So, you’ve decided on the brand (Honda) but can’t exactly pinpoint which Honda SUV is right for you. They’re all heavy in tech. They’re all extraordinarily safe. They’re all affordably priced, great on gas, stylish beyond belief—hey, we never said choosing the best new Honda SUV was going to be easy!
Still, we’re up to the challenge if you are. As you go about comparing Honda crossovers and SUVs for sale near you, review the key differences between the popular HR-V, CR-V, Passport, and Pilot models below. (Or visit our Joplin Honda dealership to test drive them all.) Let’s get crackin’.
Honda HR-V vs. Honda CR-V
What’s the difference between Honda HR-V and CR-V?
One’s a compact crossover, the other’s a midsize. But other than that, what are the big differences between the new HR-V and CR-V?
Styling
CR-V: Second to none in panache, the new Honda CR-V features a sporty, refined exterior. Its front-end is menacing, in the best way possible, with its condensed LED headlights offsetting a thin grille. Rounded fog lights, chrome-accented side paneling, dual exhaust ports, and a boldly curved rear liftgate complete the package.
HR-V: The newly redesigned Honda HR-V shares much of the same DNA as the CR-V but in a smaller, sportier form. It features a taller, rounder hood, pointed taillights, and horizontal fog lights. Its signature “Honda crossover” look is quite apparent, though we’d say the HR-V has a more youthful appearance, especially when you look at the honeycomb-mesh dashboard design.
Size & Space
CR-V: If cargo volume is high on your list, the CR-V is the more spacious SUV of the two. The new CR-V offers between 39.2 and 75.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume. Five passengers have between 105.9 (LX and SE trims) and 102.9 cubic feet (EX trims and up) of space to lounge about. Overall headroom, legroom, hiproom, and shoulder room are all slightly more than the HR-V, but that’s to be expected from a larger crossover.
HR-V: The new HR-V may be smaller than the CR-V, but it’s no slouch in the spaciousness department. Cargo volume ranges from 24.4 cubic feet (seats up) to 55.1 cubes (seats folded). Most surprising is its ample amount of passenger space; the HR-V LX model offers 98.7 cubic feet of room, while the Touring trim provides 97.3 cu. ft. Few compact crossovers can match the spaciousness of the HR-V.
Engines & Fuel Economy
CR-V: Two available powertrains can be fitted in your new Honda CR-V: a base 190-hp 4-cylinder or a 190-hp 4-cylinder with a turbocharger that can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Two-wheel-drive fuel economy stands at 28 city/34 highway mpg, and that's across all trim levels. All-wheel-drive trims can achieve 27 city/32 highway mpg, while CR-V Hybrid SUVs return 40 city/35 highway miles per gallon.
HR-V: A sole 158-horsepower inline-4 engine is fitted inside all HR-V models. The powertrain crunches out 138 lb.-ft. of torque and returns an EPA-estimated 26 city/32 highway mpg (2WD).
Technology
CR-V: Both Honda crossovers come with comparable pieces of technology. The CR-V does feature a few extra niceties, such as a Touring-exclusive 330-watt, 9-speaker audio system; a capless fuel cap; a 12-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat; a power tailgate; and two USB charging ports in the back row.
HR-V: For the price—the new base HR-V is about $3,000 cheaper than the comparable CR-V—Honda’s smaller crossover is a value buy. It includes much of the same fare that makes the CR-V great, like Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation, HondaLink, automatic climate control, dimming rearview mirrors, and heated side mirrors.
The 2023 HR-V goes one step further, adding a handful of features that the CR-V doesn't include, such as Electrostatic Touch 2nd-Row Reading Lights and a 9-inch color touchscreen, fully customizable with Smart Shortcuts.
Safety
CR-V: Honda Sensing is standard across the CR-V lineup. The suite of safety tech includes everything on the menu, most notably Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. Also available starting with the EX model is Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Monitor (seemingly replacing LaneWatch). The 2022 Honda CR-V is on the IIHS Top Safety Pick list.
HR-V: The new HR-V comes standard with the full Honda Sensing suite, too. The biggest difference between the HR-V and CR-V is that the HR-V features Rear Seat Reminder, Low-Speed Braking Control, Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition -- all of which aren't on CR-V's list of features.
