2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX, while perhaps not a head-turner in the parking lot, epitomized refined and sophisticated design. It sported Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The intricate design had five LED elements per side, creating a rich and expressive look at the vehicle's front. Complementing these distinctive headlights was a trapezoidal grille featuring a prominent Acura logo.

The MDX’s exterior was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV, with chiseled details and a fast roofline. The meticulous attention to paint and chrome details highlighted Acura's commitment to flawless finishes. Inside, the MDX’s modern and simple design maintained a sophisticated ambiance without excessive padding and stitching found in many luxury cars. The dual infotainment screens—a high-mounted 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation and an On-Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen—brought a futuristic feel to the center stack.

Inside the 2020 Honda Pilot, the design managed to blend into the contemporary Honda lineup with its thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The gentle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows cleverly masked the Pilot's size, giving it a more streamlined appearance.

Entering the Pilot's cabin revealed a modern and spacious interior, imbued with a solid level of refinement. However, it was worth noting that hard plastics were more prevalent compared to some upscale rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. The semi-digital instrument panel—the balance of analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information—added to the modern feel.

In summary, while both vehicles provided visually appealing designs, the MDX offered a slightly more luxurious touch with its meticulous interior craftsmanship and sophisticated Jewel Eye LED headlights.

Powering the 2020 Acura MDX was a choice between two robust powertrains. The standard offering was a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Buyers had the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with three electric motors, yielding a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. This setup utilized a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and all-wheel drive.

During a test drive of the gasoline-only model featuring Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, the MDX impressed with its nimble handling and enthusiastic acceleration. The SH-AWD system's torque-vectoring technology directed power to the outside wheel during corners, sharpening turn-in and enhancing overall handling. This resulted in smooth, confident cornering sans drama or squealing tires. The four-wheel independent suspension provided comfort over longer drives.

The 2020 Honda Pilot also housed a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all trims, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with available all-wheel drive as an option. The transmission varied by trim levels, with the LX, EX, and EX-L trims equipped with a six-speed automatic, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims got a nine-speed automatic.

While both engines offered robust acceleration and the Pilot demonstrated capable V6 performance, its six-speed transmission fell short in refinement compared to the nine-speed option. Despite these differences, the Pilot excelled in providing a comfortable and composed ride—suitable for daily commutes and long road trips. Drive modes via the Intelligent Traction Management System (Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand) provided varied traction control settings, although some users might find the system's interface less intuitive.

The 2020 Acura MDX's interior reflected the evolution of family-centric SUVs from minivans, blending function and style. Sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated easier access to the third row and allowed adjustable legroom distribution. Headroom was ample across all three rows. Cargo space was practical and generous: 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded flat. The inclusion of conveniently placed storage spaces, such as a recessed cubby hole and a covered underfloor compartment in the rear cargo area, augmented practicality.

The 2020 Honda Pilot, designed to seat up to eight passengers, impressed with its spacious and versatile interior. Higher trims offered second-row captain's chairs, reducing seating to seven. Unlike some competitors, the Pilot featured an adult-friendly third row, with easy access facilitated by one-touch fold-down rear seats available from the EX trim onwards.

With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, trailing slightly behind rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, yet still offering ample room. Higher trims featured power liftgates, further enhancing convenience, and the conversation mirror was a thoughtful touch for overseeing rear passengers.

The base 2020 Acura MDX offered a robust standard technology suite, with features like Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. Additional packages, such as the Technology Package ($5,000), introduced benefits like rain-sensing windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio. The Advance Package ($6,750) added even more tech, including a surround-view camera system and heated outboard rear seats. Opting for the Entertainment Package ($2,000) introduced rear-seat entertainment systems and additional speakers, with screen sizes varying between 9.0-inch and 16.2-inch depending on the package.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Pilot's tech features varied widely across trims. The base LX trim's 5-inch LCD screen operated a 215-watt, seven-speaker stereo, with Bluetooth and a USB port. Higher trims transitioned to the 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Display Audio, while innovative, suffered from a lack of user-friendly controls, requiring touch interactions for basic functionalities like tuning the radio. HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability augmented the higher trims, alongside navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system in the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition models. Top trims also featured a 590-watt, ten-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability.

Safety was a priority for the 2020 Acura MDX, which came standard with the AcuraWatch suite, encompassing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package offered Head-Up Warning. Comprehensive airbag coverage and advanced safety features like Trailer Stability Assist and the sophisticated ACE body structure contributed to top safety ratings. The MDX earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS.

Similarly, the 2020 Honda Pilot came equipped with the HondaSensing suite, incorporating features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Standard airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control bolstered its safety credentials, with optional front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring available on higher trims. The Pilot also achieved top safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.