OP here, thanks for all the comments. One challenge we face is that I am 6'3" tall and my DW is 5'2" so whatever we get we find it necessary to have the model with a memory drivers seat/mirrors because we switch cars throughout the week. And we find the larger cargo space more comfortable with both kids and our Labrador on road trips. We're still leaning towards the Honda Pilot, which we have tested, but haven't yet test driven the others. While we can afford the MDX or Lexus the frugal side of me doesn't really want to spend over $45K since we are also saving for a kitchen remodel. First world problems I suppose.

I tested all of these, except Lexus because I wanted a 3rd row and this was before the L came out. I DID NOT think I would like the Pilot but it ended up being my favorite. i didn't think the Acura offered much over the Pilot and even though it really wasn't too much more, there was nothing to wow me enough to spend the extra $$. The Highlander, I felt, was lacking power - it was a little too car like. I was disappointed because that's the one I wanted to love. For the price, you cannot beat the Honda. I also have small children so I plan on driving it through the car seat, cheerio gobbling years and it doesn't make me sad that it's always a mess.

You should test them and see which one you like to drive and then go with that one - but the price will be lowest on Honda for sure.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think there is much price different with the pilot/MDX. I'd go with the MDX. It's much nicer. the Pilot is very plasticy looking inside, IMO.

+1

Go test drive them. We looked at all of the same SUVs and loved the MDX.

I'm on my second Highlander and can't recommend it enough. I have the XLE and the interior is *really* nice -- easily competes with the Acura, although I didn't try the Lexus. It's nice to drive, very comfortable, and super reliable. I was also in a very serious accident and walked away without so much as a sore neck, which really impressed me.

Acura is the same company as Honda. Lexus IS the same company as Toyota. They are all “Japanese” quality. Honda is made in Alabama and Toyota in South Carolina in the U S.

FWIW I just bought a Pilot and I love it. I got the Ex awd with Honda Sensing. The pilot’s larger 3rd row in the back was what sold us over the highlander.

Highlander or RX350

I don't think there is much price different with the pilot/MDX. I'd go with the MDX. It's much nicer. the Pilot is very plasticy looking inside, IMO.

The practical side of me thinks Honda Pilot's are unbeatable if you need an SUV (see the other thread about how many miles people are getting) but the impulse side agrees that the MDX is nice too

We're looking to buy a new SUV in the Fall. Current front-runners are the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander... my wife thinks the Pilot looks boring/bland, and I tend to agree. The Highlander looks slightly better. I realize I'm talking aesthetics here, but when you're spending $40K+ on something we think its reasonable to consider this in addition to reliability/safety/comfort... We tend to drive our cars into the ground (think 12-15 years) so we want something that is known to go over 150K miles with good maintenance.

Only hiccup is we are tempted to upgrade to the MDX or Lexus 350. I realize these models are now different from their Honda/Toyota brethren, but do they still have the same Japanese reputation for reliability and affordable maintenance over the long term? Maybe if the new 2019 Pilot gets a better face-lift we'll stuck with it. Just curious if anyone else faced this same decision and what made you choose one over the other?