2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$32,550

MSRP

$48,000

Listings

182

Listings

117

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Pros

  • Spacious

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Irritating transmission

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

2021 Honda Pilot Reviews Summary

It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment.

2022 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

27

MPG Highway

26
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Acura MDX
$48,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$32,550
$48,000
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.9

4.8

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Spacious

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Irritating transmission

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Cramped third row

Summary
It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment.
Skipping the 2021 model year, the Acura MDX leaps ahead into 2022, riding on a new platform with a new exterior design, new interior look, refreshed platform, and a more assertive attitude. Now entering its fourth generation of production since its introduction as a 2001 model, the MDX rewards its loyal audience with improvements across the board—while retaining its essential nature.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
3.5L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
7
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
20
19
MPG Highway
27
26
Look and feel

2021 Honda Pilot

7/10

2022 Acura MDX

7/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Honda Pilot scores 7 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. The Honda Pilot offers a rugged appearance with seven different versions available, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition. The 2022 Acura MDX boasts a modern, sportier design with a wider body, improved proportions, and advanced LED lighting.
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Picture of 2021 Honda Pilot
Performance

2021 Honda Pilot

8/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
CarGurus rates both the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2022 Acura MDX an 8 out of 10 for performance. The 2021 Honda Pilot comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. On the other hand, the 2022 Acura MDX features the same V6 engine enhanced to produce 290 horsepower, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission for improved performance and handling.
Form and function

2021 Honda Pilot

9/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
When it comes to cargo capacity, the 2021 Honda Pilot offers up to 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space with fold-down seats, making it ideal for family road trips. In comparison, the 2022 Acura MDX provides between 39.1 and 95 cubic feet of cargo space depending on seat configuration, offering flexibility for various storage needs.
Technology

2021 Honda Pilot

5/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
The 2021 Honda Pilot receives a 5 out of 10 for technology, with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink. In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10, offering a premium ELS Studio 3D Audio System, wireless Apple CarPlay, and an intuitive 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Amazon Alexa integration.
Safety

2021 Honda Pilot

7/10

2022 Acura MDX

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Honda Pilot 7 out of 10 for safety, highlighting standard Honda Sensing features and solid crash-test ratings. The 2022 Acura MDX, with standard AcuraWatch safety suite, advanced safety structure, and new pedestrian safety features, scores an 8 out of 10 for safety.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Acura MDX is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a luxurious, technologically advanced, and safe three-row SUV.

Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:

8of 10overall
  • You seek a luxurious and modern SUV with advanced technology features
  • Safety and collision protection are top priorities
  • You want a competitive price point for a refined and upscale vehicle.
117 results
See all

Choose the 2021 Honda Pilot if:

7.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize cargo space for family road trips
  • You value reliability and resale value in a vehicle
  • Affordable lease deals fit within your budget
182 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Acura MDX scores 8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Acura MDX is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a luxurious, technologically advanced, and safe three-row SUV.

Choose the 2022 Acura MDX if:

Shop Now
8of 10overall
  • You seek a luxurious and modern SUV with advanced technology features
  • Safety and collision protection are top priorities
  • You want a competitive price point for a refined and upscale vehicle.
117 results

Choose the 2021 Honda Pilot if:

Shop Now
7.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize cargo space for family road trips
  • You value reliability and resale value in a vehicle
  • Affordable lease deals fit within your budget
182 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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