Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Honda Pilot
$542
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Acura MDX
$571
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
3
1
2
Above Average
The Honda Pilot Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $542 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. While the frequency of repairs is higher than normal, the severity of those issues is average, so your Pilot may have a few more shop visits when compared to other models.
4
Excellent
The Acura MDX Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 14 for luxury midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $571 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the MDX.
“GREAT Vehicle and THE best car I have ever owned. Currently have over 190k miles on a 2003 Pilot. The only complaint is that the entertainment system has devloped an annoying buzzing sound and...”
“GREAT Vehicle and THE best car I have ever owned. Currently have over 190k miles on a 2003...”
“1 biggie: 77K the transmission locked up. Lucky me..I had purchased 100K warranty. It was replaced and is running great again. Like promised, EGR valve failed-but for some reason, every car I...”
“1 biggie: 77K the transmission locked up. Lucky me..I had purchased 100K warranty. It was...”
The Acura MDX and the Honda Pilot are both midsize, three-row SUVs made by Honda. The MDX is part of the Acura luxury brand, and the Pilot belongs to the mass-market Honda brand. Both are built on the same platform, and both come with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
The MDX and Pilot are very similar, but there are some differences to consider. The standard engine in the MDX has 290 horsepower, with 321 horsepower in the Sport Hybrid version. The Pilot offers a single engine, with 280 horsepower.
In terms of cargo area, the Acura MDX, with its sloping rear hatch, gives up some space to the boxy Pilot. The MDX has a total of 71.6 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded. The Pilot exceeds it, with 83.8 cubic feet behind the front row.
There’s also a huge difference in base prices between the Acura MDX and the Honda Pilot. A fully-loaded Pilot will come out to around the same price as the base MDX, so compare equipment levels on both.
Making a choice between these two depends on what your power needs are, whether you want a hybrid power system, how much luxury you want, and what your budget is. Take an in-depth look at both of these vehicles and see which one is right for you.