides more than enough acceleration in any given situation. And the aforementioned 9-speed, which is exclusive on the Pilot’s Touring and Elite trims and standard on the MDX, helps with a sportier performance.

Seating Accommodation

While some mid-sized SUVs go with the traditional five-seater format, the 2019 editions of the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX don’t. Both vehicles have three rows of seats. On the Pilot’s top-of-the-line Elite trim, the second row comprises two captain’s seats, thus bringing maximum capacity to seven people. The trim directly below it, the Touring, gives you the choice between the captain’s seats and a bench-style seat to bump maximum occupancy to eight. Other trims have the bench-style seat as standard, thus making them eight-seaters. On the MDX, you can go with a package that introduces the captain’s seats, which keeps the maximum number of people it can accommodate at six. Otherwise, the MDX can accommodate up to seven people. Either way, you will enjoy the amount of room you can offer fellow occupants, thus making either vehicle a prime choice for transporting multiple people.

Call us today to set up a test-drive of the 2019 Honda Pilot or the 2019 Acura MDX at our dealership in Capitol Heights, MD. We are one of the major Honda dealers in the Washington, D.C. area, and we guarantee that you will find the right vehicle for you to own.

*19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD 6AT models. 18 city/26 highway/21 combined mpg rating for AWD 6AT models. 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg rating for 2WD 9AT models. 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg rating for AWD 9AT models. Based on 2019 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.