Anyone else tempted to switch to the new Pilot?

11444 Views 126 Replies 29 Participants Last post by Hogan773, 4 mo ago

Advance2022

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

Anyone else tempted to switch from the MDX to the new Pilot? I’m really impressed by what Honda has done. Almost every one of the features I really like from the MDX(the removable middle seat, the panoramic sunroof, 360 camera, heads up display, the Advance’s rear hatch that automatically closes as you walk away is on it and it has a substantially better third row (vents, an extra place, more leg room, and a 60/40 split) with a much bigger cargo area. All on the same platform with the same transmission as the MDX plus a newer version of the V6 that make almost as much power. I don’t think I’d have bought an MDX were this generation Pilot released. Especially now that I’m using the third row a lot more than we ever expected. No doubt the Bose system in the Elite is a downgrade from the ELS Studio 3D, the styling isn’t quite as nice, going from the larger screen to the smaller one would be a downgrade, and the materials in the MDX are nicer but its looking to me that the benefits for our family would outweigh what we’d lose and almost every feature we love would stay. Cachet means little to me though my local Honda dealer isn't as good as the local Acura dealer so that would be a downgrade.

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IanCH

· #61 · 7 mo ago

I've only been to the acura dealer once, but I service all my Audis at the dealer. The biggest one with Audi is I always can get a loaner and it's a good car.

At my one trip to acura I didn't need to get a loaner because it was a tire swap and a warranty claim on my moonroof (seal)

The acura dealer was nicer than the audi dealer, there are many private areas/lounges, 3 private offices for customers and a private conference room as well. I spent 2 hrs at the dealer but it was just as productive for me as if I was working from home in the private office.

I spent most of my time posting today while watching my 2 year old, she does a lot of independent play so I get some forum time I guess.

TheBeast369

· #62 · 7 mo ago

IanCH said:
Cooking requires skill, creativity, precision, mastery. And other people get to enjoy that, the reward is a good meal with others. It is a worthy pursuit and something that is worth spending time on.

Oil changes and brake jobs, tearing apart the front end of the car to replace something... all meaningless procedural drivel. Most of the time it will take you the DIY twice as long to do an involved job at home as someone with a lift who does it every day.

I've done nearly every job a home diy mechanic can do, multiple times over. My conclusion is that it's a waste of time!

True, the cost of doing it yourself and time is probably a wash or worse vs dealer. The benefit of DIYer is that you will notice things that may be an issue down the road that otherwise a rushed service tech doesn't because they have a huge backlog of jobs that day.

Also for some the dealers in their area are garbage. You can schedule an appointment, show up on time or right before and still have to wait around for them to finally start processing you, then they quote you a time for the service and it takes twice a long, plus the time to drive to dealer etc. Or they try to talk your head off about buying services you dont need or buying them prematurely or trading in your car, harassing, etc. With the MDX, you don't even need to raise the vehicle to change the oil. Just slide under and turn the wheel for the filter and done, no lift or jack required.

If it is beyond simple oil or brake jobs, a lot cheaper and time saving to just let the dealer do it otherwise. If they screw it up, you can at least point fingers back at them and not yourself.

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Almatti

· #63 · 7 mo ago

wrxdev said:
The ELS stereo and the double wishbone suspension setup in MDX are hard to ignore, though I am intrigued by the new 3.5 V6 that is DOHC in this new 2023 Pilot.
All the J series so far have been SOHC expect the turbo charged ones in the Type S and NSX.

Yepper, That's What Acura should have done with the 2022 MDX for sure. The Sport Hybrid would have been a desirable option too. I have and enjoy my 2022 MDX Advance since August 2021. The only disappointments to me are the MPGs (especially when driven locally in Suburbia) and the TTIP. The TTIP when engaging Android Auto is Terrible - operates like a slow Mouse Pad, which defeats the purpose of the TouchPad - forcing you to take your eyes off the road!!, IMHO. The third Peeve is when a text appears (I have the HUD) - it lasts just seconds on both screens, not enough time for a response. I guess (and have not really focused on sending a Text message via Hey Google when in Android Auto) I'm still learning about "stuff" in the car. Bottomline: Still enjoy it immensely. Just getting back from a 240-mile round trip to South Jersey - doing 70- 80 MPH like Butter, so comfortable with a great sound system.

