Drivers looking for their next SUV will have two great options with the 2018 Honda Pilot and the 2018 Honda CR-V. A mid-size SUV, the Pilot “delivers a pleasant ride, plenty of horsepower, and generous passenger and cargo space,” according to U.S. News & World Report. And the CR-V is a compact SUV ranked #1 in its class. But there are important differences between these two Honda vehicles that will appeal to different types of drivers. Which one is right for you?
- Pilot – Powerful and spacious inside with more towing capacity
- CR-V – Compact in size with better fuel economy
MSRP
The first notable difference between the Pilot and CR-V is the price. As a larger SUV, the Pilot LX 2WD 6-Speed Automatic is priced at $31,450.* On the other hand, the 2018 CR-V LX 2WD CVT is $24,250* MSRP. Drivers interested in AWD should consider the top trim levels of both vehicles’ model lineups. The 2019 Pilot Elite AWD 9-Speed Automatic is priced at $48,020* while the 2018 CR-V Touring AWD CVT is $34,150.*
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy will depend slightly on whether 2WD or AWD is right for you. Both the Pilot and CR-V achieve class-leading fuel economy, but the compact CR-V will drive more efficiently.
Pilot
- 2WD: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined mpg**
- AWD: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined mpg**
CR-V
- 2WD: 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined mpg**
- AWD: 27 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg**
Engine and Power
The Pilot is powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower across each of its trim levels. For more powertrain options, the CR-V has a standard 2.4 L engine under the hood that will produce up to 184 horsepower. There’s also an available 1.5 L turbocharged engine that will deliver 190 horsepower.
Towing Capacity
Drivers who need greater towing capacity should consider the Pilot which tows a maximum of 5,000 lbs. Attempting to tow a load that exceeds your vehicle’s limits is dangerous and harmful to the mechanics of your car, but for drivers who don’t need to tow large loads, the CR-V offers a maximum of 1500 lbs, enough for small trailers and watersports equipment such as a jet ski.
- Pilot – 5,000 lbs
- CR-V – 1,500 lbs
Dimensions
Behind the third row, the Pilot has a cargo area that measures 16 cubic feet. Behind the seats of the CR-V is a larger cargo area that measures 37.6 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down flat, the Pilot offers a maximum cargo volume of 82.1 cubic feet while the CR-V offers 75.8 cubic feet.
In the Pilot, the interior has 153.1 cubic feet of passenger space that can accommodate up to 8 passengers. And the CR-V accommodates 5 passengers with 101.6 cubic feet of passenger space.
Test Drive Today
Learn more about the 2018 Honda Pilot and CR-V by contacting us or by visiting your nearest Capital Region Honda dealer. Explore our current offers and sit behind the wheel of the model that’s right for you with a test drive today!
