2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Honda Pilot

$44,700 · Crossover

$40,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura RDX and the 2025 Honda Pilot is the $4,500 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Pilot starting at $40,200 compared to the RDX's $44,700. Performance specifications show the Pilot generating slightly more horsepower at 285 hp versus the RDX’s 272 hp, although the RDX posts greater torque with 280 lb-ft against the Pilot’s 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy is comparable, with both achieving 27 MPG highway, but the RDX leads slightly in combined driving at 23 MPG versus the Pilot’s 22 MPG, necessitating the RDX owner to use premium fuel. Dimensional differences are substantial: the Pilot is 12.5 inches longer at 199.9 inches and 5.3 inches taller than the RDX. Despite its larger footprint, the Pilot offers significantly less standard cargo volume, 18.6 cu ft compared to the RDX’s 29.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX holds a marginal advantage in combined fuel economy (23 MPG vs. 22 MPG) and typically offers a more refined experience at a slightly higher purchase price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot’s substantially larger dimensions (199.9 inches length, 71.0 inches height) strongly suggest superior interior volume for occupants, despite the cargo discrepancy noted in base specifications.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura RDX

The RDX provides higher torque output (280 lb-ft) and features standard all-wheel drive, contrasting with the Pilot’s FWD configuration.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot offers more standard horsepower (285 hp) while saving the buyer $4,500 MSRP compared to the Acura RDX.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Priority is placed on maximum cargo capacity in a compact luxury package (29.5 cu ft).
Standard all-wheel drive is a prerequisite for expected driving conditions.
Willingness to pay $4,500 more for a premium positioning and higher torque figures (280 lb-ft).

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

Budget constraints prioritize a lower entry price ($40,200 MSRP).
Need for greater overall exterior size (199.9 inches long) is essential.
Utilization of regular unleaded fuel is preferred over the RDX's premium requirement.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Honda Pilot
Length	187.4"	199.9"
Width	74.8"	78.5"
Height	65.7"	71.0"
Wheelbase	108.3"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Honda
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Honda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	19/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	351.5/499.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Honda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Rear Climate Control	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Honda
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	7
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	240W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	58.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	40.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	61.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	20 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	255/50R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Honda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Honda
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Honda Pilot.

Does the RDX or the Pilot require premium gasoline?

The 2025 Acura RDX specifies premium unleaded fuel as recommended for optimal performance. Conversely, the 2025 Honda Pilot is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, offering a direct operational cost saving.

Which vehicle offers greater exterior road presence?

The 2025 Honda Pilot presents a significantly larger footprint, measuring 199.9 inches in length and 71.0 inches in height. The RDX is notably smaller at 187.4 inches long and 65.7 inches tall.

How does the base drivetrain configuration differ?

Acura equips the 2025 RDX standard with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction capability. The 2025 Honda Pilot defaults to front-wheel drive in its base configuration, though AWD may be optional.

Despite its smaller size, why does the RDX list more cargo space?

The 2025 Acura RDX lists 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, surpassing the Pilot’s 18.6 cu ft, which likely reflects differences in how the cargo area is measured or the third row implication in the Pilot’s larger body.

Is the performance gap significant between the two 10-speed automatics?

While both utilize 10-speed automatic transmissions, the Pilot produces 13 more peak horsepower (285 hp vs. 272 hp), but the RDX provides 18 lb-ft more torque (280 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft).