2022 Honda Pilot vs. 2023 GMC Acadia Comparison – Kelley Blue Book

The Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia are both 3-row SUVs, but they take two paths to get there, and that can make all the difference. Both are family-friendly, comfortable, spacious, and practical, and also offer an off-road-themed trim. That’s about where the similarities end.

Here’s how these two midsize crossovers compare. Note that an all-new Pilot is coming for 2023. This comparison uses the 2022 model, which is currently on dealer lots. We’ll take another look when the 2023 Pilot is here.

2022 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Honda Pilot is well-equipped, safe, and practical. It has great resale value, a strong standard V6 engine, and a spacious, practical cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. Pricing starts at $38,080. Price yours or View listings near you.

Honda Pilot Highlights

Feature-rich base model: The Pilot Sport is the new base model of the Pilot range, but despite its entry-level role, it’s surprisingly well-equipped. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as is 3-zone climate control, heated/power-adjust front seats, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and Honda Sensing active safety features.

Honda Sensing active safety: Using a radar sensor and a front-mounted camera, the Honda Sensing active safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. While these aren’t the most advanced active safety features, they are included with the base model, meaning you don’t have to buy the top trim just to get them.

Off-road-oriented Pilot TrailSport: The new TrailSport trim takes the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Pilot and raises the suspension by 0.6 inches, while also adding off-road tires with reinforced sidewalls, orange accent stitching on the leather upholstery, and TrailSport badging to match. Honda plans to make the TrailSport name into an off-road sub-brand for its trucks and SUVs.

2023 GMC Acadia

The 2023 GMC Acadia takes its own path through the midsize crossover forest, with an unusual 6-seat cabin layout thanks to second-row captain’s chairs in all models. Pricing starts at $36,800. Price yours or View listings near you.

GMC Acadia Highlights

Luxurious Denali trim: At the top of the Acadia range sits the Acadia Denali, which offers three new exterior colors for 2023 (Volcanic Red Tintcoat, Ultra Blue Metallic, and Sterling Metallic) as well as a wrapped steering wheel. Other Denali-exclusive bits include unique exterior styling with chrome details, heated/ventilated first-row seats with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, adaptive suspension, and the GMC Pro Safety Plus Package. The Denali is also the only Acadia model eligible to fit adaptive cruise control as part of the Denali Technology Package.

AT4 off-road-oriented trim: The AT4 trim takes the Acadia’s on-road manners and beefs them up with 17-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tires, an off-road traction control mode, standard AWD, and hill descent control. Also included with the AT4 is the GMC Pro Safety Plus package, with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and more.

Lots of standard tech: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, helping to reduce console clutter and ensure your car is as up-to-date as your phone. Also included on every Acadia is Bluetooth, five USB ports, 3-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, on-board Wi-Fi, and an 8-inch touchscreen center display.

Similarities

Three-row seating; strong base equipment set; available AWD.

Conclusion

The Honda Pilot has a more usable third row and a more useful second row, with the ability to carry two additional passengers. The GMC Acadia, on the other hand, offers more luxurious upgrade paths, especially in Denali form. Both are good fits for the right person — it just depends on which type of person you are.