From reading a few reviews, the 23 Pilot adopted the 22 MDX's platform (which really is a 2021), so the base cars are probably nearly identical. I think Honda waited for the TypeS release before updating the Pilot to the current platform, so that there would remain differences in the brands. Eg: Acura would have advantages of available 65 additinoal horsepower, air suspension, adaptive dampers, massaging seats, 1000W stereo, etc. Essentially the low end Acura is similar to the Elite Pilot, which is often how things are done.

When I was shopping in 2020, the ACC on Honda SUVs excluded low-speed follow, which was one of two main reasons I jumped up to Acura (other was the MDX Hybrid drivetrain). I had a 16 Lexus Rx without low speed follow, and always hated its deactivation which basically removed the ability to use the feature in suburban traffic. I haven't seen a 2023 Pilot manual but that would be a dealbreaker for me if the Pilot didn't include it.

If you hate the Acura touchpad though, you could get a touchscreen in a Honda.

Other differences to consider are the extra year/10k miles on an Acura warranty, and higher level dealer service experience at Acura. (Though Acura dealer labor and parts probably cost 50% more than Honda). Also consider that you could get bought-in-21 MDXs pretty cheap under CPO, undercutting Pilot prices substantially.

 

Waiting for the coming posts....flavors of "of COURSE it isn't the same you fool, it is an ACURA so it has to be better and sportier and worth the extra $10K" even in the face of your well-presented facts above, which I found very useful

 

Well Hogan Im not trying to convince you. You'll buy a Pilot to save some money... good for you.

On paper the ford Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator can be specified almost the same. Built on the exact same platform, same everything under the body panels. But if you go drive the Explorer and the Aviator back to back, you can immediately know without a doubt in your mind that the explorer is an inferior car. I did it, and I didnt buy either car, but I can 100% say that this paradigm holds true across all vehicle manufacturers.

Honda makes economy cars, the goal of their marketing is to make you think you are getting a luxury car when you are getting an economy car. Seems the marketing is stronger than some people would like to think.

 

Who knows, I haven't even seen the Pilot in person, let alone driven it. I just thought the post about some of the features actually going beyond the MDX was an interesting one....

And c'mon man, I see what you did there with the last sentence, but I can easily play that card too. Acura is a Honda that is marketed as a "luxury" car and a "sporty" car but is really just the mechanical equivalent to a 2023 Pilot, with a sexier sheet metal. The goal of Acura marketing is to make you think you are getting a luxury vehicle when you are effectively getting a Honda

 

is this new engine for the Pilot related in any way to the current one in the MDX?

 

"Honda says the new V6 squeezes out 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That’s a small upgrade of 5 hp over the outgoing 3.5-liter, which for decades has relied on a single-overhead cam architecture across multiple Honda vehicle lines. But the all-new V6 switches to the more common dual-overhead cam valvetrain configuration, for better volumetric efficiency."

The Upsized 2023 Honda Pilot Eyes Adventure

With a redesigned DOHC V6, the fourth-generation Pilot takes Honda’s family mover to new heights.

www.autoweek.com

 

No idea where Wikipedia sources this, but:

J35Y5 – VCM

• 2014–present Acura MDX
• Displacement: 3.5 L; 211.8 cu in (3,471 cc)
• Bore and stroke: 89 mm × 93 mm (3.50 in × 3.66 in)
• Compression: 11.5:1
• Power: 290 hp (216 kW) at 6,200 rpm
• Torque: 267 lb⋅ft (362 N⋅m) at 4,500 rpm
• Valvetrain: 24v SOHC VTEC (VTEC on intake valves only)
• Redline: 6,800 rpm
• Fuel cutoff: 7,200 rpm
• Induction/Fuel Delivery: Naturally Aspirated – Direct Injection

J35Y8 – VCM

• 2023+ Honda Pilot
• Displacement: 3.5 L; 211.8 cu in (3,471 cc)
• Power: 285 hp (213 kW) at 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 262 lb⋅ft (355 N⋅m) at 5,000 rpm
• Valvetrain: 24V DOHC (no VTEC)
• Induction/Fuel Delivery: Naturally Aspirated – Direct Injection

 

There is a possibility this Y8 version will make its way into the 2024 MDX with maybe 295 or 300 horses.

 

A few other differences I can think of:

• Larger infotainment screen
• Full digital instrument screen
• 4-way lumbar (&thigh/side extension in advance) for driver seat
• 12-way vs 4-way seat adj. for front passenger
• Three seat memory settings
• Passenger seat memory
• Power steering column
• Third row without the useless middle seat
• Ambient lighting
• Two-height under trunk storage cover

(updated after seeing the now available specs of 2023 Pilot)

 

A few other differences I can think of:

• Larger infotainment screen
• Full digital instrument screen
• 4-way lumbar (&thigh/side extension in advance)
• Three seat memory settings
• Passenger seat memory
• Power steering column
• Third row without the useless middle seat
• Ambient lighting
• Two-height under trunk storage cover

Good list. Add to that the projector headlights vs. the inferior reflector headlights of the Pilot.

