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I drove the GMC Acadia Denali and Honda Pilot for a week — here’s the 3-row SUV I'd actually buy

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I drove the GMC Acadia Denali and Honda Pilot for a week — here’s the 3-row SUV I'd actually buy

Out of every automotive segment on the market, the mid-size division is easily the most competitive. It’s where automakers pack the maximum utility buyers crave, and in some cases, pairing some models with spacious three-row seating. When I pitted the Honda Pilot against the Toyota Grand Highlander earlier this year, the Pilot earned my vote thanks to its athletic stance, engaging driving dynamics, and thoughtful tech suite.

For my next mid-size matchup, I’m putting it head-to-head with the redesigned GMC Acadia Denali. The Pilot faces a much tougher challenge here: GMC didn't just update its family cruiser — it gave it a massive footprint, an aggressive exterior presence, upscale cabin appointments, and serious tech.

Even though the 2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate AWD I tested for a week comes with a significantly steeper $67,590 as-tested sticker, you might be surprised by how well it justifies that premium over the $54,990 as-tested price of the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD.

Both automakers stick to tried-and-true styling approaches, favoring an upright silhouette that prioritizes cabin utility over the radical design cues seen in rivals like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas. But while they share a conventional profile, their personalities couldn't be more distinct.

For starters, the Acadia Denali Ultimate takes heavy inspiration from the larger Yukon Denali with its bold, big-truck presence. Between its extended length, squared-off rear, imposing Vader Chrome front grille, and massive 22-inch wheels, GMC built a family hauler that commands attention and looks genuinely intimidating on the road.


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