2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but the interior's resemblance to a minivan, coupled with its unremarkable exterior, did not enhance its appeal. Quality materials were present, but the design choices, such as the hard plastic panels and black floor mats, were not universally appreciated.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was built on a new dedicated platform, offering a sportier and more assertive design. The longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance contributed to its modern look. The MDX showcased high craftsmanship with Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, enhancing its luxury appeal. Inside, the cabin was modernized with authentic materials and a layered dashboard, creating a spacious feel. The unique gear selection and infotainment controls added to its sophisticated interior design.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and its handling was unexpectedly athletic. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Acura MDX also featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, slightly more powerful with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It introduced a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which enhanced cornering feel and control. The MDX's new double-wishbone front suspension improved sporty handling, while the revised rear suspension enhanced ride quality. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity, combined with the new transmission, provided a solid and confident driving experience. Five drive modes allowed for tailored performance, making the MDX a standout in its class.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were nearly as comfortable as the front seats and could slide forward for third-row access. The Pilot provided 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,092 litres with seats folded, making it suitable for family road trips.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, with comfortable seating for the first two rows and a removable centre section in the second row. The second row could slide and recline, enhancing legroom flexibility. The third row was best for smaller passengers, but the MDX offered USB connections in all rows. Cargo space ranged from 461 to 512 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with seats folded. The power tailgate featured a “Walk Away Close” function, and customizable interior lighting added to its appeal.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the system's small screen and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers. All models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot. The Platinum Elite trim included a head-up display and surround-view camera, making the MDX a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though some areas were rated as "acceptable."

The 2022 Acura MDX was rated as a “Top Safety Pick +” by IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX included AcuraWatch, offering comprehensive safety features such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-jam assist, enhancing its safety credentials.