Report: Honda Pilot XXL Large SUV Will Share Platform With Acura XL

Acura wants to sell considerably more vehicles than it does today. To make that happen, Honda’s premium brand is leaning into the undisputed engine of the American market: large SUVs.

According to a report from Automotive News, Acura expects a major sales boost once it expands its current lineup from four models to six. The growth plan relies heavily on two newly confirmed nameplates: a dedicated off-roader based on the Honda Passport, alongside a proper full-size three-row SUV, expected to be named the Acura XL, designed to sit above the MDX.

The outlet reports Honda will also get a version of the eight-passenger utility vehicle which will sit above the Pilot. Right now, the Honda-branded crossover is being called the "Honda Pilot XXL" but that will no doubt change by the time it debuts.

The new Acura SUV will measure roughly six inches longer than the current MDX — for what it's worth, the Pilot is nearly 2 inches longer than the comparable Acura — with production expected to begin in the third quarter of 2029. It's unclear what the exact time frame is for the Honda model, though it's not likely to lag significantly.

Both flagship crossovers are expected to be produced at Honda's upcoming $2.5 billion hybrid assembly plant in Ohio.

Dealers have already been briefed on the new flagship SUV and describe it as having an upright, boxy profile with the design cues of a Range Rover. That includes broad shoulder lines, a spacious cabin, and a horizontal light bar running across the front fascia.

Under the skin, the Acura XL will share its platform with the next-generation MDX and Pilot.

Adding a larger three-row crossover addresses a long-standing problem with Acura's lineup. While the MDX remains a strong seller, its swooping roofline and midsize footprint leave it at a size disadvantage against larger luxury and premium mainstream rivals.

Dealers think the incoming XL is a natural upgrade path for existing MDX owners needing more third-row legroom and cargo space, along with becoming a conquest vehicle aimed at buyers looking to step up from full-size mass-market SUVs like the Tahoe and Expedition. Many buyers in that particular space opt for the domestic choices because of their V8 engines and body-on-frame construction.

Expect more details on official naming, powertrain options, and pricing as the Acura XL approaches its target 2029 production window.

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