Almatti

· #64 · 7 mo ago

Maik said:
In 2017, when my 2002 MDX was finally ready to be replaced after 340,000 miles, I looked at both the Pilot and the MDX...I had a hard time justifying the extra $10K for the MDX as the Pilot seemed to have many of the same features I was looking for. I ended up buying the Pilot Touring model. Although it was a great car in most respects as I had no issues with it at all, I will admit that I did have buyers remorse as it just was not as comfortable and enjoyable to drive as my MDX had been. A year ago I traded my Pilot for my current 2022 Advance MDX and could not be happier with the decision. The MDX is indeed a tad smaller, but simply not enough to make a difference for me.

Maik, Great to see you post again... I would add one thing that Acura Chinsed on: Our 2022 MDX Advance do NOT have the Auto Dampeners on the Suspension (Not the air suspension....but you know what I mean) in the American models , yet it does in the Canandian Model. Even the 2019 - and onward RDXs do! (perhaps not the base models, but the others do). I have NOT Test driven to Feel the differences, but reviewers of the 2022-23 RDXs say they feel that difference on the road pavements/ conditions.

Icculus

· #65 · 7 mo ago

mrgold35 said:
There is a good chance the 2024 MDX will get the same engine with a slight bump in power in the 295-300 hp range.

One would hope, otherwise the Pilot is seriously stepping on the MDX's toes. The current/outgoing Pilot is even quicker than the new MDX, although the MDX probably drives better.

Reactions: 1

md2069

· #66 · 7 mo ago

Icculus said:
One would hope, otherwise the Pilot is seriously stepping on the MDX's toes. The current/outgoing Pilot is even quicker than the new MDX, although the MDX probably drives better.

What evidence do you have of the new Pilot being quicker than the MDX………

IanCH

· #67 · 7 mo ago

Wait, so I just actually looked at the new pilot web page for the first time. Are you guys seriously thinking this car comes close to the MDX?

LMAO!

I don't know where you got the idea that this car is similar to the mdx, it won't even use the same parts like some of you say, honda sells enough pilots they see no economic advantage in sharing parts outside the engine block. It's positioned as a 4 runner competitor...

Hogan773

· #68 · 7 mo ago

IanCH said:
Cooking requires skill, creativity, precision, mastery. And other people get to enjoy that, the reward is a good meal with others. It is a worthy pursuit and something that is worth spending time on.

Oil changes and brake jobs, tearing apart the front end of the car to replace something... all meaningless procedural drivel. Most of the time it will take you the DIY twice as long to do an involved job at home as someone with a lift who does it every day.

I've done nearly every job a home diy mechanic can do, multiple times over. My conclusion is that it's a waste of time!

Ah, I know I don't know you but your way of proclaiming your opinions as Truth and Fact makes me wince when I read. So apparently cooking is a noble and worthwhile creative pursuit but wrenching a car is a waste of time. Mmmkay. For me, there is satisfaction in learning about why the problem exists, learning about the fix, and then the pleasure of seeing my work completed and the problem is fixed. The fact that I also saved hundreds (or in the case of the VSA modulator, over $1000) for a few hours of my time does add to the pleasure but I'm not doing these out of financial need. Like others have said, another benefit is that you learn about your vehicle and you may notice other issues. Knowledge is Power! Better understanding how things work and are fixed also makes it more likely you will have a BS detector when you do need to deal with a stealership on something. And so what if it took me longer to change rotors and pads than the guy at the dealer? Especially the first time I'm sure it did, but now I have done the job many times. Even if I am never as fast as the guy rushing the job at the dealer, who cares? I guess you keep circling back to this fixation on efficiency vs hourly cost, again intimating that if I can pay $150 per hour of dealer labor and if I calculate my annual compensation on a per-hour basis as anything more than $150 per hour, then I am somehow destroying economic efficiency by DIYing. Again the fallacy in that logic for most everyone is we make that "per hour" money no matter what, so really we are almost doubling up because while I am working on that car fix on Saturday with a coffee in hand, I'm still accruing money every hour that I'm still on the payroll of my primary job too.

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Hogan773

· #69 · 7 mo ago

IanCH said:
Wait, so I just actually looked at the new pilot web page for the first time. Are you guys seriously thinking this car comes close to the MDX?

LMAO!

I don't know where you got the idea that this car is similar to the mdx, it won't even use the same parts like some of you say, honda sells enough pilots they see no economic advantage in sharing parts outside the engine block. It's positioned as a 4 runner competitor...

Okay wise one, you can educate us on all the ways in which the MDX is vastly superior and no parts are shared and every part in the MDX is specially engineered for ultimate performance. I mean yes Acuras are really just Hondas and there are lots of examples of the Acura part number being the same as a Honda part number, maybe with an A on the end, but I look forward to more here. You are reacting to the body shape and styling and it strikes you as looking like a 4-Runner so therefore you just know that MDX uses all different parts even though it is written many places that Pilot is built on the same platform. I'm starting to feel like some trolling happening here

IanCH

· #70 · 7 mo ago

I mean, there's only one troll and it's the guy who thinks that any [insert economy brand here] can even come close to its [corresponding luxury brand] counterpart.

