You know I really want to like the 2023 MDX but I was just looking at the 2023 Pilot that is coming out. How in the world does the mainstream Pilot have a “stowable” and removable 2nd row middle seat yet the MDX one has to be thrown in the corner of the garage if you don’t want to use it? Additionally, how does the Pilot have proper captain chairs in the 2nd row (e.g., proper arm rests attached to the seats) yet the MDX does not? I’m suppose to pay a $13k price premium for the MDX (when similarly equipped to the Pilot) and not get these two features? What the hell is wrong with Acura?

 

I agree with you surrounding the back storage area being able to secure the middle seat in the new Pilot vs. current MDX, however the new Pilot doesn’t solve the issue of missing inboard armrests when the middle seat is removed, at least in the 8 passenger Touring/Elite configurations. I’m not familiar with the EX-L and Trailsport trims.


2023 Pilot Elite, middle seat removed

 

So I’m totally confused then with the Pilots set-up. So the Trailsport and
EX-L trims have bench seats with a fold flat middle 2nd row and they both have armrests on the seats to provide a typical captain’s chair. The Touring and Elite trims have the stow-able 2nd row middle seat and don’t have the armrests as you point out. Then what is the difference between the 2nd middle row seat between these trims? If you can fold flat that middle 2nd row seat and have proper captain chairs in the Trailsport and EX-L trims why then get the Elite ornTouring trims? What’s the advantage?

 

The Passport looks awesome and has 3rd row AC vents. WTH????? I don't think the 2nd row middle seat is stowable. Doesn't look that way.

 

But it looks good to me.

 

After my on hands comparison of the 2023 Pilot Touring to the 2023 MDV Advance, I found the MDX to be considerably more vehicle than the Pilot Touring. The MDX has over the pilot...
An additional 12 months/14k miles more bumper to bumper warranty
An additional 12 months/ 10k miles more powertrain warranty
Double wishbone front suspension
Better performance handling
Better braking performance
Wider, more adjustable, more comfortable & higher grade leather front seats.
Real Wood & alum. interior trim.
Power Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel with memory
Larger infotainment screen with True Touch vs common touch screen
Far superior ELS sound system vs Pilot's Bose system
Quicker acceleration
More refined luxury interior/exterior styling
Resides in the premium vehicle class vs mainstream.
Displays the Big "A" vs the big "H"

Is all the above worth the extra bucks? It is to me.

 

You probably don't sit in the 2nd row on a consistent basis.

In my shopping of X7 and GLS450, it was pretty clear to me that folks in my area love captains chairs and will forgo a 7-seat capability for 6-seat.
If Acura wants to stay competitive, they should find a way to include little arms that fold down in those outboard seats, especially when the middle seat is removed!