The midsize SUV market is teeming with options, and the 2023 GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot are two formidable contenders vying for your attention. Both SUVs offer a blend of performance, style, and practicality, but which one truly stands out?
In this comparison, we’ll delve into the details of each vehicle, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The 2023 GMC Acadia sports a bold, rugged design with its distinctive grille, angular headlights, and muscular lines. The Acadia’s updated styling gives it an aggressive and modern look, with the signature C-shaped LED daytime running lights adding a touch of sophistication. A variety of wheel sizes and designs are available, allowing you to personalize the Acadia to your taste.
The Honda Pilot has a more subdued, yet refined appearance with its smooth, flowing lines and sleek, contemporary design. The front end features a wide, prominent grille flanked by slim LED headlights, giving the Pilot a distinctive presence. A variety of wheel options are also available, ranging from 18-inch to 20-inch alloys, which further enhance the Pilot’s upscale appearance.
Interior Design
Inside the 2023 GMC Acadia, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin with soft-touch materials and a high-quality fit and finish. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, providing seamless access to your favorite apps and media. Optional upgrades, such as a premium Bose audio system and a dual-panel sunroof, further elevate the driving experience.
The Honda Pilot’s interior offers a clean, modern design with comfortable seating and a user-friendly layout. The standard infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a host of connectivity options. Available upgrades include leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, and a premium audio system, allowing you to tailor the Pilot’s cabin to your preferences.
Seating
The GMC Acadia provides seating for up to seven passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs available as an option for increased comfort. The front seats offer excellent support, while the second-row seats can slide and recline for added flexibility. Third-row seating is best suited for children or smaller adults, as legroom can be limited.
The Honda Pilot offers spacious seating for up to eight passengers, thanks to its standard three-row layout. All passengers can enjoy ample headroom and legroom, with the Pilot providing one of the roomiest third-row seats in its class. For added luxury, heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated second-row seats, are available as options.
Storage
When it comes to storage, the Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down. With both the second and third rows folded, the Acadia provides a generous 79 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for families or those who need ample cargo space.
The Pilot boasts a more generous cargo area, with 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding down the third row increases cargo capacity to 46.8 cubic feet, while folding both the second and third rows provides a cavernous 83.9 cubic feet of storage space. The Pilot’s hands-free power tailgate also makes loading and unloading a breeze.
Performance
The GMC Acadia comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, providing responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery.
For those seeking more power, a 3.6-liter V6 engine is available, which generates 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Acadia’s optional all-wheel drive system enhances traction and handling in various road conditions.
The Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifting and quick acceleration. The Pilot’s available all-wheel drive system provides added confidence in challenging weather conditions or on rough terrain.
Fuel Efficiency
The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Acadia delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Opting for the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine results in slightly lower fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The Honda Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the front-wheel-drive models. With the available all-wheel drive system, the Pilot’s fuel efficiency drops slightly to 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2023 GMC Acadia comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.
The Honda Pilot includes the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard, with technologies such as collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a multi-angle rearview camera.
Trim Levels
The GMC Acadia is offered in four main trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali. The base SL trim comes well-equipped with standard features such as keyless entry, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a suite of advanced safety features.
Higher trims offer additional features like leather upholstery, a hands-free power liftgate, and a navigation system. The range-topping Denali trim adds unique styling elements, a more luxurious interior, and additional advanced safety features.
The Honda Pilot is available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The base LX trim offers standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen, Honda Sensing safety suite, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Higher levels provide upgrades such as a power moonroof, leather upholstery, and a rear entertainment system. The top-of-the-line Elite trim boasts premium features like ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic roof.
Pricing
The 2023 GMC Acadia has a starting price of around $33,000 for the base SL trim, with prices increasing as you move up to higher trims. The SLE trim starts at approximately $36,000, while the SLT trim begins around $41,000. Keep in mind that optional features and packages can increase the final price, and all-wheel drive is available at an additional cost.
The 2023 Honda Pilot starts at a slightly lower price point, with the base LX trim beginning around $32,000. The EX trim is priced at approximately $35,000, while the EX-L trim starts around $38,000. The more upscale Touring trim has a starting price of roughly $43,000, and the top-of-the-line Elite trim starts at around $49,000.