There's not a single brand where this fallacy holds true.

I don't even like acuras, as a brand I highly prefer audis. I was gonna buy an SQ7 but couldn't handle the thought of my small children abusing the car.

Hogan773

· #71 · 7 mo ago

IanCH said:
I mean, there's only one troll and it's the guy who thinks that any [insert economy brand here] can even come close to its [corresponding luxury brand] counterpart.

There's not a single brand where this fallacy holds true.

I don't even like acuras, as a brand I highly prefer audis. I was gonna buy an SQ7 but couldn't handle the thought of my small children abusing the car.

No problem - nobody was saying the Pilot is better than MDX - the original question was if the Pilot is similar, and gives more interior space, and has the same (or better?) engine, and costs less money, would someone think about getting it vs MDX.

It's becoming clear that you are sold on image...image of the brand....image of the nice coffee machine at the higher end dealer....image that therefore the Acura product couldn't possibly just be a Honda with some nicer earrings and more makeup.....

I don't know Audi vs VW enough, and my uninformed feeling is that there is more of a difference in Audis vs corresponding VWs in terms of actually different engines, etc. I think the actual differences in Acura and Honda are perhaps not as much

Reactions: 1

TitusR

· #72 · 6 mo ago

Hogan773 said:
Guys, I'm glad you are all so confident that the MDX is "substantially" "better in every way" but NONE OF YOU HAVE SAT IN OR DRIVEN THE NEW PILOT that is built on the same platform as the MDX. ...
...

Hogan773 said:
I'm not claiming the Pilot is better. I would expect the MDX to be a little better. I think one needs to compare 2023 MDX to 2023 Pilot though so we are talking about same platform. I look forward to the release of the Pilot so I can go drive and inspect both of them on the same day. Pricing will also be a factor to me. If a similarly-trimmed Pilot is only $5-6K less than an MDX and the MDX has noticeable quality and performance differences then agree a no-brainer. If it is $12K cheaper and the differences are just about the styling and some doodads then makes it harder for me. It will probably be somewhere between on both metrics. ...

Hello Hogan773,

Firstly, I'm not claiming either vehicle is 'better'. However, I think the differences will be more than just styling and doodads. Many people have commented that the driving experience is very different between the two vehicles. Some people have noted how the MDX handles more like a car rather than SUV. On the other hand, how Pilots drive more like a SUV.

You have repeatedly noted we needed to wait to drive the new Pilot because the vehicles are built on the same platform. I’m sorry, but I’m not quite sure how you hope the shared platform will affect the driving characteristics of the Pilot. It's true that we haven't actually driven the new Pilot yet, but I think it's safe to say that sharing the same (or similar) platform does not necessarily mean sharing the same driving characteristics.

The Pilot and MDX have traditionally shared platforms; that notion is not new. That said, every MDX generation has been more performance-based compared to its cousin Pilot. For example, this video shows a comparison of the last generation between the two. While the drag race times were very similar, both drivers commented that MDX was more fun to drive. See also TLX vs Accord and Integra vs Civic, etc. They have shared or similar platforms, but different driving experiences.

While the vehicles might share or have similar platforms (even shared parts sometimes), Acura has traditionally tuned its counterparts for more performance. As noted in that earlier video, both vehicles essentially had the same engine but the output was fairly different. In addition, as you noted in one of your other posts, the SH-AWD and iVTM-4 systems are mechanically very similar but they are tuned differently. Here's a video showing some differences in the same 2019 model year. Yes, the new Pilot will likely get the latest version of the iVTM-4 as the 2022 MDX did with its latest version of SH-AWD, but there will likely still be similar tuning differences between those systems.

As well, that shared platform will have different front suspensions. The MacPherson Strut front suspension in the Pilot would also affect the driving dynamics compared to the front double-wishbone in the MDX. ..

I don’t want this post to come across as how all of the little differences make the MDX a ‘better’ vehicle. Rather, that those differences will likely result in a different driving experience.

It is fair to say that final judgment should be reserved until after we get a chance to drive the new Pilot. However, if you’re hoping the driving characteristics will be the same as the MDX, I think you’ll be disappointed. That’s not to say that the Pilot won’t be still fun to drive in its own right, though. It’ll just be different. Whether that difference in driving experience will be enough to dissuade potential customers from the Pilot will depend on the customer. We all have different wants/needs, and priorities. The new Pilot is an impressive vehicle.

