There are many different midsize SUVs that are available on the market for drivers to pick and choose from. What makes the 2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Honda Pilot stand out is that they both have undergone some changes and updates that equip them to better offer luxury, style, and technology without compromising the functionality that many SUV owners enjoy. When determining which of these SUVs is the better choice, it’s important for potential buyers to look at the complete package of what each of these SUVs has to offer. Since there are some similarities between the Acadia and the Pilot, knowing what their differences are as well is important so that drivers can be sure to behind the wheel of the vehicle that’s right for them. Some important categories that drivers should compare between them include safety ratings and features, affordability on the lot and at the gas pump, overall performance capabilities, and the luxurious comfort hi-tech features that each of these SUVs can offer.
Safety Ratings
When comparing the safety ratings of the 2019 GMC Acadia vs the 2019 Honda Pilot, potential buyers will see that they’re very similar. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives both SUVs with all-wheel drive a five-star rating. The Acadia with four-wheel drive has a four-star rating while the Pilot’s four-wheel drive still receives a five-star rating from the NHTSA.
As far as safety technology is concerned, both the GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot have some of the latest features available. For instance, every trim-level of the Honda Pilot comes with Honda Sensing technology, which includes a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist system. The GMC Acadia also comes with cutting-edge safety technology, such as a teen driver mode. This system is uniquely created and designed to help new drivers form safe driving habits by enabling parents to set limits on certain features, provide reports on driving performance, and more. The GMC also comes with other safety features that help drivers be mindful of their surroundings. For instance, even the base trim-level of this SUV comes with a rear vision camera. Regardless of which SUV a driver opts to get behind the wheel of, it’s clear that safety won’t be a concern since each of these vehicles have excellent ratings and can also come with a variety of the latest hi-tech safety options.
2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Honda Pilot Affordability
Part of buying a new vehicle is ensuring that it meets the purchaser’s budget requirements. If a potential buyer is interested in the 2019 GMC Acadia or the 2019 Honda Pilot, it’s important to consider not just the short-term costs of buying one of the SUVs but the long-term financial commitment as well. This budget-friendly and affordability factors include not just the MSRP but also involves taking a look at the gas mileage, too.
The Acadia starts off at $30,195 while the Pilot’s starting MSRP is $31,450. As far as gas mileage is concerned, on average the Honda Pilot gets about 20/27 mpg while the GMC Acadia gets around 21/26 miles to the gallon. It’s important to remember that pricing is also strongly influenced by the trim-level selected and what features a driver wants access to. There are six trim-levels of the GMC Acadia, and the starting MSRP of the last trim-level is $46,695. On the other hand, Honda only has five trim-levels and the highest trim-level’s starting MSRP is $48,020. Since the average gas mileage is so similar between these two vehicles, the one that works best for a driver’s budget really depends on personal preference and the trim-level selected for each model.
Performance
Each of these SUVs deliver a powerful performance. However, some differences under the hood make a marked difference between the 2019 GMC Acadia and the 2019 Honda Pilot. The base engine in the Acadia is a 2.5 L four-cylinder. In a four-door sedan this is often more than adequate, but in larger vehicle drivers will notice that there’s not as much power when they hit the gas. However, the 2019 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5L six-cylinder engine, even in its base model. This engine delivers a marked difference in performance as drivers of this vehicle will notice it delivers much more get-up-and-go compared to its GMC counterpart.
If drivers are more interested in moving heavy weight around versus speeding down the highway, then the Acadia is the clear choice. While the pilot is able to haul up to 3,500 pounds, the Acadia can easily move up to 4,000 pounds. Where cargo capacity is concerned, though, the Pilot offers more interior room to work with. It provides up to 83.8 cubic feet of space while the Acadia offers 79 cubic feet. The performance and capabilities of both of these vehicles are noteworthy, but which SUV is the right choice depends on whether the driver would rather have more acceleration or the ability to tow more weight.
Luxury and Hi-Tech Options
Luxury and hi-tech features are both available to enjoy, regardless if a driver gets behind the wheel of the 2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Honda Pilot. Each of these SUVs come with some standard hi-tech options that some may not consider so standard. The GMC features a touch-screen audio and entertainment display that also supports smartphone technology like AppleCarPlay and Android Auto. Not only that, but Bluetooth capability is also included in this SUV along with multiple USB ports and even a WiFi hotspot. The Honda Pilot also features Bluetooth capabilities and a touch-screen display, but its touch-screen display is only five inches while the Acadia’s is seven inches. The Pilot also supports Apple Carplay and Android Audio, and like the Acadia also has WiFi hotspot capabilities. Each of these vehicles have a lot to offer in terms of hi-tech features, but if drivers want more hi-tech options that are included in the base trim-level, then the GMC Acadia incorporates more.
As far as new SUVs go, both the Acadia and Honda Pilot have a lot to offer. Both makes and models have a lot to offer, and drivers will be hard-pressed to choose if budget and safety ratings are the baseline for making a decision. However, if wanting the most technology possible without having to upgrade to a higher trim-level is a factor, then the GMC Acadia will more than meet this need while also delivering strong towing capabilities. The Honda Pilot, however, delivers a speedier performance and also offers more interior room for transporting cargo. Each of these SUVs is sure to please, but there’s no clear cut winner in the 2019 GMC Acadia and 2019 Honda Pilot comparison as they come neck-in-neck with many of their options and features.
