GMC Acadia vs Honda Pilot: Three-Row SUV Face-Off
Families considering the GMC Acadia vs the Honda Pilot often start with similar expectations for three-row SUVs. There needs to be plenty of room for both passengers and cargo, enough power to handle long road trips, and technology to keep everyone satisfied and safe. The GMC Acadia has all of those advantages, topped off with a refined cabin featuring premium materials. At Anderson Buick GMC of Abingdon, we’re comparing these two popular SUVs to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Performance That Commands Attention
The GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot comparison begins with powertrain capabilities. The Honda Pilot delivers 280 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing adequate acceleration for merging and passing. The GMC Acadia counters with 310 horsepower from its available 3.6-liter V6 — an increase of 30 horsepower that transforms highway on-ramps and steep grades into confident experiences rather than anxious moments.
Both pair their engines with nine-speed automatic transmissions, yet this power advantage translates into noticeably quicker response when traffic demands sudden acceleration. Drivers who value assertive performance find themselves drawn to how the GMC Acadia moves with authority.
Cabin Refinement and Quietness
Road trips expose the difference between acceptable noise levels and genuine serenity when evaluating the GMC Acadia against the Honda Pilot. The Honda SUV provides typical midsize SUV acoustics — conversations remain possible at highway speeds without raising voices. The new GMC SUV elevates the experience through QuietTuning® technology, which employs acoustic laminated glass, triple door seals, and strategic sound insulation to create library-quiet comfort at 70 miles per hour. Wind noise that intrudes into competitor cabins stays outside, transforming long drives from tiring exercises into relaxing journeys where passengers arrive refreshed rather than fatigued.
Upscale Trim Options and Materials
Both SUVs offer multiple trim levels, yet their ceiling differs markedly. The Honda Pilot tops out with leather seating and woodgrain accents that satisfy practical luxury expectations. The distinction becomes clear in the GMC Acadia Denali trim, which reaches higher with genuine leather-appointed seats, open-pore wood trim, and brushed aluminum accents that rival premium luxury SUVs. Soft-touch materials extend across the dashboard and door panels, while precise fit and finish eliminate the squeaks and rattles that occasionally surface in competitors after months of family use.
Infotainment Simplicity and Response
The Honda Pilot infotainment system functions competently once drivers invest time learning its menu structure and button placement. The GMC Acadia infotainment architecture responds more intuitively with large icons, logical menu hierarchies, and rapid touchscreen response, eliminating the frustration of buried settings and delayed inputs.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration keep smartphone connectivity seamless without cables snaking across the center console of the GMC SUV. Parents adjusting climate controls while monitoring navigation appreciate how this interface anticipates needs instead of creating obstacles.
Test Drive the GMC Acadia in Abingdon, MD
In the end, the GMC Acadia stands out as the clear choice over the Honda Pilot, offering a more refined design, advanced technology, and the versatility today’s drivers demand. Whether you’re drawn to its upscale interior, confident performance, or cutting-edge safety features, the GMC Acadia delivers a well-rounded experience that exceeds expectations.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore GMC financing options and experience everything this SUV has to offer at your trusted Baltimore-area GMC dealership — Anderson Buick GMC of Abingdon. Schedule your test drive today and see why the Acadia is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.