I drove the GMC Acadia Denali and Honda Pilot for a week — here’s the 3-row SUV I'd actually buy
I tested the Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Pilot for a week to see which $50,000+ 3-row mid-size SUV reigns supreme in a head-to-head comparison.
In a test of the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate AWD and the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD, I found the Honda Pilot to be the better choice. While the Acadia boasts a more commanding appearance with its large footprint, bold grille, and 22-inch wheels, the Pilot offers more agile and engaging driving dynamics. Both vehicles share a similar price range, with the Acadia at $67,590 and the Pilot at $54,990.
However, the Pilot proves to be more fuel-efficient, averaging 22.3 mpg compared to the Acadia's 21.7 mpg. Additionally, the Pilot feels more responsive off the line, pulling smoothly from a stop and delivering a punchier acceleration experience. In the end, the Honda Pilot's combination of agility, efficiency, and enjoyable driving experience makes it the SUV I would actually buy.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
