leo38cheng

hey guys!

it's me again with more questions to ask in terms of the honda pilot and the mdx.

Currently i have my mind set on the 06 mdx but other members of the family likes the pilot better. I was wondering if you guys have any experience driving and or riding in a MDX or Pilot and would like to know how they are different or the same in terms of the suspension, the RIDE COMFORT, the road noise, the technology, i.e. "memory seat", and your experience driving in the snow.

Thanks for your advice.

-Leo

skyking

I owned a 2006 Pilot for almost 4 years before I traded it in on my 2009 MDX. The short answer to your multiple-part question is the Pilot has a softer (to me anyway) suspension meaning more noticing of road imperfections and more sway during spirited driving, and more road noise (by a great deal). Snow driving with the Pilot's VTM-4 system was superb and it handled anything from an ice storm to a blizzard with confidence and a firm grip. Since I had an LX (base) model, I cannot compare on the technology end of things, but figure that the main reason I traded my Pilot (which was a terrific vehicle) was that I wanted the top techology inside the MDX. Remember too that the Pilot seats 8 (MDX is a 7 passenger) and the Pilot has a wee bit more cargo area due to the boxier rear roofline. Another thing was that in 2006, the MDX and Pilot both had the 3.5 V-6 but the MDX had 253 hp (or around), but the Pilot had 244. In 2007 the MDX got the 3.7 which is, to me anyway, a significant upgrade, though m Pilot had plenty of snap to it. Hope this helps some. I

Majofo

The 06 MDX is very similar to the 06 Honda Pilot, remember they're the same platform so transmission, engine, suspension / chassis is all the same. Aesthetic & value wise I would go with the X.

fookie1

I have an '06 MDX and my son has an '06 Pilot. The biggest and most noticable difference between the two is that the Pilot is more spartan. The Pilot, as mentioned before, has tremendously more road and engine noise at any speed, the transmission (not gearshift lever) shifts harder when upshifting or downshifting, the interior materials are less comfortable, and there are a ton of niceties missing when compared to the MDX. Niceties, like hydraulic lifts to raise & hold the hood, lots more convenience lights, etc. Yes, you pay a differential to have these niceties, but that is what opt for when buying a luxury-branded automobile. In other capabilities, they are equal. I've driven both in snow and ice and they are both un-stoppable. They both haul a good load and keep 5 adults and 2 kids comfortable, safe and happy. On a long ride I would opt for the MDX, otherwise either of the two work in almost any situation.

Type34

I echo what the others have stated regarding ride, performance, etc. Another thing to think about Leo is dealership experience and brand value. In addition, the MDX has an edgier appearance that I believe still looks fresh (as opposed to the Pilot's boxier design).

Certainly your call, especially when you factor in affordability, but for me it would be an easy decision: MDX.

vas25tl

This is an interesting thread, I'm heading into a similar decision. Affordability is much better on the Pilot but I do like the MDX a lot more.

I wish the 09 Pilot would come down in price already! As of now, I'm strictly looking at 04-06 MDX's leaning away from 04's due to Bluetooth.

stosh

I'm pretty sure the 05's aren't Bluetooth enabled either...I have an 05 Touring/RES, and I don't have Bluetooth capability.

FiftyFive

Welcome!

I have an 04 and missed out on the Bluetooth.

According to this site the 05 does have Bluetooth as standard

http://reviews.cnet.com/suv/2005-acu....html?tag=psum

vas25tl

I'm almost positive that all touring models had Bluetooth capability as standard

stosh

my bad. i actually own an '04.

billman730

The Bluetooth in the 2009 is nothing to rave about. I was very disappointed in how quirky it is to use.

The Pilot is a Hundi type car compared to an MDX...

vtec260

Is Hundi a new brand I am not aware of from China or India?

Majofo

He obviously meant Hyundai Hyundai is a good brand, I really don't get why people knock it so much.

007Acura

that Tau V8 is

vtec260

I realize it's Hyundai (my brother works for them in Korea). LOL. I figure one should google the spelling of a car company if one is not sure. Personally I would buy a Hyundai product over any domestics. Genesis sedan looks great. Only wish it came in AWD.

Majofo

lol.. I know, I just thought I'd end the fun. I definitely agree. Fun fact.. if you Google Search "Hundi" you return "Hyundai" and Hundi is actually some form of finance system.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Hundi