Acadia vs Pilot
Both the Acadia and the Pilot sit in the three-row suv class, and GMC and Honda are clearly watching each other. If you only read one line, make it this: the Acadia takes 4 of 5 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Acadia wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Acadia wins
- Space & Practicality Acadia wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Acadia wins
- Price Pilot wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality7.1
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Acadia has 24% more cargo space
If cargo (behind rear seats) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Acadia leads clearly with 23 cu ft to the Pilot’s 18.6 cu ft. The Acadia’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Acadia has 43 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The Acadia lists 328 hp for total system output, while the Pilot lists 285 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Acadia has 64 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the Acadia: 326 lb-ft against 262 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Pilot has room for 8 seats
The Pilot wins this narrowly, 8 seats against 7 seats, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Acadia has 12% more maximum cargo space
The Acadia has a modest edge on cargo (seats folded): 97.5 cu ft against 87 cu ft for the Pilot. The Acadia can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 200.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Acadia leads
No contest in engine & performance: the Acadia is the stronger of the two. The Acadia answers with 43 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Acadia.
Total system output
Acadia: 328 hp Pilot: 285 hp The Acadia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Acadia: 326 lb-ft Pilot: 262 lb-ft The Acadia’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Acadia leads
A modest lead on fuel economy & range belongs to the Acadia. The Acadia makes its case with better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Acadia has the better rating here. Net result: the Acadia leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (city)
Acadia: 20 mpg Pilot: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Acadia starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Acadia leads
The Acadia dominates the space & practicality section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Acadia delivers 24% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. The Pilot stands out with room for 8 seats. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Acadia has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Acadia: 23 cu ft Pilot: 18.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Seats
Acadia: 7 seats Pilot: 8 seats The Pilot has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
Acadia leads
Call it a small but real win for the Acadia in this area. Choose the Acadia and you get a bigger 15 in touchscreen. The Acadia’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. If safety & tech is your priority, the Acadia is the car to pick.
Largest touchscreen
Acadia: 15 in Pilot: 12.3 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 285 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 18.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 97.5 cu ft (winner) | 87 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15 in (winner) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 200.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Acadia | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,000 | $42,395 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Acadia asked only $605 more at launch. Step up by $605 to the Acadia and you gain 24% more cargo space and 43 hp more power.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Acadia if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23 cu ft vs 18.6 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 285 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (326 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you move bulky items now and then (97.5 cu ft vs 87 cu ft maximum cargo)
Choose the Pilot if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $605 matters
- you trust Honda and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Acadia or the Pilot?
For most people, the Acadia is the stronger choice, unless you value room for 8 seats above everything else.
Which costs less, the Acadia or the Pilot?
The Pilot is the cheaper option, launching at $605 less than the Acadia (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
The Acadia and the Pilot are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. The Acadia earns my vote first and foremost with 24% more cargo space. There’s a bonus as well: the Acadia has 43 hp more power. I don’t want to sell the Pilot short, though: it has room for 8 seats.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Acadia fits. If passenger space matters more, the Pilot makes more sense.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Acadia, unless you specifically want room for 8 seats, where the Pilot has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.