Also, not sure if the Pilot has auto dimming on both side mirrors as the Advance does.

 

THIS is how the Drive Mode should be selected in my opinion (vs the giant round dial in the middle of the MDX dash)

 

Just comparing the measurements I see from the new Pilot website that came out today, the Pilot will indeed feel larger inside. Whether enough to matter will be personal preference.

Length of MDX is only 1.5 inches shorter, however interior measurements are all generally smaller. Headroom is 2 inches less. Legroom front seats actually a tad more in MDX, but then second and third seats both much smaller (2.3 inches more legroom second row in Pilot and 3.4 inches more in 3rd row, which is huge difference in useability IMO for that 3rd row. Likewise shoulder room same in front row, 1.4 inches wider in second row and a whopping 4.5 inches wider in 3rd row for Pilot. Overall pax volume = 139.1 on MDX and 158.4 on Pilot. Cargo 3rd row 18.1 vs 22.4 (MDX vs Pilot), 2nd row 48.4 vs 60.1, and all rows 112.4 vs 95

Interestingly (and I guess not surprising) the mileage numbers are EXACTLY the same at 19/25/21 between the 2 vehicles. Again, basically same engine....

 

It's not unusual to see some leap-frogging of functions/features between models - in this case between the Honda and Acura similar type vehicles.

Given that the all new 2023 Pilot is coming out imminently, and that both Honda (Prologue) and Acura (ZDX) all electric SUVs are debuting in 2024, which are bound to steal some sales from the Pilot/MDX, I wonder if Acura has some goodies in store to offer on the 2024 MDX, or at least the 2025 MDX - something short of a new gen yet features/functions to keep it as an upsell versus the Pilot and even the electric SUV offerings. They might as they did something similar with the 3rd gen MDX with a mid-cycle (meaning after the first 2 model years) offering of the hybrid, Carplay, new tranny, etc. I know they already have the 'S' as a delineation but that costly trim level doesn't help with the delineation of the 'new' Pilot with the 'old' MDX other trim models as far as features/functions go.

I think there's a good chance there'll be some upgrades within the 4th gen for the 2024 or at least 2025 models to keep it positioned as an upsell premium versus the Pilot, as well as to keep up with the Joneses (other manufacturers). Whether they'll be significant or desirable or not is anyone's guess.

 

Like I said in another post, it's just too bad that the MDX in general doesn't bring a better engine (= more performance) vs the Pilot across all trims. Like the RDX vs the CRV, where it isn't "the same" car with different sheet metal and some nice finishes. If the Type S engine was just the normal MDX engine, for example. Or if they offered a hybrid in the MDX that you can't get on the Pilot.

 

Toyota vs Lexus; Ford vs Lincoln; Chevy vs GMC..... Sit in them, drive them, buy what you like and can afford and then live with it for a while. Having choices is always nice and sometimes fun, but beware: statistics only tell very little about specific items and can't tell you how the leather smells and cushions your butt, how the engine sounds and the steering feels and how you feel in the vehicle. Maybe you would prefer an Infinity now that you can get them without a CVT tranny. Hondas are great vehicles, so are MDXs, so make your choice and enjoy it.

 

I've actually been looking at a new car and have visited nearly every brand in the segment. I think the comparison offers some comfort to those who want to buy the non luxury equivalent. But you sit in an Acura vs. Honda or Lincoln vs. Ford, you'll find a lot of differences. Quality of the leather interior, size of the wheels, interior illumination, engine size, etc. The non luxury brands have really upped their game, IMO, due to KIA and HYUNDAI crushing it. But you will never drive an Acura and a Honda and think they're the same.

 

So just to keep driving this point home, today I went to more dealers to check out more vehicles. We decided to check out Infinity jut because. Hyundai was next door. So we decided to look at Hyundai and Genesis..again. We had them pull up a GV80 and a Hyundai Palisade. The Palisade was super impressive in terms of raw features. It really had us rethinking our entire decision making paradigm. But then we got into the top of the line GV70 and GV80 (or very close to it). The superiority of the interior was immediately obvious.

 

^^^Agree!

Also, GV70 and GV80, not GX

 

thanks. Don't know why I put X but fixed it. I actually have a spreadsheet going now.

While the differences on the inside were noticeable, I'm struggling with my decision now because the Hyundai was soooo impressive. For $55K, you're getting a ton of features. Their sunroof sucks (my kids are like is that really important to you?). I wonder if it's not intentional to push people to Genesis.

The one brand that really, really surprised me was the Infinity. As in, both my wife and I walked away in complete agreement that it was "meh." Coolest feature they had was rear view camera in place of the rear view mirror. That was incredibly cool feature. But other than that, I didn't get the sense the brand was a luxury brand.

