Northwest Arkansas SUV Comparison: 2026 GMC Acadia vs. 2026 Honda Pilot

Choosing the right three-row SUV in Northwest Arkansas is about more than just seat counts. It’s about having the power to handle local roads and the space to haul gear to Beaver Lake. At Crain Buick GMC of Springdale, we see many families comparing the 2026 GMC Acadia and the 2026 Honda Pilot. While both are staple in the SUV market, they offer vastly different experiences for drivers in Springdale, Fayetteville, and Rogers.

The Honda Pilot is often a popular choice, but the 2026 GMC Acadia is the choice for families who prioritize a roomy interior and modern power. In this comparison, we explore which SUV is the better fit for your life in Northwest Arkansas.

Section Summary:

• GMC Acadia: Boasts a 328-hp turbocharged engine and class-leading front legroom with 44.3 inches.
• Honda Pilot: A 285-hp V6 option that focuses on ease of use and interior functionality.

Design and Everyday Presence

The 2026 GMC Acadia makes a strong impression on the roads of Springdale with a rugged, truck-inspired design that is longer, wider, and taller than previous generations. This redesign gives it a commanding stance similar to the full-size Yukon. For 2026, the lineup adds the Denali Ultimate trim, featuring a Vader chrome grille, machined 22-inch aluminum wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2026 Honda Pilot adopts a boxier front fascia for the new model year with a larger grille, yet it remains somewhat anonymous in its styling. While the TrailSport trim adds a bit of flair with silver scuff plates and a 1-inch lift, it doesn’t match the premium finish found at our Springdale dealership.

Key Design Differences:

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

Ride Comfort and Driving Experience

Navigating I-49 requires an engine that can handle both heavy traffic and varied speeds. Every 2026 GMC Acadia features a 328-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 326 pound-feet of torque. While the engine can be noisier than we would like, the chassis is solid and delivers confident shifts. In testing, the Acadia reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds.

The 2026 Honda Pilot utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offers easy-going road manners, but its acceleration is average for the class, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 to 7.2 seconds. For Springdale drivers, the Acadia’s turbocharged torque provides more punch for merging into fast-moving traffic.

Performance at a Glance:

• Acadia: 328 hp/326 lb-ft; turbocharged 4-cylinder with 8-speed automatic.
• Pilot: 285 hp/262 lb-ft; naturally aspirated V6 with 10-speed automatic.

Interior Comfort and Space

The Acadia excels in cabin volume. The 2026 GMC Acadia provides 44.3 inches of front legroom, compared to the 41 inches found in the Pilot. Whether you’re heading to Arvest Ballpark or taking a trip through Bentonville, that extra space ensures everyone stays comfortable. The Acadia comes standard with seating for eight, with second-row captain’s chairs available on the AT4 and Denali.

The 2026 Honda Pilot is highly versatile, featuring a second-row middle seat that can be removed and stored under the floor. However, the Acadia offers more raw cargo volume. Behind the third row, the Acadia provides 23 cubic feet of space, while the Pilot offers 18.6 cubic feet. Fold all seats down, and the Acadia reaches 97.5 cubic feet, significantly more than the Pilot’s 87 cubic feet.

Space and Utility Comparison:

• Acadia: 97.5 cubic feet max cargo; significantly more front legroom for tall drivers.
• Pilot: 87 cubic feet max cargo; stowable second-row seat for interior flexibility.

Technology and Connectivity

GMC leads the way with a standard 15-inch vertically oriented infotainment touchscreen and 11-inch digital gauge cluster. This system features Google Built-in software and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. For 2026, all models also include a passive entry key card, which allows you to access and start the SUV like a Tesla.

The 2026 Honda Pilot has upgraded to a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. While this is a welcome update, the Pilot does not offer Super Cruise, GMC’s highly accomplished hands-free driving assistant. Super Cruise is available on all Acadia trims, making it a game-changer for commutes between Springdale and Fayetteville.

Tech Highlights:

• Acadia: 15-inch vertical screen; standard wireless charging; available Super Cruise.
• Pilot: 12.3-inch screen; standard 5G Wi-Fi capability; wireless phone mirroring.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both SUVs prioritize family safety. The 2026 GMC Acadia includes standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection and lane-keeping assist. It also features a standard 360-degree camera on higher trims.

The 2026 Honda Pilot features the Honda Sensing suite and a new post-collision braking system for 2026. While both have earned 5-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, the Acadia’s available hands-free driving technology offers a more sophisticated assistant for Northwest Arkansas highways.

Safety Features:

• Acadia: Standard Pro Safety suite; automated emergency braking; Super Cruise available.
• Pilot: Standard Honda Sensing; new standard post-collision braking for all trims.

Performance, AWD, and Fuel Economy

Both vehicles can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Acadia AT4 is built for Northwest Arkansas adventures with GMC’s Active Torque Control AWD, skid plates, and a 1-inch lift. The Pilot TrailSport also offers a 1-inch lift and all-terrain tires.

• AWD Availability: All-wheel drive is optional across most trims for both SUVs, though it comes standard on the off-road-oriented Acadia AT4 and the Pilot TrailSport, as well as the Pilot Touring and Elite trims.
• Fuel Economy: The FWD Acadia is rated at 20 city/27 highway mpg, while the FWD Pilot offers a nearly identical 19 city/27 highway mpg.

Efficiency & Capability:

• Acadia: 328 hp enables strong towing; up to 446 miles of driving range (FWD).
• Pilot: 285 hp; max towing limited to 3,500 pounds on FWD models (5,000 pounds on AWD).

Ownership Value and Everyday Convenience

The 2026 GMC Acadia offers premium touches like the Denali’s Woodland Mahogany leather and Paldao wood with laser-etched accents. GMC covers your first maintenance visit within the first year. The 2026 Honda Pilot provides one year of complimentary maintenance and a standard power tailgate, but it lacks the ultra-premium materials found in GMC’s top trims.

Value Points:

• Acadia: First-ever Denali Ultimate trim; massaging front seats; first service visit included.
• Pilot: One year of basic service included; user-friendly button layout.

Recommendation: Why the 2026 GMC Acadia Wins for Northwest Arkansas Drivers

The Honda Pilot is a pragmatic masterpiece, but the 2026 GMC Acadia is the better choice for Springdale families who need more room and power. With 43 more horsepower, over 10 more cubic feet of cargo space, and the industry-leading Super Cruise technology, the Acadia offers a more modern and capable package.

FAQs

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space? 
A: The 2026 GMC Acadia provides 97.5 cubic feet of max cargo space, while the Honda Pilot offers 87.0 cubic feet.

Q: Does the Honda Pilot have more horsepower than the Acadia? 
A: No. The 2026 GMC Acadia produces 328 hp, while the Honda Pilot produces 285 hp.

Q: Is hands-free driving available on the Pilot? 
A: No. The Honda Pilot does not offer a hands-free system, while the 2026 GMC Acadia offers Super Cruise.

Test Drive the 2026 GMC Acadia in Springdale

Visit us at Crain Buick GMC of Springdale today on Sunset Avenue to explore the Acadia’s premium interior and test drive the most powerful SUV in its class.

Tags: 2026 GMC Acadia, 2026 Honda Pilot, Crain Buick GMC Springdale, GMC Acadia Features, Honda Pilot vs GMC Acadia, Northwest Arkansas, NWA SUV Comparison, Springdale AR, SUV Comparison, Three-Row SUVs
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