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What is Hondas version of MDX?

Honda's version of the popular Acura MDX is the Acura MDX, a midsize luxury crossover SUV that has been a staple in the Acura lineup for over two decades. The Acura MDX is Honda's premium offering in the three-row SUV segment, providing a more upscale and feature-rich alternative to Honda's own Pilot SUV.


What is the Acura MDX?


The Acura MDX is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that has been in production since the 2001 model year. It is Acura's flagship SUV model and is known for its premium interior, advanced technology features, and powerful engine options. The MDX is designed to compete with other popular three-row luxury SUVs like the Lexus RX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.


Key Features of the Acura MDX



  • Powertrain: The Acura MDX is available with a choice of two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower, or a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the MDX can be equipped with either front-wheel drive or Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.

  • Interior and Technology: The Acura MDX features a premium, well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and a range of advanced technology features. These include a dual-screen infotainment system, a 12-speaker premium audio system, wireless charging, and a suite of driver assistance and safety technologies.

  • Seating and Cargo Space: The Acura MDX can seat up to seven passengers across three rows of seating. It also offers a generous amount of cargo space, with up to 95.0 cubic feet of storage with the second and third rows folded flat.


Overall, the Acura MDX is Honda's premium offering in the three-row SUV segment, providing a more upscale and feature-rich alternative to the Honda Pilot. With its powerful engines, premium interior, and advanced technology features, the Acura MDX is a compelling choice for buyers in the luxury SUV market.

Is the Acura MDX just a Honda Pilot?


No, the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX aren't the same vehicle. They both utilize 3.5-liter V-6 engines that help them tow up to 5,000 pounds when the SUVs are properly equipped, but the horsepower output is slightly different.



What's better, Acura MDX or Honda Pilot?


The main differences are that the Acura MDX prioritizes luxury, performance, and technology, while the Honda Pilot is more budget-friendly, spacious, and utilitarian. The MDX offers a more upscale interior, a more powerful engine option (Type S), and superior handling due to its suspension and available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). In contrast, the Pilot has a larger cabin that can seat up to eight, more cargo space, and is better suited for off-road adventures with its TrailSport trim. 
This video provides an overview of the 2023 Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, highlighting their key features and differences: 58sJustin PritchardYouTube · Sep 14, 2023
Acura MDX

  • Performance: Offers a more powerful standard engine and an available turbocharged V6 in the Type S model. It has a sportier feel, a better steering feel, and more precise handling due to its double-wishbone front suspension and SH-AWD. 
  • Luxury & Technology: Features a more premium interior with higher-quality materials, a larger dual-screen infotainment setup with a unique touchpad interface, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
  • Capacity: Seats a maximum of seven passengers, with less third-row headroom and legroom compared to the Pilot. 

This video compares the 2019 Honda Pilot and 2019 Acura MDX, focusing on interior and exterior features: 58sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Jan 9, 2019
Honda Pilot
  • Practicality: Has a more spacious interior, including a third row with more headroom and legroom that can accommodate up to eight passengers. 
  • Cargo: Offers more cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down. 
  • Off-road: Is the better option for off-roading due to its TrailSport trims and slightly higher ground clearance. 
  • Technology: Features a slightly smaller infotainment screen without the touchpad interface and lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. 

This video discusses the 2024 Honda Pilot Elite and compares its features to the Acura MDX: 54sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Jul 16, 2023
Which should you choose?
  • Choose the Acura MDX if: You prioritize a luxurious interior, a more engaging and sporty driving experience, and the latest technology features. 
  • Choose the Honda Pilot if: You need maximum passenger and cargo space, a more rugged or off-road-capable vehicle, and a lower price point. 

You can watch this video to see a drag race between the Honda Pilot and the Acura MDX: 58sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Nov 27, 2019



What Honda is equivalent to Acura MDX?


The Honda Pilot is the Honda equivalent of the Acura MDX. Both are three-row, mid-size SUVs built on the same platform, but the MDX is the more luxurious and premium version. The Pilot is generally larger and more family-oriented, while the MDX features a more upscale interior and performance options, such as the high-performance MDX Type S.
 
You can watch this video to see a comparison between the two vehicles: 57sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Nov 27, 2019
Shared platform and powertrain 

  • Both vehicles share the same platform, wheelbase, and a standard 3.5L V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 
  • Both offer an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, though the MDX uses the more performance-oriented "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive" (SH-AWD). 

Key differences
Feature Acura MDX Honda Pilot
Positioning Luxury Mainstream family SUV
Interior More luxurious materials, with features like perforated leather and contrast stitching High-quality, but less premium standard features
Performance Offers a more powerful 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine in the Type S trim Standard 3.5L V6 engine
Horsepower Up to 355 hp in the Type S model 285 hp
Exterior dimensions Slightly smaller and more compact Slightly larger overall
Seating Seats seven passengers Seats up to eight passengers
Price More expensive More affordable
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Is the RDX just a CRV?


No, the Acura RDX is not a Honda CR-V; they are distinct vehicles from different segments, although they share a platform. The RDX is the more luxurious and performance-oriented model, while the CR-V is a more budget-friendly and practical option.
 
This video explains five reasons why you might choose the Acura RDX over the Honda CR-V: 59sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Nov 22, 2023

Feature Acura RDX Honda CR-V
Positioning Luxury SUV Mainstream SUV
Price Higher starting price More affordable
Engine More powerful turbocharged engine Less powerful turbocharged or hybrid engine
Performance Faster acceleration and a more premium driving experience Focus on fuel efficiency, especially in hybrid models
Interior More premium materials and features like heated sport seats and a larger infotainment screen Roomier interior and more cargo space
Drivetrain Available with a more advanced all-wheel drive system (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on some models) Available with a standard all-wheel drive system
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Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.