Though I'm sure there are also some other factors that we may not be aware of, one contributing factor, IMO, is that RDX models start at almost the same price (35K) as top-line AWD Honda Pilot EX models (34K), while offering Acura's better 6/70 and 4/50 warranties, as opposed to Honda's 5/60 and 3/36. The RDX probably would also be discounted a little more in the deal-making process.....making deals on Hondas can be like pulling teeth. Some people, if they are going to spend (roughly) the same amount of money, just want to get a more upmarket nameplate for it instead. The flip sides to that, of course, are that the Pilot has more space efficiency inside, and that Acura doesn't have the widespread dealer network that Honda does, making service/retail outlets more difficult to get to.