Nothing.
Previously owned an 2003 Honda Pilot. Loved that suv but the suspension was a bit mushy. Since I am a private investigator and must pursue subjects...thought a stiffer sprung and better handling unit would be preferable. So far so good...the MDX handles very well, the newly revised suspension (traction control)provides a good combination of ride and handling. The vehicle handles like a good sedan with slightly more lean.
Fit and finish are exceptional. Some reviews rate Toyota and BWM a bit higher in material quality but I don't see it. Accelertion and torque are acceptable although a 3.8 V6 with 300 horsies would be better. Perhaps in the next makeover...2005 or 2006.
Interior comfort is very good but would like a bit more leg room in front. I like the storage space (nooks and bins) in the Pilot better. MDX steals much of the console storage space by placing the shifter on the floor instead of the steering stalk. I suppose the notched floor shifter is a 'luxury thing'.
Is it worth the extra 10 grand over a fully equipped Honda Pilot? Well, only if you value (like I do) the upgraded voice navigation system, sun roof, and superior handling. However, if you are not in need of those attributes, stick with a loaded Honda Pilot. Like my dad used to say, a little bit better usually costs a whole lot more. That was his rationalization for buying a Caddy over a Buick! Of course, that was back when Caddys were $7,500 and Buicks were $6,000. Hmmmm....$10,000 more for the MDX?
The Pilot I find looked a whole lot cheaper on the inside then say the mdx... And if you want to save 10000 dollars BUY A USED ONE!!!
I was looking for a new Pilot with Leather. My budjet was around $30K. Then I started looking for a good used MDX in that price range. Guess what... I got one (2003 MDX Touring) for $31K. This was a 2 years leased vehicle so I got a good deal. Because on leased vehicle you can always negotiate. Surprisingly my MDX has more than what I wanted (Navigation with voice, DVD, Bose audio, Memory seat and the Towing package). I am very happy about my decision of bying used MDX compared to a new Pilot. So my advice is to look for a 2 years leased MDX instead of new Pilot.
I just purchased a two year lease return "base model" MDX, although it had the upgraded stereo and luggage rack added aftermarket, I too was trying to decide between a honda pilot and an mdx, the price difference between the 2003 was $2500. Honda advised me it would cost an additional $1000 to add an aftermarket sun roof to the pilot, so it ended up only costing and additional 1500 for the MDX, what a deal! It is a gorgeous car and far more prestigious than the pilot. I love it.
In SUV level comparison, I agree that having MDX is prestigious than a Pilot. Buying two years leased luxury vehicle is always a smart buy. I bought my 2003 MDX same way, as two years leased and I got it for $31,000 (Touring / Nav / Ent / Towing package). It was used by a company MD and it was hardly used fully. I still get the fresh smell inside my MDX. I love the Black Interior, Bose Audio, Wood trim center console, Wood trim shift knob (sporty) and the memory seat as my Wife and I move the seat back and forth all the time. No wonder Acura was able to stay with the same design for 6 years in a row without losing the market competition.
YES, MDX stands out prestigious compared to Pilot, no doubt about it.