Honda Pilot vs Acura MDX 2026: price, seating and cargo space compared

Honda Pilot starts at $42,395, Acura MDX at $51,800. We compare seating, cargo space, engines and J.D. Power reliability scores.

Author: Polina Kotikova

03:58 28-07-2026

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The price gap between these closely related three-row crossovers, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, starts at $9,405. In the US, the 2026 Pilot costs from $42,395, while the base MDX is priced from at least $51,800. Top trims run $55,195 and $75,850 respectively.

The Pilot seats up to eight, the MDX up to seven. Honda also offers more third-row space: 826 mm of legroom versus 739 mm on the Acura. Maximum cargo volume with the rear rows folded reaches 3,219 liters on the Pilot and 2,690 liters on the MDX — a difference of roughly 530 liters.

Standard versions of both models get naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engines paired with 10-speed automatics. The Pilot makes 285 hp, the MDX 290 hp. Acura also offers the MDX Type S with a 3.0-liter turbo engine rated at 355 hp, all-wheel drive, Brembo brakes and air suspension. However, rated consumption on that version runs around 12.4 L/100 km, versus 10.7–11.2 L/100 km on the base models. Acura also recommends premium fuel, while the Pilot is designed to run on regular unleaded.

According to J.D. Power, the Pilot currently holds a slight edge in quality and reliability: 81 points out of 100 versus 77 for the MDX. These ratings can't guarantee the longevity of any individual vehicle — especially set against the NHTSA probe into Pilot engine failures — but they don't point to a clear advantage for the premium model either.

The Pilot makes more sense for a large family that needs a genuine eight seats, a roomy third row and a bigger trunk. The MDX justifies its premium with nicer materials, richer standard equipment and chassis tuning — not with extra practicality.