When you do get at chance to test both vehicles, I would be interested in your thoughts on both of them.

Cheers

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TheBeast369

· #73 · 6 mo ago

I might just switch because I am salty the Pilot gets a tow haul mode even without air-ride and the MDX doesn't....

spektakle

· #74 · 6 mo ago

Almatti said:
Maik, Great to see you post again... I would add one thing that Acura Chinsed on: Our 2022 MDX Advance do NOT have the Auto Dampeners on the Suspension (Not the air suspension....but you know what I mean) in the American models , yet it does in the Canandian Model. Even the 2019 - and onward RDXs do! (perhaps not the base models, but the others do). I have NOT Test driven to Feel the differences, but reviewers of the 2022-23 RDXs say they feel that difference on the road pavements/ conditions.

Where is there info on the auto dampeners... I can't seem to find any.

Hogan773

· #75 · 6 mo ago

TitusR said:
Hello Hogan773,

Firstly, I'm not claiming either vehicle is 'better'. However, I think the differences will be more than just styling and doodads. Many people have commented that the driving experience is very different between the two vehicles. Some people have noted how the MDX handles more like a car rather than SUV. On the other hand, how Pilots drive more like a SUV.

You have repeatedly noted we needed to wait to drive the new Pilot because the vehicles are built on the same platform. I’m sorry, but I’m not quite sure how you hope the shared platform will affect the driving characteristics of the Pilot. It's true that we haven't actually driven the new Pilot yet, but I think it's safe to say that sharing the same (or similar) platform does not necessarily mean sharing the same driving characteristics.

The Pilot and MDX have traditionally shared platforms; that notion is not new. That said, every MDX generation has been more performance-based compared to its cousin Pilot. For example, this video shows a comparison of the last generation between the two. While the drag race times were very similar, both drivers commented that MDX was more fun to drive. See also TLX vs Accord and Integra vs Civic, etc. They have shared or similar platforms, but different driving experiences.

While the vehicles might share or have similar platforms (even shared parts sometimes), Acura has traditionally tuned its counterparts for more performance. As noted in that earlier video, both vehicles essentially had the same engine but the output was fairly different. In addition, as you noted in one of your other posts, the SH-AWD and iVTM-4 systems are mechanically very similar but they are tuned differently. Here's a video showing some differences in the same 2019 model year. Yes, the new Pilot will likely get the latest version of the iVTM-4 as the 2022 MDX did with its latest version of SH-AWD, but there will likely still be similar tuning differences between those systems.

As well, that shared platform will have different front suspensions. The MacPherson Strut front suspension in the Pilot would also affect the driving dynamics compared to the front double-wishbone in the MDX. ..

I don’t want this post to come across as how all of the little differences make the MDX a ‘better’ vehicle. Rather, that those differences will likely result in a different driving experience.

It is fair to say that final judgment should be reserved until after we get a chance to drive the new Pilot. However, if you’re hoping the driving characteristics will be the same as the MDX, I think you’ll be disappointed. That’s not to say that the Pilot won’t be still fun to drive in its own right, though. It’ll just be different. Whether that difference in driving experience will be enough to dissuade potential customers from the Pilot will depend on the customer. We all have different wants/needs, and priorities. The new Pilot is an impressive vehicle.

When you do get at chance to test both vehicles, I would be interested in your thoughts on both of them.

Cheers

VERY WELL SAID and I totally agree. They should be different somehow, otherwise any rational person would just buy the Pilot vs the MDX! Would make sense that the MDX should come off as more "sporty"....agree on the different front suspension....basically same engine though (putting aside Type S) so speed and acceleration may not be too different....definitely looking forward to seeing both of them in person to test 1) driving characteristics and 2) are the likely extra few inches of space in the Pilot actually noticeable or not vs MDX, passenger-wise and cargo-wise.

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IanCH

· #76 · 6 mo ago

Thats the new infotainment right there... not even close to the MDX infotainment doesnt even have split screen. Forget about touchscreen... would you use a 2 gen old smartphone just for the headphone jack (I know, trick question!)

mdxstang

· #77 · 6 mo ago

TitusR said:
the SH-AWD and iVTM-4 systems are mechanically very similar but they are tuned differently. Here's a video showing some differences in the same 2019 model year. Yes, the new Pilot will likely get the latest version of the iVTM-4 as the 2022 MDX did with its latest version of SH-AWD, but there will likely still be similar tuning differences between those systems.

