The All New Honda Pilot vs Honda CR-V Comparison Guide

SUVs offer a seductive combination of capability, utility, and style that’s hard to beat. In fact, when it comes to versatility, SUVs are the ultimate all-rounder. Whether you’re looking for a capable off-roader or an efficient city runabout, there’s an SUV out there for you. From small and nimble crossovers to powerful full-size SUVs, the choices are endless.

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Honda is no exception to the SUV craze, offering a wide range of SUVs for all drivers. Two of Honda’s latest offerings and top contenders in its lineup are the 2023 Honda Pilot and the 2023 Honda CR-V. While both models give you a lot of bang for your buck, they come with different features and capabilities, making it difficult to decide which is right for you.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll pit these two SUVs against each other in a head-to-head comparison to see which one comes out on top. We’ll cover their main selling points, such as engine capacity, maneuverability, safety, mpg ratings, available tech, trims, exterior/interior design, and what’s new for the model year.

Trim Levels

2023 Honda PIilot via Honda.com

The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in five trim levels: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite. Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda CR-V is available in four trim levels: EX, Sport Hybrid, EX-L, and Sport Touring Hybrid. Although the Honda Pilot has one more trim level than the CR-V, the CR-V offers a hybrid option, which is perfect if you’re looking for extra efficiency. So, depending on your needs and budget, you can pick the trim level that best matches your requirements.

Engine Capacity, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood, the Honda Pilot is powered by an updated version of the brand’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine that churns out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is five horsepower more than the outgoing model. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission in place of the nine-speed transmission from the previous model year. Front-wheel drive comes as standard, and all-wheel drive is available.

On the flip side, the Honda CR-V is powered by a carryover 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s capable of producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. However, the updated model is quieter and delivers peak torque at lower RPMs for improved performance and efficiency. It’s paired to a continuously variable transmission. The CR-V comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is also available.

Performance-wise, the Pilot is more powerful and faster than the CR-V. The Pilot can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, while the CR-V takes a leisurely 7.8 seconds to achieve the same speed. Moreover, both SUVs offer drivers a comfortable and composed ride quality for an overall pleasant experience behind the wheel.

Maneuverability and Fuel Economy

Regarding maneuverability, the CR-V has the edge over its bigger brother, the Pilot. The CR-V is 182 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 66 inches tall, making navigating tight city streets and tricky parking spaces easier. The Pilot is almost 20 inches longer, with a width of 78.5 inches and a height of 71 inches, giving it a larger frame that may be more suited for highways or off-road adventures.

In terms of fuel economy, the CR-V is the more efficient of the two SUVs, offering up to 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Pilot offers a more powerful engine, but its fuel economy suffers as a result, with up to 20 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. A hybrid version of the CR-V offers up to 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it an excellent option if you’re seeking more fuel efficiency.

Exterior and Interior Design

2023 Honda CR-V via Honda.com

Both models come with a sleek and modern exterior design, but the Pilot looks more muscular and has a slightly bigger frame, which may be more appealing if you want a larger and more substantial SUV. The interior design of both models is also top-notch, with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers in the Pilot and five passengers in the CR-V. Both offer plenty of storage space, and the cabin is made using high-quality materials.

Infotainment and Connectivity

As for infotainment and connectivity, the Honda Pilot steals the spotlight with its 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for maximum convenience. Most trims enter the 2023 model year with the 9-inch setup as standard, while the base Pilot is equipped with a downgraded 7-inch version.

The Honda CR-V follows closely behind with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the wireless connectivity option is only available in the EX-L trim. A 9-inch infotainment system is also available in the EX-L trim for a more modern experience. Both models have several available tech features to help you stay connected on the go, such as a wireless charger, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.

Safety

The Honda Pilot and CR-V both have impressive safety features. Both models come with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that helps you stay on track and avoid potential collisions. It includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking as standard on all trims. The sensors that power these systems now provide for more natural responses, and there are new assists such as Snow Mode and hill-descent control.

Should You Pick the Honda Pilot or Honda CR-V?

Whether you choose the Honda Pilot or CR-V will depend on your individual needs. If you’re looking for a vehicle with more power and space, then the Pilot is the better option. On the other hand, if you value fuel efficiency and maneuverability, then the CR-V is the better choice. The CR-V also offers more tech features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Pilot is better for off-roading and towing. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but both models offer a great driving experience with plenty of features to enjoy.

The best way to determine which SUV is right for you is to try them both out. You can test drive the Honda Pilot and Honda CR-V at Performance Honda in Fairfield, Ohio, and compare them side-by-side to find which one best fits your needs. Performance Honda has a wide selection of both models, so you’re sure to find an option that perfectly suits your lifestyle and budget. Schedule a test drive at Performance Honda today to experience the Honda Pilot and CR-V firsthand. Feel free to contact us online or call us at (513) 829-7300 with any questions. We look forward to serving you.