2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Acura MDX was a stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither embarrassing nor overly impressing its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that bore the prominent Acura logo. The MDX's sleek and low-slung profile, combined with its chiseled details and flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to solve the styling puzzle with a rugged appearance introduced in its 2019 refresh and a blacked-out look in the 2020 Black Edition. However, its exterior design remained an acquired taste. The Pilot was available in five different trims in Canada, with all-wheel drive as standard. The Black Edition, which we drove, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. While the Pilot's quality materials were evident, its interior design resembled that of a minivan, which, along with its drab exterior, did not do it any favours. The Pilot's styling was functional but lacked the flair to stand out in a crowd.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-litre V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model we tested featured Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which provided impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially in corners. The SH-AWD system's torque-vectoring technology enhanced cornering by directing power to the outside wheel, resulting in a smooth and confident driving experience. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long journeys.

The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, 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 capable of directing up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot's performance was characterized by smooth power delivery and quick acceleration. It offered a comfortable ride and unexpectedly athletic handling, thanks to its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The Pilot's steering was well-weighted and responsive, while its brakes, though effective, tended to heat up with prolonged use. Off-road capability was limited by its modest ground clearance and approach angles, but it could handle minor off-road challenges.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a practical and spacious interior, making it a suitable choice for families. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, allowing easy access to the third row and flexible legroom distribution. The MDX offered 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the third row folded flat, and a maximum of 2,574 litres with the second row folded. The interior boasted numerous storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible centre console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a stylish alternative to a minivan.

The 2021 Honda Pilot excelled in providing ample space for families, accommodating up to eight passengers with a bench second-row seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs, standard on Black Edition models, offered comfort and flexibility, while the third-row seat provided mid-pack comfort for adults. The Pilot's interior was filled with storage solutions, including door panel compartments, a large centre console, and smartphone holders. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,583 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,092 litres with all seats down.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, with trim levels organized into packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, parking sensors, and a premium audio system. The A-Spec Package introduced LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels. The Technology Plus package offered heated rear seats and an upgraded audio system, while the Elite Package included an Active Damper System and a rear entertainment screen.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The EX-L Navi trim introduced built-in navigation, while the Touring grade added wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Touring trim also included a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI port. The infotainment system was functional but lacked some advanced features, and voice recognition required specific prompts. The Cabin Talk feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the stereo speakers or headphones.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's body structure, known as "Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering," was designed to absorb crash impact energy. The MDX received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it "good" ratings in most categories and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While the Pilot's safety systems were effective, they lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall rating and the IIHS giving it "good" ratings in most categories.