I made this comment a little earlier but - there's very little info on the Honda website about the 2023 Pilot but I noticed they're hawking the 'trail ruggedness' of the Pilot with available (option I assume) steel skidplates, perhaps tunes in the AWD and axle towards rougher trails, and even an extra inch of ride height. The 'Trailwatch' sounds like it might be interesting depending on what that turns out to be (I assume maybe some video of the trail immediately where the front tires would roll or something like that). These changes alone are quite different than what the MDX currently offers and would make the two vehicles target different niches - unless the MDX gets a mid model change that offers similar functionality.

I'm not saying one is better than the other but I imagine they'll behave, ride, and handle somewhat differently, at least depending on the options one goes for - ex: an MDX Type S versus a somewhat trail capable Pilot - they'd be targeting different niches. Just having differently spec'd shocks, springs, sway bars, tires, tranny tune, engine tune, steering response, and the like, despite being a similar platform, can change the seat of the pants feel of a vehicle even if they're on the same basic platform.

From the Honda website for the 2023 Pilot -

The Pilot offers a revamped i-VTM4® AWD system that increases stability and utilizes available traction. Upgrade to the Pilot TrailSport and you’ll get even greater capability: X-Axle Logic helps you cover rocky ground, TrailWatch™ shows you a live feed of the surrounding terrain, and steel skid plates help protect the underbody.
...
The 2023 Pilot has a tough new aesthetic worthy of our most rugged SUV ever. The TrailSport takes the SUV’s bold styling up a notch with exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, and an extra inch of ride height. And for those looking to go even further, the Pilot offers an eye-catching HPD™ accessory package.

And inside -

• 9-Inch Color Touch-Screen

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eurojap

· #78 · 6 mo ago (Edited)

I haven't made any decision yet....depends on pricing and functional difference.

Keep us posted please. I'm curious where you land once you drive the new Pilot and have actual costs, etc. It will be interesting.

My wife has a CRV. She loves that thing. My X is at the detailers right now getting PPF. I pick it up tomorrow PM. So, we've been sharing the CRV the last couple days. I have to say, for what it is, it's a nice vehicle. No issues. It rides and drives very well. A little loud, yes, but, otherwise, a confident feeling vehicle.

I put my sunglasses in the storage compartment of the CRV and upon opening it, there is a panoramic mirror so you can check out whomever is riding in the back. Nice touch for families. Also, the plastic for the door and overall mechanism is like twice or more as thick and solid feeling than the sunglass compartment on the '23 X. The one on the X feels like it belongs in a Chrysler K car.

Just saying that value is almost always important even if price is no object. Yes, panache matters too but, a solid reliable vehicle that covers all practical needs can be totally satisfying. I was loosely in the market when I saw the styling of the gen 4 X and immediately fell in lust. That, combined with the solid reliability of 16 years with the '06 X and there was no question what I was going to buy.

Make your choice for you and enjoy!

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Hogan773

· #79 · 6 mo ago

eurojap said:
Keep us posted please. I'm curious where you land once you drive the new Pilot and have actual costs, etc. It will be interesting.

My wife has a CRV. She loves that thing. My X is at the detailers right now getting PPF. I pick it up tomorrow PM. So, we've been sharing the CRV the last couple days. I have to say, for what it is, it's a nice vehicle. No issues. It rides and drives very well. A little loud, yes, but, otherwise, a confident feeling vehicle.

I put my sunglasses in the storage compartment of the CRV and upon opening it, there is a panoramic mirror so you can use to check out whomever is riding in the back. Nice touch for families. Also, the plastic for the door and overall mechanism is like twice or more as thick and solid feeling than the sunglass compartment on the '23 X. The one on the X feels like it belongs in a Chrysler K car.

Just saying that value is almost always important even if price is no object. Yes, panache matters too but, a solid reliable vehicle that covers all practical needs can be totally satisfying. I was loosely in the market when I saw the styling of the gen 4 X and immediately fell in lust. That, combined with the solid reliability of 16 years with the '06 X and there was no question what I was going to buy.

Make your choice for you and enjoy!

When you are saying X do you mean MDX I assume?

In 2004 when we had a baby I looked at both Pilot and MDX and decided to go Pilot just because I liked the more utilitarian feel of the interior and dashboard. Felt like wouldn't care as much about having a bunch of little kids and all their mess in the car for the coming years. Now that the kids are older I could handle either one.

Maik

· #80 · 6 mo ago

All this discussion regarding the MDX and Pilot sharing the same platform, let's keep in mind that the Odyssey also shares the same platform.
The MDX and Pilot have both been around for approximately 20 years. At no time during those years have they been "essentially" the same. I would not expect that to change anytime soon.

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