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Pilot vs MDX

18335 Views 64 Replies 45 Participants Last post by  Commuter
Well, I figured I'd get things started since I figure a bunch of folks might be trying to understand the difference between the Pilot and its "big brother" the Acura MDX. I've shamelessly taken them from a great series of posts by wmquan over on acuramdx.org. Perhaps our generous host can help w/fixing the table formatting w/all the blanks @ the top. I can't figure that part out :8:
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re MDX vs Pilot

In canada the pilot EX-L adds heated leather seats and side mirrors, but removes NAVI and RES.
MDX/Pilot trivia from dealer

I just picked up my Pilot a few hours ago (love it). The finance guy told me some MDX/Pilot history that may or may not be true -

He indicated that when the MDX was being designed it was being targeted as a Honda product but at some point late in the design it was decided to let Acura have it. It delayed Honda's version by about 3 yrs.

Just some worthless trivia...
Pilot VS MDX

Like the rest of the country, the North Carolina consumer demand is much higher than the supply for both vehilces. I shopped around on the internet for both vehicles. Some dealers were adding unwanted options or junk fees to their price. After comparing the price difference between an MDX base (roof carrier and side molding) and the Pilot EX-L, we decided to go with the Pilot. In our opinion, both of the vehicles had an identical ride. They are the best riding SUV's out there.

We ended up paying sticker price at LaPointe Honda (Charlotte, NC). They gave us the wheel locks and rear mudguards for free. This was the best car buying experience that I have ever had. I would recommend this dealership to anyone else who is considering a Honda.
:2:
Rant: Stability Conrol on 2003 MDX

cross-posting my rant on stability control for 2003 MDX:

Stability Control on 2003 MDX Thread

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03 Pilot EX-L SS w/RB
01 Audi S4
wmquan said:


Though a base MDX is closer in equipment to the EX-L RES than the MDX Touring you mentioned (neither MDX version has the RES, obviously). Thus the price difference between the EX-L RES and the base MDX is about $2,700, not $5,300.

OK, I can't find any reference to what a RES is. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Mark
Lurch Bird said:


OK, I can't find any reference to what a RES is. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Mark
Rear Entertainment System (DVD)
RES : Rear Entertainment System - The 7 inch screen that flips open to play DVD's, keeps the kids happy and gives you peace !
Lurch Bird said:


OK, I can't find any reference to what a RES is. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Mark
Rear Entertainment System-
2003 MDX prices are out

Looks like about 36,200 for the normal MDX. If you want RES you got to approach 40K. THAT is why I bought the Pilot with RES. 8K! For 8K, I'll pass on a few luxury items and 20HP.
Details are at Acura.com or over on the Acuramdx.org site.
I have a question for everyone out there who has considered an MDX. I have a chance to pick up a 2002 MDX w/Touring for 2000 off MSRP. I am also on the waiting list for an EX-L/RES at MSRP. Which would you go for and why? I would like RES for my 3 kids on long trips but am considering a portable one if I got an MDX without one.
Tough question and one that only you can answer. Besides the obvious RES addition to the Pilot, the big differences are the styling and the amenities. The styling is obviously a personal preference. The luxury features in the MDX are certainly worth it if you prefer those options. For us it's simply a matter of we're Honda/Toyota people, not Acura/Lexus people. We were after specs and features wrapped in a practical shell. Again, the amenities and prestige are worth the extra cash if it's "you".

Chris
g15 said:
I have a question for everyone out there who has considered an MDX. I have a chance to pick up a 2002 MDX w/Touring for 2000 off MSRP. I am also on the waiting list for an EX-L/RES at MSRP. Which would you go for and why? I would like RES for my 3 kids on long trips but am considering a portable one if I got an MDX without one.
I say get the MDX at $2000 off of MSRP, you won't regret it, I love mine:4:
Having test driven both on the same day, IMHO, the Pilot is more family friendly and a tad roomier on the inside. I thought the storage was better and as a woman, the central console definitely fit my needs better--a place to put my pocketbook, more storage, etc. Oh, and the RES in the Pilot is awesome for the kids. They are happy and quiet and I am happy listening to what I want.

Your decision, like Chris said, is purely subjective on what you like.
I will tell you, as I have stated on other threads, when we test drove both cars, I loved the Pilot and my husband absolutely wanted the MDX. Both of us being stubborn Tauruses, neither of us budged for a few days, but after awhile, my husband relented (smart man!) and we got the Pilot. As a matter of fact tonight, my husband told me that it was the best car we have ever had--it was absolutely the right decision for us and the way we use it.

The good news is that you can't make a wrong decision, they are both great cars.:2: :2: :2:
chiquita said:
Having test driven both on the same day, IMHO, the Pilot is more family friendly and a tad roomier on the inside. I thought the storage was better and as a woman, the central console definitely fit my needs better--a place to put my pocketbook, more storage, etc. Oh, and the RES in the Pilot is awesome for the kids. They are happy and quiet and I am happy listening to what I want.

Your decision, like Chris said, is purely subjective on what you like.
I will tell you, as I have stated on other threads, when we test drove both cars, I loved the Pilot and my husband absolutely wanted the MDX. Both of us being stubborn Tauruses, neither of us budged for a few days, but after awhile, my husband relented (smart man!) and we got the Pilot. As a matter of fact tonight, my husband told me that it was the best car we have ever had--it was absolutely the right decision for us and the way we use it.

The good news is that you can't make a wrong decision, they are both great cars.:2: :2: :2:
Actually my wife is also a Taurus and she was the one who talked me into buying the MDX (smart woman) over any other vehicle out there (including the Pilot).
We Tauruses as smart, aren't we? Or is it that as women, we have powerful ways of persuasion????:D Either way, we both got the cars that we wanted and we are all happy. Like I said, they are both great cars and you can't go wrong.
If I were you I would get MDX w/o any question.
Sunroof, HEATED SIDEVIEW MIRRORS, heated seats to name a few are nice features in a car. I did not buy it b/c of lack of neighbor Acura dealer where I live.

Pilot needs heated sideview mirrors. Imagine driving in freezing rain and/or snow, (reason most of us bought it to have a safe and better traction) you have frozen ice sheet on your sideview mirrors absolutely making them useless.
Sounds like their having problems moving all the MDX's with the great changes coming on the 03 and the intro of the Pilot.

Does anyone know if there are price increases coming on the 03 MDX. Will VSC be standard?

Joe
There are a few threads that cover the 03 MDX pricing. I didn't really pay attention to it much, but I'm sure a search over there would find the 03 pricing.

Chris
jfrano said:
Sounds like their having problems moving all the MDX's with the great changes coming on the 03 and the intro of the Pilot.

Does anyone know if there are price increases coming on the 03 MDX. Will VSC be standard?

Joe
VSC is standard on all 03' X's. Prices are about 1k higher for all versions. There are alot of X's in some parts of the country, but IMHO it really depends on where you live. Here in Norther California the best price is -$500 on an 02. Some dealers are still pushing overpriced options but the price gouging seems to be letting up.
pilot03 said:
If I were you I would get MDX w/o any question.
Sunroof, HEATED SIDEVIEW MIRRORS, heated seats to name a few are nice features in a car. I did not buy it b/c of lack of neighbor Acura dealer where I live.

Pilot needs heated sideview mirrors. Imagine driving in freezing rain and/or snow, (reason most of us bought it to have a safe and better traction) you have frozen ice sheet on your sideview mirrors absolutely making them useless.
Couldn't you get it even as an option? Mine came with it standard, actually.
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