2026 GMC Acadia vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: Comparing 3-Row SUVs in Conway, AR

For families in Central Arkansas, the three-row mid-size SUV category is filled with practical options, but the 2026 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Honda Pilot stand out as the top contenders. Whether you’re heading to Lake Conway for the weekend or navigating the morning carpool line at a local school, you need a vehicle that balances interior space with real-world performance.

While the Honda Pilot is often viewed as a sensible pick, the 2026 GMC Acadia has emerged as one of the roomiest and most powerful vehicles in its class. In this comparison, we’ll look at how these two SUVs stack up for drivers in Conway, Greenbrier, and Vilonia.

Section Summary:

• Acadia: A 328-hp turbocharged engine and class-leading front legroom (44.3 inches).
• Pilot: A 285-hp V6 focused on interior functionality and ease of use.

Design and Everyday Presence

The 2026 GMC Acadia makes a bold statement on Arkansas roads with a design that leans into its rugged, upscale GMC heritage. Following its massive redesign, the Acadia is now longer, wider, and taller, giving it a commanding stance similar to the full-size Yukon. For 2026, GMC has introduced the Denali Ultimate trim, which features sophisticated Vader chrome, 22-inch After Midnight aluminum wheels, and an animated LED lighting sequence.

The 2026 Honda Pilot features a boxier front fascia for the new model year, moving away from its previous minivan-like silhouette. While the Pilot looks sturdy, especially in the TrailSport trim with its silver scuff plates, it remains somewhat anonymous in the looks department compared to the premium finish of the Acadia.

Key Design Differences:

• Acadia: Premium Denali Ultimate trim with 22-inch wheels and animated lighting.
• Pilot: Functional, boxy design with standard roof rails and power tailgate for 2026.

Ride Comfort and Driving Experience

Performance is where the Acadia truly shows its strength. Every 2026 GMC Acadia is powered by a 328-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that produces 326 lb-ft of torque. In independent testing, the Acadia accelerated to 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds—faster than many gas-powered rivals. The Acadia offers sure-footed cornering for its size and a quiet cabin at highway speeds, thanks to its modern chassis.

The 2026 Honda Pilot utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While the 10-speed automatic provides smooth shifts, the Pilot’s acceleration ranges from 0–60 mph in 6.9 to 7.2 seconds. For Conway drivers, the Acadia’s turbocharged engine provides more torque at lower RPMs, which is vital for merging onto I-40.

Performance at a Glance:

• Acadia: 328 hp/326 lb-ft torque; significantly more power for towing and passing.
• Pilot: 285 hp/262 lb-ft torque; standard V6 with linear throttle response.

Interior Comfort and Space

If you prioritize interior room, the Acadia is a roomy masterpiece. The 2026 GMC Acadia offers class-leading front legroom of 44.3 inches, compared to the 41 inches found in the Pilot. Both vehicles offer seating for up to eight passengers, though choosing second-row captain’s chairs in the Acadia AT4 or Denali brings that count to seven.

Cargo space is another win for the GMC. The Acadia provides 23 cubic feet of storage even with the third row in use. Fold all the seats down, and you have a massive 97.5 cubic feet of max cargo volume. The 2026 Honda Pilot is versatile with its stowable second-row center seat on higher trims, but it falls short on total volume, offering 87 cubic feet of maximum space.

Space and Utility Comparison:

• Acadia: 97.5 cu. ft. max cargo; 44.3 inches of front legroom for maximum comfort.
• Pilot: 87 cu. ft. max cargo; versatile removable second-row middle seat.

Technology and Connectivity

GMC has packed the Acadia with contemporary tech, led by a massive 15.-inch vertically oriented infotainment touchscreen that is standard across all models. It uses Google Built-in software and is paired with a standard 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2026 Honda Pilot has upgraded to a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster for 2026. While a great improvement, it lacks the available Super Cruise hands-free driving assistant found on the Acadia. Super Cruise allows for hands-free travel on compatible roads, providing a level of convenience the Pilot simply doesn’t offer.

Tech Highlights:

• Acadia: Standard 15-inch portrait screen; available Super Cruise hands-free driving.
• Pilot: Standard 12.3-inch landscape screen; standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is standard on both models, but the GMC offers more specialized tools. The 2026 GMC Acadia features GMC Pro Safety, which includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system with high-definition views.

The 2026 Honda Pilot comes with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes adaptive cruise control and a new post-collision braking system for 2026. While both are safe, the Acadia’s available hands-free driving and more robust camera views offer an edge for navigating busy Conway streets.

Safety Features:

• Acadia: Standard Pro Safety suite; available 360-degree camera with 9 distinct views.
• Pilot: Standard Honda Sensing; new standard post-collision braking for all trims.

Performance, AWD, and Fuel Economy

Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. The Acadia AT4 features a 1-inch lift and an Active Torque Control AWD system for light off-roading, while the Pilot TrailSport uses all-terrain tires and underbody skid plates.

• Horsepower: Acadia (328 hp) vs. Pilot (285 hp)
• AWD: Available on most trims for both; standard on Acadia AT4 and Pilot TrailSport.
• Fuel Economy (FWD): The Acadia is rated at 20 city/27 highway mpg, nearly identical to the Pilot’s 19 city/27 highway.

Efficiency & Capability:

• Acadia: Better power-to-weight ratio; competitive 27 MPG highway (FWD).
• Pilot: Reliable V6 efficiency; TrailSport trim specialized for mild off-roading.

Ownership Value and Everyday Convenience

The 2026 GMC Acadia adds extra convenience with a standard passive entry key card and an AutoSense power liftgate. GMC also covers your first maintenance visit within the first year. While the Pilot offers a one-year maintenance plan, it lacks the high-end interior materials—like the Denali’s Woodland Mahogany leather and Paldao wood—that give the Acadia its premium edge.

Value Points:

• Acadia: Premium materials in Denali; first maintenance visit included; standard key card.
• Pilot: One year of complimentary maintenance; standard power tailgate and roof rails.

Recommendation: Why the 2026 GMC Acadia Wins for Conway Drivers

While the Honda Pilot is a sensible pick, the 2026 GMC Acadia is the better recommendation for families who want more. It provides 43 more horsepower, over 10 more cubic feet of cargo space, and a much larger 15-inch standard touchscreen. For drivers in the Conway area who want a vehicle that feels as premium as it is practical, the Acadia is the clear choice.

FAQs

Q: Does the GMC Acadia or Honda Pilot have more cargo space?
A: The 2026 GMC Acadia offers a maximum of 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is significantly more than the 87 cubic feet offered by the Honda Pilot.

Q: Which SUV is more powerful?
A: The 2026 GMC Acadia is more powerful, featuring a 328-hp turbocharged engine. The Honda Pilot produces 285 hp from its V6 engine.

Q: Does the Honda Pilot have hands-free driving?
A: No. The 2026 GMC Acadia is available with Super Cruise, but the Honda Pilot does not offer a hands-free driving system.

Test Drive the 2026 GMC Acadia in Conway

Ready to see how the Acadia handles the roads of Central Arkansas? Visit us at Crain Buick GMC in Conway today to explore our inventory and take a test drive.

Tags: 2026 GMC Acadia, 2026 Honda Pilot, Conway AR, Crain Buick GMC, Family Vehicles Arkansas, GMC Acadia Features, Honda Pilot vs GMC Acadia, SUV Comparison, Three-Row SUVs
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