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2020 Acura MDX vs. 2020 Honda Pilot

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Acura MDX and 2020 Honda Pilot contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Acura MDX and the 2020 Honda Pilot.

When comparing the 2020 Acura MDX's and the 2020 Honda Pilot's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Acura MDX has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2020 Honda Pilot has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Acura MDX's and the 2020 Honda Pilot's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Acura MDX is a better car than the 2020 Honda Pilot.

Pricing: A used 2020 Acura MDX ranges from $26,237 to $37,340 while a used 2020 Honda Pilot is priced between $23,498 to $35,700.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Acura MDX loses 51.5 percent of its value and the 2020 Honda Pilot loses 43.6 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Honda Pilot retains 7.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Acura MDX.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura MDX is 8.9 out of 10 while the Honda Pilot's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Acura MDX being ranked 1 out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs and the Honda Pilot being ranked 10 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura MDX is 9.3 out of 10. For the Honda Pilot the reliability rating is 9.2 out of 10. This gives the Acura MDX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Honda Pilot.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Acura MDX’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the 2020 Honda Pilot base engine makes 280 horsepower. The MDX is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, while the Pilot is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon. Both have a highway range of 527 miles. The MDX uses premium unleaded, and the Pilot uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2020 Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2020 Acura MDX has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Acura MDX and the 2020 Honda Pilot have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

Overview

The Acura MDX and Honda Pilot are two fine examples of midsize 3-row SUVs, though they appeal to entirely different audiences. The MDX frolics in the luxury end of the pool and costs about $10K more than the Pilot. While that price difference is significant, the MDX has upscale styling, higher-grade materials, more standard technology features, and sportier driving dynamics. The MDX has a better warranty, too. Both SUVs employ a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the MDX has slightly more horsepower, and its transmission has one additional gear. However, the Honda manages marginally better fuel economy than the Acura. The Pilot can accommodate eight passengers, whereas the MDX seats only seven. Front-row occupants will likely prefer the MDX, but those in the second and third rows will undoubtedly appreciate the Pilot’s extra space and more comfortable seats. While the Pilot performs admirably in NHTSA and IIHS safety tests, the MDX aces them with top scores in all areas.

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Model & Pricing
2020 Acura MDX
2020 Honda Pilot

2020 Acura MDX
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2020 Acura MDX for Sale

2020 Honda Pilot
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2020 Honda Pilot for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$44,500

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

$62,310

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

$41,040 - $108,600

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$31,650

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$30,923

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$23,675 - $36,120

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$31,643

Price Range:

$26,237 - $37,340

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

$45,626

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

$28,046 - $77,686

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

752

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

48,732

# Good or Great Deals:

279

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$29,388

Price Range:

$23,498 - $35,700

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$27,718

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$18,600 - $37,369

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

487

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

60,045

# Good or Great Deals:

175

Acura MDX Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.9 / 10

Reliability:

9.3 / 10

Retained Value:

7.3 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

9.2 / 10

Retained Value:

7.8 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Acura MDX

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.4

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

6.6

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

3.9 - 9.1

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

64.7%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Honda Pilot

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

6.5

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.6 - 9.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

69.9%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

10.7

Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

3.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize SUVs)

0.6 - 23.6

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

31.3

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

4.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1 - 31.3

Acura MDX Rankings

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

1 / 68

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

1 / 68

Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs

1 / 68

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 29

Best Family Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 29

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs

1 / 20

Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs

1 / 20

Best Family Luxury Midsize SUVs

1 / 20

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

1 / 13

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

1 / 8

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs Under $60k

1 / 6

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for the Money

2 / 10

Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 29

Most Affordable Luxury Midsize SUVs

3 / 19

Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 26

Luxury Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

7 / 20

Luxury Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

7 / 20

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

8 / 29

Luxury Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

9 / 20

Luxury Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

12 / 20

Most Comfortable Luxury Midsize SUVs

12 / 20

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for Towing

13 / 20

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 68

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Towing

16 / 68

Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for Tall People

16 / 20

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

17 / 29

Best Off-road Luxury Midsize SUVs

18 / 20

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

19 / 29

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

21 / 68

Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

21 / 29

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

22 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

23 / 29

Best Off-road Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

23 / 29

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

25 / 68

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

26 / 29

Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs

31 / 59

Most Comfortable Luxury Crossover SUVs

34 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

37 / 68

Best Off-road Luxury Crossover SUVs

46 / 68

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Tall People

49 / 68

Honda Pilot Rankings

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

2 / 32

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

4 / 10

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

6 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

6 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

6 / 16

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

8 / 32

Best Family Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Family Midsize SUVs

9 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

9 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

10 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

10 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

10 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

11 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

11 / 32

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

11 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

12 / 39

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

15 / 32

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

16 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

16 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

17 / 39

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

17 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

18 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 34

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

19 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

20 / 67

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

20 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

20 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 30

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

21 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

26 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

26 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

32 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

42 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

50 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

54 / 59

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline, Hybrid

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2020 Acura MDX Trim Levels

Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD PMC Edition, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Advance w/RES, SH-AWD w/Tech, SH-AWD w/Tech w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Tech w/RES, w/Advance, w/Tech

2020 Honda Pilot Trim Levels

Elite, EX, EX-L, EX-L w/Navi w/RES, LX, Touring, Touring w/Rear Captain's Chairs, Black Edition

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

6 years / 70000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.072 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

262 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.069 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 27 / 23

Range (city/hwy):

390 / 527 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

3.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

V

Number of Cylinders:

6

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


19 / 27 / 22

Range (city/hwy):

371 / 527 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wifi:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

36.6 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

59.1 inches

Cargo Space:

15 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

68.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

147.7 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.1 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.9 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

62 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

62 inches

Cargo Space:

16.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

83.9 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

169.4 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4032 lbs

Width:

77.7 inches

Height:

67.4 inches

Length:

196.2 inches

Wheelbase:

111 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4036 lbs

Width:

78.6 inches

Height:

70.6 inches

Length:

196.5 inches

Wheelbase:

111 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

245/60R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

245/60R18

Exterior Colors

Black

Majestic Black Pearl

Gray

Modern Steel Metallic

Red

Performance Red Pearl

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

Platinum White Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Pearl

Gray

Modern Steel Metallic

Red

Not available

Silver

Lunar Silver Metallic

White

Platinum White Pearl

Interior Colors

Beige

Parchment

Black

Ebony

Gray

Graystone

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

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