The one thing that keeps bringing me back to Acura is the Type S suspension (which we didn't even consider until we actually saw it and rode in it...we were just going to look at Advance). Genesis doesn't have it and costs more (well depends on how the market adjustment goes). I would say of all the vehicles, I've seen the Lincoln Aviator is probably the most of what I want and the couple things I didn't like will probably be fixed in the 2024 model (reliability has been major issue with Lincoln Aviator though). If Acura added a touchscreen, we'd get the Acura right now even without the features I'd like (for example, self parking).

 

Deleted.

 

All you need to know about infiniti

 

When is he predicting this will happen? This video is almost 3 years old.

 

Exactly - everyone has been "predicting" Infiniti will fail for years... and they are still around. I hope they make it - competition is good. And i like their style design language.

 

Good data. I was only interested in the Type S Advance, so the Pilot wasn’t and isn’t on my radar.

 

I drove the 23 Pilot Sport in 12/31. It was the only one the dealer had on the lot. Was not impressed with the looks or the drive. It was fine, but not even close to the base model MDX I drove 15 min later. I’m eager to see how the Touring or Elite models drive as I’d expect them to be smoother. I was set on getting a Pilot and after driving the MDX, I’ve changed my mind.

 

Interesting!

What exactly was nicer driving-wise on the MDX vs Pilot?

I don't know that the Pilot Touring or Elite will be "smoother" as they will have the same engines and transmissions, plus the same 20" wheels as the Sport (so lower profile tires).

Also surprised you got into an actual Base model MDX. I was under the impression they weren't building many of those. If that is true, how did you like the Leatherette (fake leather) in that Base?

 

I test drove the new Pilot and was very unimpressed. It just felt like it had no soul.

 

It may not have soul, however it can actually fit 7 full adult souls in it along with their stuff given it has an actually useable third row 😀

 

No way! I am totally shocked that the cheaper car is worse...

 

The MDX has always been smaller outside and inside compared to the Pilot so if buyers are looking for space then they shouldn't be looking at the MDX.

 

The MDX is definitely smaller on the inside but on the outside it really isn't. In fact the 2022 MDX is two inches longer and the same width than the 2022 Pilot. Compared to the new Pilot, the MDX is almost exactly the same size with the MDX at 198.4 inches long and 78.4 inches wide and the Pilot at 199.9 inches long and 78.5 inches wide. I wish there could be the combination of the Honda's superior practically (better third row and more cargo space) with the Acura's superior luxury. That I think would be a killer vehicle in the segment with the MDX already beating out cars like the X5 for practicality. An MDX with a better third row with more leg room and vents and a more squared off back end with more cargo could be a credible alternative to something like a Tahoe for most buyers and crush everything else in its segment for family friendliness.

 

In order to make the cargo and 3rd row better like the Pilot you ruin the roof line and look of the mdx as it would need to be taller in the back.

 

I mean just go look at the car, the extra length of the mdx is just the shape of the rear of the car.

 

This is an interesting link. The MDX has a higher depreciation rate than the Pilot. While this link is valuable, it does not have a 1/1 comparison with the ‘23 Pilot. But as I had researched before buying my MDX, the depreciation rate continues to be higher.

Acura MDX vs. Honda Pilot - iSeeCars.com

How do the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot compare? Use our comparison tool to see over 140 data points, including price, trims, reliability ratings, mpg, rankings, horsepower, depreciation, and standard and optional equipment.

www.iseecars.com

 

Most luxury brands suffer the same problem of higher depreciation rates. Not unique to Acura. I keep vehicles for 20 years though so I don't really care about depreciation.

 

It does appear the MDX has a higher depreciation compared to the Pilot (though not significant). I checked Caredge.com.
With both cars being brand new and after 5 years, with an average of 10,500 miles per year, the MDX has a residual of 67% vs. the Pilot which has a residual of 73%. Again, take them with a grain of salt and there can be a variety of other factors as well.

 

There is no compressing, I came from pilot Elite prior to that had two EXL two EXL where 6 speed clunky tall feel strong winds on a highway buggy infotainment super noisy allots of plastic, but way more room them MDX inside, chose MDX vs 023 pilot
#1-unknown engine in Pilot
#2- fuel consumption (Horrible in pilot)
#3-quality of front seats, Acura MDX I think the most confutable on the market, much better then Mercedes , Audi and BMW
#4-less plastic inside (Way less then Pilot
#5-Much better handling (do not go off roading no need for extra clearance and no Body roll on turns, love the extra handling out of MDX it corners amazing )
#6-Storage room, My cars are not passenger SUVs they are long trip SUVs for me and my better half, our bikes or skis or hiking gear or photography equipment no passengers seats lay flat 99% of time, as long as I can fit two road bikes inside im golden
#7-Super quiet comparing to Pilot Elite, way less wind noise at speeds over 60m/h
just my findings