Key Differences
In this section, we’ll explore the key differences between the 2023 GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot, making it easier for you to determine which midsize SUV is the better fit for your needs.
Exterior Styling:
One of the most apparent differences between the Acadia and Pilot lies in their exterior design. The GMC Acadia boasts a bold, rugged appearance with distinctive features like its angular headlights and muscular lines. In contrast, the Honda Pilot features a more refined and sleek design, characterized by smooth, flowing lines and a contemporary aesthetic.
Seating and Passenger Space:
The GMC Acadia offers seating for up to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, can accommodate up to eight passengers with its standard three-row layout. Additionally, the Pilot is known for its roomy third-row seating, providing more space for passengers compared to the Acadia’s more limited third-row legroom.
Cargo Capacity:
When it comes to storage, the Honda Pilot has a clear advantage, offering more cargo space than the GMC Acadia. With the third-row seats in place, the Pilot provides 16.5 cubic feet of storage, while the Acadia offers 12.8 cubic feet. When both the second and third rows are folded, the Pilot boasts an impressive 83.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Acadia’s 79 cubic feet.
Performance:
While both vehicles offer capable performance, the GMC Acadia has more engine options to choose from, including a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. The Honda Pilot comes with a single engine choice – a 3.5-liter V6. Both vehicles are equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission, but the Acadia’s engine options provide more variety for buyers seeking different levels of power.
Fuel Efficiency:
The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Acadia delivers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6, with EPA-estimated ratings of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Pilot’s fuel efficiency ratings are slightly lower, at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models.
Trim Levels and Pricing:
While both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, the Honda Pilot has a slightly lower starting price at around $32,000 for the base LX model, compared to the Acadia’s starting price of around $33,000 for the base SL trim. However, both vehicles’ prices increase as you move up to higher trim levels and add optional features.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot each bring their own set of unique features to the table, catering to different preferences and needs. If you’re drawn to bold design and desire a choice between powertrain options, the Acadia might be the right pick for you. However, if a spacious interior with room for up to eight passengers and greater cargo capacity is a priority, the Pilot could be the better option.
Both vehicles have a lot to offer, but the ultimate choice will come down to your individual needs and personal taste. We recommend test-driving both SUVs to get a feel for their performance, comfort, and features, ensuring you make the best decision for you and your family.
Features Breakdown:
2023 GMC Acadia:
- Exterior Design:
- Bold, rugged design
- Distinctive grille and angular headlights
- C-shaped LED daytime running lights
- Variety of wheel sizes and designs
- Interior Design:
- Soft-touch materials and high-quality fit and finish
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration
- Optional premium Bose audio system and dual-panel sunroof
- Seating:
- Seating for up to seven passengers
- Optional second-row captain’s chairs
- Sliding and reclining second-row seats
- Storage:
- 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- 41.7 cubic feet with third row folded down
- 79 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded
- Performance:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 258 lb-ft)
- Optional 3.6-liter V6 engine (310 hp, 271 lb-ft)
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Optional all-wheel drive
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined (2.0-liter engine)
- 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined (3.6-liter engine)
- Safety:
- Standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, rearview camera
- Optional adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view camera system
- Trim Levels:
- SL, SLE, SLT, and Denali
- Pricing:
- Starting price around $33,000 (SL)
- Ranging up to $48,000 (Denali)
2023 Honda Pilot:
- Exterior Design:
- Smooth, flowing lines and sleek, contemporary design
- Prominent grille and slim LED headlights
- Variety of wheel options (18-inch to 20-inch alloys)
- Interior Design:
- Clean, modern design with comfortable seating
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration
- Optional leather upholstery, wireless phone charger, premium audio system
- Seating:
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- Spacious and comfortable three-row layout
- Optional heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats
- Storage:
- 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
- 46.8 cubic feet with third row folded down
- 83.9 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded
- Performance:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 hp, 262 lb-ft)
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Available all-wheel drive
- Fuel Efficiency:
- 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined (FWD)
- 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined (AWD)
- Safety:
- Standard Honda Sensing safety suite
- Optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, multi-angle rearview camera
- Previous model year 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, Top Safety Pick by IIHS
- Trim Levels:
- LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite
- Pricing:
- Starting price around $32,000 (LX)
- Ranging up to $49,000 (Elite)
