Honda CR-V vs Honda Pilot

Honda CR-V

$28,410 

Pictured: 2023 Sport Touring AWD Hybrid in Canyon Blue Metallic.  Starting MSRP $39,100.

PILOT

$37,090

Pictured: TrailSport AWD. MSRP as tested $50,500.

Honda CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V underwent an impressive redesign, featuring a more rugged exterior, enhanced driving dynamics, and an upscale interior (particularly in the Sport Touring hybrid model. We loved its comfy seats!). While the standard driver's digital display is commendable, the infotainment system still lags behind its segment competitors.

Honda's focus on hybrids has left the gas-only CR-V model relatively underpowered compared to rivals. Both two-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available across all trims, providing excellent fuel economy throughout the lineup.

During our test drive with the CR-V, we were impressed by its improved driving dynamics. This compact SUV offers a comfortable interior with spacious seating and ample cargo capacity, making it a practical choice.

A new driver coaching Apple CarPlay app also makes the CR-V a great choice for teens.

Pilot

Honda did a fantastic job with the all-new 2023 Pilot. We like its new more rugged looks and more modern interior (though we'd hoped for a larger available multimedia screen). The new for 2023 off-road oriented TrailSport model we tested featured notably comfortable seats.

This three-row family hauler delivers a great ride and nice acceleration. It offers versatile, roomy seating with an available removable 2nd-row you can stow under the cargo floor and the third row fits adults.

We also like the safety updates that include expanded Honda Sensing technology and a next-gen front passenger airbag.

The new Honda Pilot is an excellent choice for families who like a more rugged look and outdoor capability.

Honda CR-V

The 6th-generation Honda CR-V comes with notable upgrades, including an advanced hybrid powertrain, enhanced capability, and increased space. Honda has made extensive improvements to the body, chassis, powertrain, safety technology, and overall driving refinement for the 2023 CR-V.

The CR-V Sport and Sport Touring trims now feature a fourth-generation hybrid system, making them the most powerful CR-Vs ever with 247 lb.-ft of torque. The available all-wheel drive system has been updated to be quieter and can distribute up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels.

Additionally, the CR-V now includes a Hill Descent Control system, improving its off-road capability. Noteworthy safety updates include the introduction of new driver and passenger airbags, which were first introduced on the new Civic.

For families with teenage drivers, the CR-V offers an excellent option. Honda has recently introduced the Honda Driver Coaching iPhone app, designed to enhance the skills of new drivers and promote safe driving practices. This app is compatible with CR-V models from the 2020 model year equipped with Apple CarPlay.

Deciding between a new or used Pilot? We've reviewed it several times since 2016. Here's a list of every CR-V we've reviewed.

Pilot

Honda's largest SUV is all-new for 2023. The fourth-generation 2023 Pilot is the largest and most powerful in the SUV's history. It's built on a new platform, features a more rugged exterior design and has an all-new engine.

The interior's been upgraded as well with a more modern, premium look and updated technology. New features include an available panoramic roof.  An available removable 2nd row seat can be stowed under the rear cargo floor.

A new TrailSport model is geared towards off-the-pavement adventures. It adds ground clearance and new features like Trail Torque Logic and a TrailWatch Camera system for AWD. 

New and improved Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive tech includes a new wide-view camera and radar.

For families with teenage drivers,  the Pilot is compatible with Honda's new Driver Coaching iPhone app, designed to promote safe driving practices. This app is compatible with 2023 model year and newer Pilots equipped with Apple CarPlay.

Deciding between a new or used Pilot? We've reviewed it several times since 2016. Here's a list of every Pilot we've reviewed.

Honda CR-V

• Smaller thus easier to maneuver
• Updated hybrid powertrain delivers great, sporty yet refined, driving dynamics 
• Better fuel economy across the board
• Two engine options include a hybrid
  
  

Pilot

• Great on-road driving dynamics
• Larger with a third row
• More powerful and faster
• New TrailSport trim is suited for off-roading
• Offer more towing capability

Honda CR-V

• Lacks a third row
• Can't tow as much
• Not suited for off-roading

Pilot

• No hybrid model 
• Not as fuel efficient
• Larger so not as easy to maneuver

22 mpg (FWD)

21 mpg (AWD)

20 mpg (TrailSport AWD)

19 mpg (FWD/AWD)

18 mpg (TrailSport AWD)

27 mpg (FWD)

23 mpg (AWD TrailSport)

25 mpg (Elite, Touring AWD)

• 9" multimedia touchscreen is standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid  with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius XM and Bluetooth.  
  
• 7-inch TFT Meter DisplayMulti-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Sport Touring Hybrid features 12-speaker Bose Sound. (Other trims are equipped with 4-, in 6-, or 8-speakers systems.)
• Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic and Honda Link Subscription Service (Only on the Sport Touring Hybrid.)

• Standard 7-inch TFT driver meter display 
• Available 10.2-inch digital driver display 
• Standard 7-inch multimedia touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  
• Available 9-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,, HD Radio, SiriusXM subscription, Cabin In-Talk PA system
• Standard Bluetooth
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and Honda RealTime Traffic
• Standard 7-speaker audio
• Available 9-speaker audio
• Available 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System
  
  
  

• Wireless charging on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid trims.
• 1 USB-A and Three USB-C charging ports on EX-L and Sport Touring.
• WiFi Hotspot capability on Sport Touring Hybrid only.
• 2 12-volt power outlets (front and cargo area)

• Available wireless charging
• 2.5-Amp USB Type-A  Front Console (1 Port)
• 3.0-Amp USB Type-C  Front Console (1 Port)
• 2.5-Amp USB Type-A - 2nd Row (2 Ports)
• Available 2.5-Amp USB Type-A Charging Port - 3rd Row (2 Ports)
• 1 12-volt (front)
  
• Available 12-volt (cargo)
• Available 110-Volt Power Outlet (2nd Row)
  
• Available WiFi Hotspot
  

• Honda Sensing Safety suite of driver assistance tech that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System* (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) 
• Available Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic (standard on Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Low-Speed Braking Control (standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Available Front and Rear Parking Sensors (on Sport Touring Hybrid only)

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Traffic Jam Assist

Available Safety Features:

• Low Speed Braking Control
• Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
• Cross Traffic Monitor
• Head-up Display
• Multi Camera View 

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front and Outboard Rear 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating PositionsLower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee and Side Airbags (SRS)
• Rear Outboard Passengers' Side AirbagsVehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover SensorAnti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
  
• Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) -(Standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front & Mid Row Outer 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Advanced Front Airbags
• SmartVent® Front Side Airbags 
• Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row Passenger-Side), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row All)
• Seat Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions
• Rear Seat Reminder
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Brake Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist

199.9" - LX, Sport, EX-L, EX-L (7P), Touring, Elite

200.2" - TrailSport

78.5"

71.0" - LX, Sport, Elite, Touring

70.9" - EX-L

72" - TrailSport

285-horsepower

262 pound-feet

18.5

FWD/AWD

• 4,030 / 4,202 - LX
• 4,313 / 4,488 - Sport
• 4,306/ 4,497 - EX-L
• 4,262/ 4,464 EX-L 7
• 4,685 - TrailSport (AWD only)
• 4,418/ 4,625  - Touring
• 4,460 - Elite (AWD) only

3,500 pounds (FWD)

5,000 pounds (AWD)