Price
CR-V: The 2022 Honda CR-V is available in 5 trims: LX, SE, EX, EX-L, and Touring, as well as CR-V Hybrid trims. The starting MSRP for the 2022 CR-V LX is $26,800.
HR-V: The 2023 Honda HR-V is available in 3 trims: LX, Sport, and EX-L. The starting MSRP for the 2023 HR-V LX is $23,650.
*Note: MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,245 destination charge and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $395 charge for premium colors.
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot
What's the difference between Honda Pilot and Passport?
As the market for great SUVs grows, so too do the number of great SUVs. Honda has already inserted itself in the “best SUV brand” conversation with the Pilot, but after the addition of the all-new Passport model, Honda may very well be the talk of the town. Here are some differences between the new Pilot and Passport SUVs.
Styling
Pilot: The new Pilot is Honda, through and through: handsome, elegant, and pleasing to the eyes. It gets a slight refresh this year, with a sleeker body, more muscular hood, and sexy sculpted contours running along the sideboards. Modern doesn’t come close to describing the new Honda Pilot.
Passport: Rough and rugged, the new Honda Passport is one beastly SUV. It features a fully blacked-out front grille, slick LED headlights, off-roading fenders, and all-black wheels. Frankly, the new Passport looks like it’s ready to rumble—don’t stand in its way.
Size & Space
Pilot: Space is king inside the 8-passenger Pilot. Passenger volume in the Pilot Elite trim comes in at 153.1 cubic feet, which makes it one of the most accommodating large SUVs in its class. With both rows of seats down, the new Honda Pilot offers 109.2 cubic feet of cargo space; with all the seats up, expect 18.5 cubic feet in its cargo area. Honda Pilot is clearly a people-hauler.
Passport: The new Honda Passport is meant to haul—people and "things." Offering 8.1 inches of ground clearance, a 24.3-degree departure angle, and 60-40 front-rear weight distribution, Passport takes you places.
However, it’s also a great example of having your cake and eating it, too. The 2022 Passport offers up to 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space (seats down) and nearly 115 cubic feet of passenger volume. A secret underfloor storage area makes life easier.
Engines & Fuel Economy
Pilot: Both the Pilot and Passport feature a sole V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-foot of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The 9-speed Pilot’s EPA-estimated fuel economy rating is 20 city/27 highway mpg (2WD).
Passport: Passport models are all standard with Honda’s 9-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel-drive Passport SUVs return 20 city/25 highway mpg—just a slight decrease off of Pilot’s returns.
Technology
Pilot: Cabin Talk In-Car PA System is standard on all Pilot Touring and Elite models—and it’s one piece of tech that is surely worthy of an upgrade. Additionally, the Pilot features exclusive upgrades like a 10.2-inch rear entertainment system with an HDMI Blu-ray™ player and built-in streaming, multi-zone audio, 15 cupholders, and a panoramic roof.
Passport: The Passport comes standard with Remote Engine Start, Idle-Stop, and Intelligent Traction Management.
Safety
Pilot: Virtually a lock to receive another yearly Top Safety Pick, the new Pilot comes standard with the entire Honda Sensing Suite, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor and Auto High-Beam Headlights.
Passport: The Honda Passport comes with the standard array of Honda Sensing technology and easily usable LATCH locations. Much like the Pilot, Passport’s BSI with Cross Traffic Monitor tech is standard on all trim levels; unlike the Pilot, Passport is also equipped with standard Rear Seat Reminder.
Price
Pilot: The 2022 Honda Pilot is available in 7 trims: Sport, EX-L, SE, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Pilot Sport's starting MSRP is $38,080.
Passport: The 2022 Honda Passport is available in 3 trims: EX-L, TrailSport and Elite. The Passport EX-L's starting MSRP is $38,370.
*Note: MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,295 destination charge and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $395 charge for premium colors.
Test Drive Popular New Honda SUVs in Joplin, MO
Your lifestyle should dictate which Honda model suits you best; not your budget. Visit Roper Honda in Joplin, MO, to get a great deal on any of these new Honda crossovers and SUVs. We have HR-V and CR-V specials available as we type, as well as low prices on the latest Honda Pilot and new Passport.
Swing by our Joplin SUV dealership at 902 N Rangeline Rd to get your test drive started.