2019 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2019 Honda Pilot featured subtle yet effective visual updates. An informed Honda enthusiast could notice the futuristic headlights and a cleaner design of the lower front valence. The grille also got a makeover to mirror the Honda CR-V's, but on a larger scale, with a more prominent Honda “H” logo. At the back, the Pilot received more detailing around the lower bumper with updated taillights that incorporate more white and amber sections, giving it a more distinguished rear look.

Inside, the Pilot got a refreshed steering wheel, a new shifter design, and an upgraded infotainment system. Minor changes to the climate-control vents rounded out the interior updates. The trim lineup included LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Even the base LX came well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 5-inch color display, and push-button start. The Elite trim boasted a panoramic moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad, among other luxurious features.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek, three-row SUV that might not have been groundbreaking but certainly sleek and low-slung. The Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of elegance to the front, flanking a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo. Its interior featured a modern and minimalist design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens for navigation and other functions. Material quality was high, and the MDX felt solid and well-built, focusing heavily on flawless paint and chrome, an Acura hallmark.

The 2019 Honda Pilot was powered exclusively by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed for solid acceleration and included features such as cylinder deactivation and auto stop/start for improved fuel efficiency. Most trims had a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Elite trims upgraded to a 9-speed automatic. These higher trims also featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear control.

When it came to drivetrain options, the Pilot offered front-wheel drive (FWD) on the standard trims and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system on the Elite trim, which was more advanced than typical AWD systems. The FWD versions had fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while the AWD versions offered slightly less. The Pilot proved capable on various terrains, although it never aspired to be an off-road vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.0-liter V6 hybrid powertrain that combined three electric motors to deliver 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system came with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

The MDX's performance was notable for its responsive acceleration and nimble handling, partly attributed to Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system used torque vectoring to enhance cornering by directing power to the outside wheels. The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride even over rough roads, making it an excellent choice for long journeys.

The 2019 Honda Pilot excelled in offering practical interior space. It stood out among three-row SUVs for its adult-friendly third-row seating, making it one of the few in its class comfortable for long trips. Kids in the second and third rows had plenty of places to store their belongings, including double-level in-door storage spaces and numerous cupholders across all rows.

Cargo space in the Pilot varied by trim, with the standard offering being 16.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 83.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. Despite the variations, it closely matched the Toyota Highlander but fell slightly short of the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas, both offering larger capacities.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured innovations borrowed from minivans. Sliding and reclining second-row seats made accessing the third row easier, and adjustable legroom added to the vehicle's flexibility. The MDX offered a decent 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, extending to 43.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a total of 90.9 cubic feet with both rows down. Added storage included a recessed cubby and underfloor compartments for hidden storage.

Up front, the MDX boasted a large glove box, an adjustable center console with USB and power jacks, and deep storage bins. The overall interior design focused on practical storage solutions and luxury touches, making it a stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2019 Honda Pilot introduced a new infotainment system, which reintroduced the much-missed Volume knob. This updated system featured crisp graphics and easier menu navigation. Trims above the base LX included larger touchscreens and more advanced connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite models kept rear passengers entertained with a flip-down rear entertainment screen and available USB ports for device charging.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX was loaded with technology options across its trim packages. Standard features included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Adding the Technology Package introduced features like navigation, premium audio systems, and rain-sensing wipers. The Advance Package further upgraded the tech with options like a surround-view camera and a head-up display. The Entertainment Package provided rear-seat entertainment systems and additional speakers, catering to families needing extra tech features.

The 2019 Honda Pilot came equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features. Standard inclusions were front and side airbags, vehicle stability control, a reversing camera, and tire pressure monitoring. The Honda Sensing suite provided forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing overall safety.

The 2020 Acura MDX matched this with its standard AcuraWatch suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety options in the Technology and Advance Packages improved this further with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and head-up warning systems. The MDX’s ACE body structure and high ratings from IIHS and NHTSA underscored its commitment to occupant safety.